Ask yourself questions like “What do I like about my kitchen? What don't I like? Why?” By answering these few simple questions, you can determine all of your wants and needs before you begin your project. This will ease the process in building your dream kitchen or bath. You can then communicate them to your Tru-Wood Cabinets dealer.

• How do I put a budget together to make sure I get the kitchen I really want?
• Where can I find Tru-Wood Cabinets?
• What tip can I use to control cost?
• We're planning on remodeling our kitchen in what order are instillations, materials put and torn out?

How do I put a budget together to make sure I get the kitchen I really want?

Your kitchen and bath professional designer or CKD/CBD can help you with this process. Be honest with them about your budget expectations. Cabinets, appliances and floor coverings come in a variety of price ranges. A kitchen or bath design can be done in all price ranges. Some changes may be required, but the basic design can usually be achieved.

You should also do your own research. Price appliances and flooring, ask friends who have remodeled about the costs and read shelter magazines to help you mentally prepare a budget that is realistic.

 Some things to think about:

• A budget for your total kitchen project is determined by the value of your home. Your budget should not exceed 15-20% of your home's total value.
• It is estimated that 85% of any money spent on kitchen remodeling is regained.
• An average kitchen costs somewhere between $15,000 to $26,000, including design, products and installation, dependent on product choices.
• An average bathroom costs somewhere between $7,000 to $12,000, including design, products and installation, dependent on product choices.
• ALWAYS, when considering ways to save money, do not sacrifice quality.

My Budget

The National Kitchen and Bath Association* estimates a typical kitchen budget breakdown like this:

Cabinets	36%
Countertops	14%
Appliances	12%
Installation	11%
Interior Design	6%
Hardware/Fixtures	6%
Flooring	6%
Lighting	5%
Other	4%

* 2002 Design Trends Survey Update for NKBA by Sovereign Marketing Research, Fifth Avenue, New York

Home Value
x 15%
= My Budget

 

Factors that will affect your cabinetry budget:

Cabinetry will account for about one third of the total cost of your project. This cost will vary due to the cabinet construction as well as the features and style you select.

1. Number of cabinets: One 48" wide cabinet costs less than two 24" cabinets, but sometimes the extra cost is worth the extra storage convenience.
2. Door style: Traditionally, solid wood, raised panel doors cost more than those with veneered, flat center panels.
3. Finish: Generally, glazes and paints come with a premium charge and therefore, cost more than stains.
4. Storage features: Obviously, added features will increase the price, but they also increase the efficiency of your kitchen. Decide what features are most important to you and be sure your designer weaves them into your kitchen layout.
5. Decorative accessories: Similar to storage, more decorative accessories mean more money; however, sometimes a few finishing touches will complete the perfect look for your kitchen.

 

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Where can I find Tru-Wood Cabinets?

There are many dealers located throughout the United States as well as the Caribbean. You may contact customer service for a location near you. We also have a full line of stock cabinets in our Longwood warehouse ready for immediate delivery to your dealer. We stock both Oakwood Harvest And Woodbridge Spice.

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What tips can I use to control costs?

Tips on Controlling Your Remodeling Budget

The most important part of any remodeling project is making sure you don't go over your budget. Doing so can lead to settling for unexpected options, disagreements with contractors and worst case, an unfinished room!

• Differentiate between 'need' and 'want'. Research the costs of many different kinds of products and materials starting with the most expensive necessities down to the items you can do without. Major appliances should be at the top of your list since they will cost the most. Know the difference between needing something and just wanting it. Start your budget with things you need.
• Make a top 10 list. Look around your kitchen and/or bathroom and decide what needs to be replaced the most and what can be worked on down the road. Remember the needs of your family. If you have small children, safety should be taken into consideration when prioritizing or if a family member is handicapped or elderly, this should be budgeted into your costs and design as well.
• Resist temptation. Know exactly what you want before you search for it so you're not tempted to buy out of your range. Uncertainty may leave you vulnerable to purchasing unnecessary products and to choosing materials that go beyond your means. Know what features are most important to you and your family so it's easier to choose when the time comes. There's an abundance of different appliances that offer different features but most will get the job done, so if you're budget doesn't allow it, don't pick anything too fancy or high-tech.
• Get a quote. A designer and/or contractor should always visit your home before providing you with a quote for the design and installation. Don't accept a quote for your project until a full survey has been completed. Make sure the quote is thorough to avoid overspending down the road and any misunderstandings.
• Double-check. Make sure to visit a showroom to see the products and materials in person in order to determine the quality of what you're buying before you buy it. Magazine and Internet photos are not as reliable as they may seem and may be overpriced for what you're getting. Try to get referrals from people you trust. Don't be afraid to ask friends, neighbors and family members to see their kitchens and ask who they hired. This is a great way to envision the quality of the result of your kitchen if you decide to use the same designer and contractors.
• Keep track of your payments. Arrange a clearly defined payment schedule. Ask for several installments throughout the project. Never pay in full until you have received delivery of all your goods. Companies that ask for full payment ahead of delivery have your money - but you don't have your appliances or completed kitchen or bath

 

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We're planning on remodeling our kitchen and would like to know in what order are installations, materials, etc. put in and torn out.

After you've made all of your choices and have the installation specifications for the products and materials you will use, you will need to discuss the schedule with your designer and/or contractor. They will change the installation order based on the lead times and specifications on various materials.

A typical schedule would start with a complete tear-out, any structural modifications, installation of windows and doors, plumbing modifications, electrical modifications, drywall, tape and texture, painting, floor and underlayment (particle board), cabinet installation, countertops, plumbing and electrical top-out, floor covering installation and appliance installation, followed by a grand dinner party.

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