Posts Tagged 'kitchen remodeling'

Do It Yourself vs. Hiring a Pro

Published May 1, 2013 cabinetry , cabinets , Countertops , Decorative Hardware , Kitchen Design Trends , Kitchen Remodeling Advice , kitchens , Remodeling Leave a Comment
Tags: , ,
Image of woman's thought bubbles dreaming of a new kitchen.

Want your dream kitchen without the nightmares? Hire a pro.

How many times have you ever thought about remodeling or changing something in your home, but felt a little intimidated? It seems the more you talk about your project idea to friends and family, you get a rainbow’s wide spectrum of “You can do that yourself,” to “I can help you with that,” or “Call so-and-so. They do that kind of work, on the side. You’ll save some money.”

While you may be feeling ambitious and confident with the DIY advice you’re hearing, take time to really think about the scope of the work that will need to be done to complete your project perfectly, as well as the budget you’re going to set aside for it. Everyone offering you suggestions will have the best intentions for you and share your excitement, and will undoubtedly be as anxious to see the finished project as you are to show it.

Hiring a reputable, professional contractor may offer you peace of mind while you are in the midst of your project, and save you money, in the long run. You will need to consider the ability of those you choose to help you, whether it is a professional contractor or someone else. Choosing to forgo hiring a professional contractor may end up more costly than you expected. Click here to read this article from Cultivate about how just purchasing a new stove created costly turmoil for this homeowner.

We, here at Kitchen Views and National Lumber, sell more than just building supplies. In fact, our professionals help you plan out your project and, perhaps, alert you to issues you may not anticipate. We have everything in building materials PLUS the services you deserve!

Do you want a low maintenance kitchen when you remodel?

Published January 22, 2013 cabinetry , cabinets , Household Tips , Kitchen Products , Kitchen Remodeling Advice , kitchens , Schrock Cabinets 1 Comment
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Schrock Thermafoil White Cabinetry

Schrock Thermafoil White Cabinetry

An important consideration when planning to remodel your kitchen is how much time you plan to spend cleaning and maintaining the cabinetry. It will only look beautiful for years to come if you care for it on a regular basis. With today’s hectic lifestyles, few people want to spend their precious free time cleaning. Of course, if you can afford it, you could hire someone to do this work. But for the moment, let’s say that’s not an option.

White cabinetry is very popular, and one type of white cabinetry is particularly easy to clean. Thermofoil cabinets are an easily maintained product. Sleek and smooth-surfaced, Thermofoil cabinetry from Schrock offers a sophisticated appearance along with exceptional durability and ease of maintenance for today’s hard-working kitchen. You should be aware that White and Cashmere color may change slightly over time, depending on environmental conditions.

Thermofoil is a process where heat and pressure are used to bond a thin layer of PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) film to a shaped and glued component made from MDF (medium density fiberboard). The result is a seamless surface that covers a panel’s face and edges. The component back uses a white, seamless melamine surface – excellent for easy cleaning.

Cleaning guidelines from Schrock Cabinetry:
A soft cotton cloth dampened with warm water is usually sufficient to clean your cabinets. If more thorough cleaning is required, please use a fresh solution of mild hand dishwashing liquid mixed with warm water. After cleaning, wipe all surfaces with a clean, damp cloth. Dry immediately using another soft, clean cloth. Click here to read more, such as cleaning products to avoid.

Next time, we’ll talk about easy to clean and maintain countertop material.

Kitchen Views
www.kitchenviews.com

Kitchen Remodeling: It’s A Process

Published November 9, 2010 Kitchen Remodeling Advice 1 Comment
Tags: , , ,

Click here for the Kitchen Views "Getting Started" page

If you add “renovating/remodeling the kitchen” to your to-do list on a Friday, don’t expect to cross it off by the end of the weekend.  The average kitchen from start to finish takes about 3 – 6 months, sometimes even longer.

Start with collecting ideas about what you want your kitchen to look and feel like.  When looking through magazines, tear out any picture that has something you like in it, whether it is a cabinet color, door style, backsplash or layout.  It makes it easier to explain the look you want when you sit down with a designer.

Next you want to think about how you use your kitchen.  Think about your current kitchen and what you love and hate about it.  What do want in your new kitchen?  More counter space?  More storage?  Do you entertain?  Are you a one or multi-cook family?  Do you need space to store several small appliances?  Does your kitchen need to include an eating area?  These are just some of the questions that a designer will go over you with when you sit down to discuss layout.

Appliance and cabinet selection coincide with designing the layout.  You should have a good idea of what appliances you want to use in your kitchen when you sit down with a designer.

You may go through several renditions of the design of your kitchen.  The more intricate the design, the longer the process may take.  Once you finalize your layout, your cabinets can be ordered.  Depending on the line of cabinets you are using, lead time for delivery can be anywhere from 2-14 weeks.  Stock cabinets are available much quicker.  The average lead time for semi-custom and custom cabinets is anywhere from 6-14 weeks.

Preparation!  Renovating or remodeling a kitchen involves a lot of details.  The more prepared you are, the better off you will be!

To help, we have a page called “Getting Started” on the Kitchen Views website. You’ll find a PDF there that gives ten tips for getting started and another that gives measurement guidance. Click here to check it out!

Diane Hersey: The Remodeling Process

Published July 28, 2010 kitchens Leave a Comment
Tags: , ,
Diane Hersey, Kitchen Views at National Lumber, Berlin, MA

Diane Hersey, Kitchen Views at National Lumber, Berlin, MA

The Remodeling Process

That long overdue decision has been made, and you are finally going to remodel the kitchen!

The anticipation is exciting, not to mention overwhelming, but already the anxiety begins as the questions begin to pop… Where do we begin? Where do we go for help? What does the designer do and does it cost anything? Does he or she have design expertise beyond kitchen design so that they might be able to advise me with the other design elements of the kitchen (i.e. flooring, backsplash options, wall color, etc.) What about countertops? Who does those? Can I get those through my kitchen place? Will my designer be able to help with that? What is the difference between quartz and granite? When do we start? How do we start? Will the kitchen place and my designer help me to coordinate all that needs to be done with the kitchen remodel? (Etc., etc.,  etc.)

Where to start? Start by shopping for a good, knowledgeable, talented, and patient designer! Yes, the design process can be lengthy and tedious, and the installation time will be longer than you had anticipated, and certain things will go wrong. You’ve heard some horror stories and it is scary, to be sure. Again, get connected with a good designer who can help keep the issues under control and to a minimum.

How do you find a good designer? Where do you find a good designer? Check the kitchen websites and the information networks (i.e. blogs, etc.) Go into the area kitchen showroom and speak with a designer. Remember, there are a lot of talented designers out there, but few with whom you may actually want to let into your life for awhile.

So find your designer/friend to help you through the process. Follow his or her lead and things will fall into place as they should. Then finally watch as the new kitchen evolves from a drawing on paper to the beautiful kitchen your designer promised you!

Kitchen Views designers are chosen for their expertise in project management as well as having design talent. As part of National Lumber, a family owned and operated company that has been serving builders and homeowners since 1934, Kitchen Views provides you with a dependable resource for all your remodeling or building materials and services. Please call 1-508-DESIGNS [337.4467] to find a showroom and designer in your area.

Diane Hersey
Kitchen Views at National Lumber
25 Central St, Berlin, MA 01503
T: 978-838-0810
E: dhersey@kitchenviews.com

How to Stay Sane in the Midst of A Major Kitchen Renovation Project

Published July 19, 2010 Designer Blog , kitchens Leave a Comment
Tags: , , , ,

“How to Stay Sane in the Midst of A Major Kitchen Renovation Project”
by Pam Kuliesis

Kitchen Remodeling in Progress

Let’s face it – while the rewards are great and the idea exciting, the process can be daunting.

At Kitchen Views, where the designers are pros and the “Views” are yours, you will be in great hands as you head down the path toward a brand new kitchen.

Doing a major renovation project is a journey. All great journeys require planning, preparation and a good map. Your kitchen designer will be there to help you draw you the map.

Patience is a virtue – a difficult concept to grasp in this day and age of well choreographed HGTV episodes. Rely on your designer and your installer to give you a realistic time table and know that unexpected problems and unforeseen roadblocks are going to happen. Stay flexible. There are a lot of factors that go into setting a time table. While our professionals can give you a pretty good idea – know that there are a lot of moving targets. Things can change quickly, be prepared for the time “table” to become a time “estimate”.

Along the way minor details may not workout as planned due to issues you can’t control. Don’t get hung up on the little things. Be creative. Work with your designer and your installer to find solutions to whatever pops up that will enhance your beautiful new kitchen.

My husband and I are almost finished with a major renovation that involved 3 rooms – kitchen, pantry and master bath. The excitement, the apprehension, and the fleeting moments of frustration, are still pretty fresh.

Pam's Kitchen Cabinets Being Installed

I say “almost” finished because while the major components – cabinets, counter tops, new appliances and new floors, fresh paint, are all done, there are still a lot of little things left to do – back splashes to be tiled, trim to be painted and put back in place and a bathroom tub surround I still have to decide what to do with. Three months, three rooms, a lot more storage… so much new storage that I can’t figure out what I did with my favorite coffee mug.

You will be without your sink and possibly your range and refrigerator, basically without your kitchen for awhile, possibly for weeks, during the installation. This will be inconvenient. There are ways to get through it.  Think of it as camping… but with better sleeping arrangements.

Here are some of my favorite survival tips:

  • Once your cabinets have arrived and the installation is scheduled, clean out your old cabinets a few days before the tear out.
  • Take your time. Pretend you’re moving – label the boxes meticulously.  It will make unpacking go much quicker.  Also, you may need to find that cork screw or bottle opener – you are probably going to need it.
  • Take this opportunity to clean out the dust collectors – donate the collection of small appliances your aunt has been sending you every birthday that you’ve never even opened and are just taking up space. Toss the ratty 10 year old plastic containers that you can’t find the tops for.  Throw out the accumulation of twist ties that have been working their way to the back of the drawer for years, you will never use them.
  • Find a place for the microwave to hang out and create a “temporary kitchen” around it.
  • Stock up on paper goods.   The less you have to wash dishes in the tub the better.
  • Make sure your collection of take-out menus is up to date and close at hand.
  • Stock a cooler with ice for the perishables. Or do what we did – park the fridge in the foyer.  It took me days to not head out there when I needed something after it was back in place.
  • If you plan to move the cooking outdoors to the grill – make sure you have enough propane for the duration.
  • Check your local supermarket fliers for prepared foods that you can purchase daily and help you prepare healthy meals.

During the installation, keep your designer’s phone number on speed dial and try to stay available to the installer.  There will be unforeseen issues along the way that will need to be dealt with and decisions that will need to be made.  During our granite installation one long wall was found to be bowed.  The installer needed to break through a small section of the sheet rock to get the top flush.  I don’t know what, if anything, would have been done if we hadn’t been there to give permission.  It’s much better to be a part of the decision making, understanding why something needs to be done differently than planned instead of having the decision made (or not made) for you and wondering what happened after everyone is gone.

Keep your eye on the prize – waking up and walking into your beautiful new kitchen.

For me, when all is said and (nearly) done, and I’m humming and cooking, my favorite chili recipe is simmering and the crusty rolls are baking, the journey is a warm memory. The glitches and bumps are long forgotten.

Now, where is that mug…?

Kitchen Remodeling Near Completion

Pam Kuliesis
Kitchen Views at National Lumber
71 Maple St
Mansfield, MA 02048
(508) 339-8020

Don’t Fear MDF

Published May 4, 2010 cabinetry , Designer Blog , kitchens 2 Comments
Tags: , , , , , , ,
Traditional vignette with cabinetry containing MDF

Would you have ever guessed that MDF could belong in a high-end kitchen?

“Don’t Fear MDF” by John Allen

When looking into painted cabinets, you will often find that the center panel on a painted door will be made of a material called MDF, or Medium Density Fiberboard. I have found that some customers that come through my showroom are resistant to the idea that part of the door would not be comprised of “real” wood. There are a number of benefits to such a product, and in most cases, it is a superior material to use in the panel for a cabinet door.

MDF is made from wood fiber and similar recycled products like paper and cardboard pulp. This material is mixed with resins and then pressed into sheets under very high pressure. The finished product is cut and milled into door panels the same way as a hardwood panel.

MDF is a strong and stable product. It does not swell and shrink with seasonal changes in humidity. As a result, door panels will not end up with unpainted areas showing during the dry winter months. MDF is much denser than particle board. Painted wood panels will show splits from time to time while the surface of an MDF panel will stay smooth and flat.

The only time where MDF is not used for a cabinet door’s center panel is when the door features an “antiqued” look where some of the painted finish has holes or areas that have been sanded through. When the material under the painted finish is visible, the panel must be the same wood as the frame of the door.

The rest of the time, there is no need to be worried about MDF. A customer who wants a painted finish for their cabinet door will have a better looking and more stable product with MDF panels. Also, since the manufacture of MDF uses wood that would otherwise be wasted, as well as some recycled content, it is a more eco-friendly material.

John Allen, Showroom Manager
Kitchen Views at National Lumber
15 Needham St. Newton, MA 02461
617-244-8020
Email: jallen@kitchenviews.com
Web: www.kitchenviews.com

Why Remodel Now?

Published March 22, 2010 kitchens 2 Comments
Tags: , , ,

Spring is here and the remodeling season begins. If you’re thinking about remodeling, this indeed may be the best time, to both beautify your home and live healthier. Here are some reasons why.

From the Kitchen Views Fall 2009 Magazine:

“Deciding to remodel a kitchen is rarely a snap decision. In a tough economy the questions only multiply, whether the price tag is $2000 for a quick face-lift or $500,000 for a state-of-the-art makeover. But for many households, there’s no better time to embark on a process that will leave you with a home that’s more beautiful, easier to sell and most important of all, healthier for your entire family.


A functional, beautiful kitchen quickly becomes the focal point of home social life — and its benefits extend far beyond just aesthetics or making it easier for one person to chop onions while another is putting the finishing touches on a crème brulée.

The health benefits of upgrading your kitchen range from letting the cook offer more choices to inspiring the cook to forgo a trip to a restaurant in the first place…

And just cooking at home is a big improvement, public health researchers have found.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, in a study on dining habits, listed several advantages to eating in: restaurant food has more calories overall; restaurant food has more of the kinds of nutrients Americans should cut back on; and restaurant food has less of the nutrients Americans need more of.

The bottom line: Researchers determined eating out was one factor in the nationwide surge in obesity.

In contrast, a first-rate kitchen invites people to cook in and dine in…

In the final analysis, one thing to remember is that your kitchen is an investment that is used day in and day out, year after year…”

Designer Spotlight – Diane Hersey

Published March 9, 2010 Designer Spotlight , kitchens 1 Comment
Tags: , , ,

Diane Hersey, Kitchen Designer, Kitchen Views, Berlin, MA

Diane’s clients can’t say enough about how much they enjoy working with her, and how she gave them everything they wanted in their new kitchens and more. You can view her designer portfolio here.

Here are a couple of pictures from a kitchen that Diane Hersey worked on in Southboro, MA. This is a great example of how subtle color can bring warmth to a space.

Some words from Diane about the design experience:

“The couple didn’t do a lot of cooking and there were no real big storage issues. We had to keep the basic footprint of the old kitchen as it is a rather tight space (for a large colonial). The couple liked color. The adjoining family room had traditional floral draperies with some yellow and reds. Other fabrics were of the same color palette so the soft yellow in the kitchen transitioned nicely. A rich, warm rusty red stain on the hardwood floor continues from the large family room into the kitchen.

They went from the original white Thermofoil door styled cabinets with the baskets and a collection of old tin boxes and wood figurines perched atop the 30” high cabinets to this soft, yellowy, painted door style with the molding to the ceiling. The new being much more in keeping with their impeccably neat habits and their attention to details in all aspects of their lives. Both their personalities blend much better with the new kitchen.“

Diane Hersey
Kitchen Views at National Lumber
25 Central St, Berlin, MA 01503
978-838-0810
dhersey@kitchenviews.com

Green Options: Clear As Crystal Cabinets

Published March 1, 2010 cabinets , Crystal Cabinets , Green Products , kitchens Leave a Comment
Tags: , , , , ,

Kitchen with Crystal Cabinets

Kitchen Views understands that the trend towards using green products is one that is for the better of both the environment and our lifestyles. Therefore, we are proud to carry a semi-custom line of green cabinetry at each one of our showrooms.

GreenQuest by Crystal is manufactured by Crystal Cabinetry, a company with a legacy of strong environmental ethics. In addition to selling these fine environmentally-friendly cabinets, Kitchen Views has an exclusive arrangement with Crystal to design with and sell their more affordable semi-custom line using their green construction and finishes at each of our  kitchen showroom locations.

We recognize that there are a multitude of reasons a client may choose green products. Some are interested in healthier indoor air, while others are concerned with reducing environmental impact. Green building also can save money due to the efficient use of energy, water and materials. Crystal’s GreenQuest cabinet line offers multitude of options allowing customers to create their cabinetry by choosing green materials and features that are especially important to them and their projects. GreenQuest cabinets earn all of the available points for most green building ratings systems, including LEED.

You can learn more about Crystal Cabinets on the Kitchen Views website. Also, visit Crystal Cabinetry’s website for more information on their green product line. Kitchen Views showrooms also carry a wide variety of green, environmental options for countertops, including Silestone ECO. You can also find a summary of Kitchen Views’ green offerings on the Green page on our website.

What on Earth Does “Door Overlay” Mean?

Published February 23, 2010 cabinets , Designer Blog , kitchens 1 Comment
Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Brandy Souza, Kitchen Views at National Lumber

This week’s featured designer is Brandy Souza, Assistant General Manager of Kitchen Views. You can check out her profile here.

In the language of cabinet design, what on earth does “door overlay” mean?

When speaking with a designer about renovating your kitchen, have you been asked about your preference for “door overlay”? While you are quite familiar with the current cabinets you use daily, most homeowners would just shrug their shoulders at this question. Yet it’s an important consideration when planning your new kitchen. We’re here to educate you on the available products and their construction so that you can make informed decisions.

 

Here are four common door overlays, with basic descriptions:

Framed – Full,  Framed – Partial, Inset,  Frameless

 

Framed = Full or Partial, the cabinet box face is seen around the cabinet door and drawer. This is a traditional cabinet style.

Inset = the cabinet door and drawer face are set into the cabinet box. This is a traditional furniture style.

Frameless = the cabinet box is not “framed” on the front, and only the cabinet door and drawer face are seen. This is a modern, European style.

 

Now, going beyond surface appearances, here is what the term “door overlay” indicates in the basic construction of the cabinet:

Framed cabinets have a ¾ inch hardwood frame that is attached to the sides, top and bottom and overhangs each side ¼ inch. The door sets on top of the frame. A full overlay is a larger door that leaves a small amount of face frame to be viewed. A partial overlay means that the door is smaller, revealing more of the frame. If you can stick two or more of your fingers between the doors, you have a partial overlay cabinet.

Inset cabinets are a framed cabinet that has the door inset into the frame. This provides a look more like furniture. However, changes in humidity will have an effect on the functioning of doors and drawers. In New England, humidity levels change with the seasons. Because the door is set into the frame, it can stick during summer when the wood swells in high humidity. When humidity decreases in winter, you can see spaces around the doors as the wood contracts. You will not see these problems if you control the humidity at around 50 percent year-round with the use of air-conditioning in summer and humidifiers in winter.

Frameless cabinets are essentially a box with finished front edges but no face frame. The door and drawer front completely cover the box front. This allows wider drawers and gives you full access to your cabinets with no “lip” in the way as you move items in and out.

For answers to any more of your cabinet or design questions, please call us at Kitchen Views 508.DESIGNS [337.4467].

 

 

Brandy L. Souza
Assistant General Manager
Kitchen Views at National Lumber
120 Welby Rd
New Bedford, MA 02745
Office: 508-990-8020 x 361
Fax: 508-742-1498
bsouza@kitchenviews.com

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Twitter Updates

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 2,375 other followers

%d bloggers like this: