Posted by George Salter on Fri, Nov 20, 2009 @ 01:36 PM
Remodeling - What to Expect, How to Prepare
You’ve signed with a reputable contractor and the remodeling work is about to begin. What you - and your contractor - do next about your working relationship will make the difference between a pleasant experience and an unhappy one. Your responsibility is to choose the best contractor to do the work - one who is insured and bonded and has a reputation for quality workmanship, reasonable speed, fair prices, and pride in his work. How to prepare for remodeling project.
After you’ve found a professional contractor who meets these qualifications, step back and trust his or her skills - and
your own judgment.
But your job doesn’t end there. You can do other things to ensure smooth sailing:
• Make a phase list of procedures. Have the contractor explain what work will be done so you’ll know the time needed for what’s
involved.
• Plan adequate storage space. Make room for materials, tools, and equipment by clearing work area of unnecessary gear.
• Post the builder’s phone number by your telephone in case a question arises during construction. To avoid confusion, delegate
only one family spokesman.
• Consider the logistics involved in delivering, shipping, and ordering materials and making the best use of the tradesperson’s
time and skill. Your contractor is as anxious as you are to finish the job. Allow a margin for human error or for simple forgetfulness.
• Double-check materials as they arrive. Once installed, they’re all yours. You can cut down last-minute decisions and delays by
selecting the materials in advance.
• Check locks and keys. You’ll probably need to share keys with the contractor or his or her workers. Ask who will take responsibility. What to expect during remodeling.
Do you have a question about remodeling? Ask a question and get a straight answer from an expert: 
Posted by George Salter on Mon, Nov 09, 2009 @ 10:27 AM
Kitchen cabinets fall into three basic categories: stock, semi-custom and custom. Which is right for you?
- Stock cabinets, the least expensive, are factory built, standard-size units ranging in width from 9 to 48 inches, in 3-inch increments. Wall cabinets are usually 12 inches deep, and base units are 24 inches deep. Fill pieces are available to conceal gaps. The least expensive cabinets are made from vinyl-clad particle board or core-board imprinted with a wood-grain pattern. The higher-end models are fashioned from solid hardwood and high-quality veneers.
- Semi-custom cabinets fall between stock and custom in both quality and price. Built to fit your kitchen, semi-custom units are crafted in the same 3-inch increments as stock cabinets, but they offer greater flexibility when fitting into unusual spaces.
- Custom cabinets, the most expensive, are built to order by
high-end manufacturers and local craftspeople, according to your individual specifications, for an exact fit. These units can include such special features as pull-up or tilt-down drawer fronts, swing-out pantry storage, roll-out shelves and a variety of accessories.
What to Look For
Cabinets are made in one of two ways -- framed or frameless.
- Framed construction: The frame is visible around doors and drawers, and hinges are mounted to it. Often used with traditional-style cabinets, this design provides a stable storage unit.
- Frameless contruction: Because the doors and drawers completely overlay the edges of the cabinet boxes, and hinges are mounted on the insides of the cabinet, this type of construction results in a streamlined appearance.
- With the the growing popularity of the overlay door, framed cabinets sometimes appear frameless, while some of the newest frameless cabinets now feature traditional-style paneled doors.
Cabinet Materials
The majority of cabinets are made from wood, particleboard, fiberboard or plywood. A solid wood unit is usually one having doors, drawer fronts and face frames made exclusively of wood. Hardwoods predominate but other species also are used. Some cabinets have a veneer of finished wood affixed to a particleboard or plywood core. Quality particleboard is a strong, reliable material for cabinet boxes. It serves as the base for most laminate-surface applications. Medium density fiberboard is a good choice for less expensive cabinets.
Look for Quality
Look for durable features like good joinery, such as mortise-and-tenon assembly. Four-sided front frames keep sides from bowing and shelves from sagging. Check hinges, drawer rollers and guides, knobs and handles for sturdiness and ease of operation.
Durability includes finishes as well as construction. Wood has always been the most popular material and it still is, but laminates are gaining rapidly. They are both durable and easy to clean. Wood cabinet manufacturers have begun utilizing super-finishes to combine the beauty with practicality. Many are also offering stain-resistant laminate interiors so you don't have the chore of lining shelves and drawers.
For more information about kitchen cabinets...