WISDOM FOR REMODEL AND RENOVATION

As my career over 27 years has shown me a lot of Do it yourselfers jump into a
project backwards: They choose one aspect of the overall job(ie flooring) then
find the next step does not coordinate w the first and then it just spirals down
from there: Many times the end product looks more like a patchwork quilt instead
of a cohesive integrated space: Sadly then more money is thrown in to the
project to redo and this is what I call throwing good money after bad:

WISDOM FOR REMODEL AND RENOVATION

Step 1:Develop a logistical sequence (ie. Cab style and stain color,granite or
other material for surfaces,flooring,paint color(or special finish )
Have actual sample of the species of wood and stain color on the style of cab
door you choose: Raised panel,recessed panel etc: Put all samples beside each
other before you ever purchase or start project:
A. Flooring: If using wood make sure it is not exact match to cab stain:usually
the cabs look rich with the darker color) The flooring should have multiple
plank size
As it is more forgiving as is a prefinished scraped wood to hide the
imperfections
:

If using stone remember size matters: The larger stone size will have
fewer grout lines and make the room appear larger: The same holds true for tile :
Remember to take large samples home and keep adding to your step by step
Decisions: Have your tile or stone shown in both straight or diagonal pattern to
see which works best for your room:

B
Paint: Always get several small samples of paint to try in your home: Try
the color in several locations: Ie where there is a lot of light and in the darker
corners: Paint will appear to be different dye lots within the same room: Never
just give a paper sample to your painter and let him go buy all the product and
paint a whole room before trying samples: I have seen this process time and
time again where it had to be redone: Remember the flat paint is harder to
clean,however the high gloss shows more imperfections and look cheap: Go for
eggshell finish:

C
Plumbing: Remember to think about how you use your kitchen: Maybe
one large sink and smaller prep sink or bar sink: Not much of a cook? Option is
choose one divided sink and save the dollars for nicer hardware on cabs: The
faucet is a big deal: think finish and whether you want a one handled pullout
spray or two handles and separate spray: You will need to specify the holes in

the sink or to be drilled into surface:

D. Lighting: Remember task lighting (under counter) and cans troughout the
ceiling give the most effective amount of light: Use dimmer switches for softer
lighting: If you have an island you can use fun pendants just over the island for
extra design quality: Think art

E. Appliances: Again if you a not a regular chef in your kitchen you do not
need to spend big dollars on 6 burner cooktops: Really analize how you
and your family use this space: Refers have many more options now
and make organizing food easier: Think in terms of side by side vs top/
with bottom freezer drawer: Most folks have a preference : Visit your
local stores and look at options in person: One style will speak to you:
Don’t just look at $ look at function: try to stay w/ one brand as many
manufacturerers will offer pkg deals> Fun new options include push
button micro drawers(instead of the overhead) and dishwasher drawers
as well as refer drawers: Fun for smaller spaces:

F
Overall style: Do your homework to see what furnishings you are
drawn to: ie white painted raised panel look good with traditional or French
style furnishings: Dark distressed (old world) looks best with large scale beefy
furniture:

Lastly when proceeding w/ your plan use as few companies as possible: think in
terms of one designer or contractor team doing the whole job vs 9 or 10 separate
companies fighting for profit: