Get Started > The Process
For most of our clients, this is a new experience and we provide you with the insights, information and resources to get your kitchen remodeling & bathroom remodeling project completed. We have fantastic kitchen design concepts and spectacular bathroom designs. We educate you so we can assist in the creation of your dream kitchen, bathroom and home. You will be proud of your home when we work together!
Maybe you have some kitchen design ideas or bathroom design ideas already. We know the basic common elements of all remodeling projects and can guide you.
PHASE 1
Step 1 - Information Gathering
This is the exciting phase of the project – the possibilities! Remember though, that the time to get it right! These initial choices will effect the entire project. You have time, take it to make careful decisions.
At your initial face-to-face meeting, a designer will meet you in our showroom, answer all of your questions and provide a professional assessment with insights based on expertise that will help you make the right decisions along the way.
This is the big question. Budgets are set based on a variety of inputs: the home value, your plans for the house (keep for years or sell in a few? – this makes a big difference in the budget and guidance). Our experts can work in any budget range and will provide help for you to determine the right amount to spend on your project. We have a variety of tools to give you a range of price options: from Good, to Better to Best.
So, once we know the budget, we recommend analyzing the different cabinet options so we know how to leave room for other items in the kitchen remodel project or bath remodel project. This is a deliberative process. Don’t rush and you will avoid mistakes, make the right choices and reduce or avoid the risk of unexpected costs and delays.
Step 2 - the Design Process
Once you know the budget, have made some decisions about cabinets, and we have visited your home for measurements, the design process begins. From our measurements, we create your new kitchen or bathroom in a virtual design from the cabinets selected. We suggest additional elements to highlight details as the design unfolds, like rails, moldings, extra cabinet storage systems, pull-out drawer systems, and other new options that maximize your space and add beauty.
The design process must be collaborative. This is your kitchen or bathroom. You will use it every day. It is critical that you ask questions, provide your input and are confident in every decision. The more you lead the process with your ideas, the closer we get to your dream kitchen or dream bathroom.
Kitchen Cabinets come in a variety of styles and materials. Gone are the days of simple oak cabinets… take it or leave it…
Older oak kitchen cabinets have been replaced by kitchen cabinets made from traditional woods (like maple or cherry kitchen cabinets) and exotic woods like alder and bamboo. Technology has changed kitchen cabinets, here is how:
Color Matters
Wood
All Wood Is Different, Even Within the Same Species – Expect Unique Characteristics and Variations in Appearance, From Door to Door. If That Is Not to Your Liking, Consider Painted or Laminate Kitchen Cabinets.
Find Your Style
Do You Like the Idea of a Traditional Kitchen Cabinet? Or Perhaps a Contemporary or Modern Kitchen Design Is More Your Style. Let’s Determine Your Style and Make the Choices Clear.
See Our Gallery of Photos of the Best Kitchen Cabinet Wood Species: Cherry Wood, Maple, Oak, Birch, Hickory and Even Laminated Wood Styles. This Will Get You Started and We Can Always Find Additional Wood Species and Special Finishes (Including Painted Finishes) That Suit Your Style!
Step 3 - Determining the Price
When presenting the initial design, we will also provide a quote for your new kitchen or new bathroom. We review pricing to make sure all elements of the design are included. Similar to the design process, it is important to make sure the specifics are clear and that all elements of your design are included in the quote.
What is the single largest cost driver in any kitchen remodeling or bathroom remodeling project? The size of the space and the scope of the work. A simple “rip and replace” of old cabinets for new cabinets and countertops is much less than kitchen remodel or bathroom remodel which requires plumbing changes, electrical re-wiring or moving walls.
The NKBA estimates that the largest costs for an average kitchen remodel breaks down like this:
- Cabinets and hardware (29% of project cost)
- Installation (17% of project cost)
- Appliances (15% of project cost)
- Countertops (10%of project cost)
Additional costs include, faucets, backsplashes, plumbing, lighting, flooring among other items. We have found these averages to be correct in our work. You can learn more about the cost break down here :
PHASE 2
Step 1 - Ordering
So, now you are finished with the design, have made necessary decisions and your project is to begin. Now it takes some patience for the cabinets to arrive. For in-stock cabinets the lead time is short as a few days to get the cabinets ready. For custom cabinets the wait can be as long as 12 weeks.
With our logistics system can closely plan and track the delivery dates and keep in contact with you while they are on order. There are additional steps you can take to prepare for your kitchen remodel or bathroom remodel project to begin.
Step 2 - Permits
To get construction permits from the municipal government for your kitchen remodeling or bathroom remodeling project takes some time, on average its 6-8 weeks. For historical residence or homes built prior to 1978 there may be lead paint and this require specific tests to determine and steps to mitigate, which can add time.
Cabinet lead times and permit requirements take up most of the time between ordering and receiving kitchen cabinets and bathroom cabinets and products. We update you regularly during this process and you can always contact your kitchen or bathroom designer for an update.
Step 3 - Scheduling
Only after delivery of all materials, we will set the schedule for your project (or your contractor will). These materials do not include the countertop, which is measured and fabricated only after cabinets are installed. The schedule for your kitchen remodeling or bathroom remodeling project can get complex and includes the delivery, installation, finishing work and countertop measure and installation.
Deliveries are made directly to your home and we will provide delivery notifications as we are updated by the cabinet manufacturer. We provide convenient time window of the delivery for you with plenty of notice for you to maximize your day.
Sometimes, smaller packages start arriving ahead of the cabinets – that means we are almost there and it’s time to get ready for the installation.
PHASE 3
Step 1 - Construction and Installation
So, everything has arrive, you have prepared your house, the schedule is set and the kick-off day. Kitchen remodeling and bathroom remodeling projects are very complex home construction projects and involve every trade in the construction business: carpentry, plumbing, electrical, stone countertop fabrication, HVAC, tile masons, flooring and others. (See our article: “It Begins – your Kitchen or Bathroom Remodeling project”)
Your Installation can take a couple or up to five weeks (longer for more complex kitchen or bathroom designs). Countertop measurements and installation cannot take place until the cabinets are installed and level – this will typically be an additional week once the major work is done. Good news! USA Cabinet Store has a sister company: USA Marble and Granite that can get your job done fast!
Step 2 - The Unexpected
Once demolition of your kitchen or bathroom begins, we sometimes find the unexpected, mold in the walls, bad pipes, poor electrical wiring, a damaged cabinet or the wrong cabinet was shipped. Sometimes, clients make a late change to the kitchen or bathroom remodeling project.
This is where our experience and professionalism makes the difference. The USA Cabinet store assesses the issue and crafts a resolution that will keep the kitchen remodeling or bathroom remodeling project on track! Our contracting system has a detailed change order process that ensures you will be delighted and proud of your home!
Step 3 - Project Completion
As detailed in your contract, nearing the end of the installation, we begin to review the complete kitchen remodeling or bathroom remodeling project with you to ensure that we address all items in detail and that you are delighted with our work and proud of your home.
Often, we ask to take photographs of our work with professional photographers so we can write about your project and experience with USA Cabinet Store’s design staff.
Step 4 - Enjoy
On the final day, you get your home back with a new kitchen or new bathroom – to enjoy and brag! We check in to make sure you are still delighted. We may inquire about those other projects too!
Home remodeling projects are like a ride at an amusement park – emotional ups and downs. We like to set the expectations by telling what we are going to do, do it and then confirm it is done to your expectations! This understanding is the heart of the collaboration and partnership between USA Cabinet Store, your designer and you that will help us create your dream kitchen or dream bathroom and make you proud of your home.
