Courtyard Kitchen Frequently Asked Questions

Steps of the process

The first step in any kitchen remodeling project is to meet with the client to evaluate exactly what they would ultimately like to do.  This can be as simple as “I’d like new countertops” to “I’d like to knock this wall out and double the size of my kitchen”.  Regardless of how big or small, I would come to the job site and meet with the customer to determine the scope of work.  At this point, our consultation would cover many bases.  I would measure the area so we could accurately start the design process.  We would discuss your ideas and trade suggestions; notes would be taken and given to your design specialist.  Overall, this init! ial visit provides me with enough information to begin to work up many estimates relating to the project.  Usually, material costs and installation can be roughly figured.  This step helps save our client hours of sitting with a designer.  With this preliminary work done, when you finally do sit down with a designer, you already have an initial layout and pricing to start to work from.  You would be surprised how much time this can save you.  Minimizing the tedious part of the process helps keep the customer excited about the big picture.  Actual costs would ultimately be determined once final decisions are made regarding material choices, and a scope of work for installation.

Step two, a contract is signed and an order is placed.  At this point, based on what cabinet manufacturer has been selected, we can get a pretty good idea as to when the cabinets will arrive.  All aspects of installation will be coordinated around this date.  The complexity of the installation schedule would depend on the extent of the remodel.

Step three, work begins.  Let’s use an average “swap” for an example.  This is where the customer wants new cabinets, countertops, appliances, fixtures, etc. but isn’t changing locations or anything structural in the kitchen.  If your delivery date for the cabinets was the 15^th, we would plan to begin your project around the 18^th.  (we should always allow a few days for logistics)  Typically, our team would come demo your existing kitchen and remove and dispose of everything.  Then any necessary adjustments would be made to the installation area to prepare for the new installation.!   All the new cabinetry is installed.  We will install all the appliances, and even a temporary sink so the kitchen is functioning until the countertop can be delivered.  (this process depends on type of top selected; i.e. granite, laminate, etc.)  This entire process thus far is usually completed within two days.  Our goal is to minimize the “down” time a customer experiences.  I know that with two small children, my wife couldn’t be without her kitchen for long.  Your convenience is our priority.  Once the countertops are scheduled, we remove the temporary items, install the new, and make all final connections.  Basically! , you’re done.  If we were installing tile backsplashes, this would be done after the countertops.  I realize this sounds too good to be true.  I’ve heard so many nightmares of people being without their kitchens for weeks, even months.  The only way that will happen with us is if a customer chooses that sort of time table; we certainly won’t.  We can offer many references that will attest to our timeliness on our projects.  Please keep in mind that all projects can vary in format, depending on the extent of the remodel; this is an example of a common scenario.

Step four, you’re happy!!  Once all punchlist items have been adjusted or corrected, you will be happy with the job or we aren’t finished.  After final approval of the work performed and material installed, our final payment is collected and you’re back to normalcy; except with a beautiful new kitchen.

Preparing for remodeling your kitchen:

After you have carefully gone through the design and selection process and place the order, it’s time to prepare for project. Most of the preparation regarding the kitchen installation will be handled by us.  However, there are things that you may want to do in your home to prepare yourself and your family for being without a kitchen.  Again, the extent of this depends largely on how large your project is.  With a basic remodel, your downtime can be as little as one or two days.  In this case, there wouldn’t be much for you to worry about.  If  the project is extensive and many different trades need to be involved for major changes, y! our “downtime” could be significant.  It is for these types of projects that this section is written.

Being without the use of your kitchen for three to four weeks can be quite stressful on any family.  There are steps that you can take as the homeowner to minimize this inconvenience.  We can help with giving you some direction prior to your project.  Dust is inevitable.  We always attempt to seal off openings to other areas of the house, but the reality is that dust will find it’s way.  We recommend covering furniture and any valuables before demolition begins.  Also, when you pack you cabinet contents away, try to do this in a somewhat organized manner.  This will make the re-entry of these contents or organizing them much easier when the time comes.

It is important to have an area that temporarily replaces your kitchen.  Even if you do no more than set up a card table with a few chairs and a microwave, atleast you have a place.  Use paper plates as much as possible, and have easy to fix meals and snacks.  If you have a small dorm frig, that will work great in the interim.  Have bottled water on hand at all times.   Eating out is always a nice option of course, but can get a bit costly.  Ultimately, if you had relatives or friends you could stay with during any heavy construction, that would be ideal for your family.  Length of time! is important; you want your friends to remain your friends once your kitchen is done, if you know what I mean.

The time of year that you decide to have your kitchen remodeled can be important to minimize the inconvenience.  For example, if you have children, maybe you wait until school begins because their already out of the house for a large part of the day.  Maybe you schedule the work to be done while you’re on your family vacation.  Wouldn’t it be nice to just come home to a beautiful kitchen and you didn’t “feel” it.  If your house happens to be the gathering place at holidays, you probably don’t want your kitchen torn apart then.  Most of these examples are common sense, but many other timing issues could and should be considered.  Obvio! usly, everyone’s lifestyles and routines are vastly different.  Look at the timing of a project like this in relation to the way you live and pick a time of year that works best for you.

Some of the anxiety that people feel prior to a project like this often prevents them from going forward.  The kitchen is the most used and lived in room in the house; it should be awesome.  Not to mention what it does to your home’s value.  We really do try to remove this fear from the equation, and have you excited; not nervous.  We truly feel that no one in the kitchen business can offer a more complete and thorough kitchen remodel than Courtyard Kitchens.  We’d love to prove it to you.