Remodel your kitchen cabinets and bathroom cabinets – steps to follow

A kitchen remodel is one of the biggest investments you can make in your home with the highest return, both in terms of the daily enjoyment and increased value. But the process of hiring a remodeler or doing the job yourself can be daunting to say the least. Here are some tips to help you through the process.

1. Have a budget in mind. If you don’t know what you plan to spend, you won’t know where to start. Some remodelers specialize in high-end custom kitchens with a price tag to match. But be wary of unrealistic low prices. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. You may have someone who underbids the job to get the work, only to come back and ask for more money. You can design your own kitchen online with the help of US Home Products’ online kitchen planner at US Home Products. You must register first to use the free planner.

1. Be clear on how long the job will take and get it in writing. The best way to ensure a timely remodel is to have the remodeler tear out the kitchen after the new cabinets are received. If the old kitchen is torn out before the cabinets arrive, you may find yourself in an empty kitchen with no work being performed for weeks on end. This is also true if you are doing the work yourself. You want to be without your kitchen for as little time as possible. Most of the big box stores require at least 6 weeks to deliver semi-custom, assembled cabinets. At US Home Products,  Marsh/High Point cabinets are shipped within 3 weeks and Mid Continent Cabinets are shipped within 4 weeks. The Norbridge ready-to-assemble cabinets can be shipped within a couple of days.

1. Be sure that the contract includes ALL details and all work to be performed. Will you have undercabinet lighting? Is there tile work to be done? Are there additional outlets to be installed? Most contractors require a 50% deposit, with 40% due after the counters are installed and the remaining 10% to be paid when the job is completed. If you are doing the work yourself, be sure to buy your materials before you install the cabinets. That way you will have everything you need when you start the job.

1. Get references! You want to hear exactly how the job went and what, if any, complications were involved. Find out if the job was completed on time and how any problems were handled. When it comes to online cabinet sales, US Home Products relies on customer testimonials.

1. Know what kind of  kitchen cabinets you want. Cabinets are available in framed and full access. Framed cabinets have a frame around the cabinet and stiles (wood pieces in the middle) when you open the cabinet. Some people prefer full access cabinets because they don’t have the wood dividers in the middle. But they cost about 20% more, so figure the cost into your budget. Or to save money, you can go with ready-to-assemble cabinets. US Home Products offers all of these cabinets online, shipped anywhere in the continental US with no tax except in Georgia and $29 shipping with minimum order. Whatever type of cabinets you go with, ordering from US Home Products will save you money from the big box stores.
2. There are a number of upgrades available when it comes to choosing your cabinets, including all-plywood construction and wood drawers. For more information on upgrades, go to US Home Products blogs. One really nice feature to spend your money on is a soft close option if it is available. You’ll never hear another drawer slam again!
3. Know what kind of countertops you want and how long it will take to have them produced. Depending on what you choose, this could hold up progress on the remodel.

If you are on the fence about remodeling, you should know that there are a number of reasons to remodel your kitchen. First of all, it will increase the value of your home. Obviously, if you are selling your home, it could help you sell faster. Nothing screams outdated louder than old kitchen cabinets. People want to move into a house that they don’t have to worry about updating. Since the kitchen is the most important room in the house, it makes sense to remodel it.