Choosing a Designer Remodeling Team
Choosing the right cabinets for your kitchen is one of the most important decisions you will make during a renovation. Almost everything else can be changed later, but “cabinet regret” will cost you big bucks—and probably a major headache or two.
A Budget & A Blueprint
Even if you “can” afford to change your mind about the cabinets later, why would you want to? Your choice of cabinetry is integral to so many other design choices—from the countertops to the appliances to the overall layout of the kitchen itself—that a “renovation of the renovation” will cost more than just money, but also time and a lot of inconveniences.
Prioritize Projects
If renovating your kitchen in one fell swoop isn’t in the budget, prioritize projects starting with the cabinets. What is the point of installing beautiful, one-of-a-kind granite countertops on top of old, damaged, or low-grade cabinets? Lay the foundation for all of your future updates; start by investing in new kitchen cabinets and renovate from there.
A kitchen renovation requires making a dizzying array of decisions and keeping track of a seemingly endless to-do list. If you do a little homework at the beginning, it will go a long way, helping you make decisions with confidence.
Base Knowledge: Standard Sizes
Did you know cabinets and drawers (as well as appliances) come in standard sizes? Base cabinetry comes standard at 24” deep, and 34” tall, but not all cabinetry is standard size. It’s important to ask about dimensions when shopping and comparing cabinetry. It’s not a bad idea to take a tape measure with you when you’re shopping so you can check (and double check) sizes yourself.
· Look for upper cabinets that are 13” deep, others (most) are 12” deep. Larger plates will fit in the 13” cabinets.
· Does base cabinetry come with a half-size or full-size shelf?
· Are shelves adjustable on uppers and lowers or fixed?
· Ask about the difference between Framed and Frameless (European style) cabinetry.
Smooth Transitions: Drawer Function
When you’re looking for drawers, opt for full extension undermount drawer glides; they give you full access to the back and width of the drawer interior to maximize storage. While you’re under there, look at things like whether drawers are dovetailed or stapled and compare the thickness of the drawer’s bottom with its sides—you’ll learn a lot about construction quality when you inspect drawers.
Warranty Matters: Understand Your Protection
Ask about whether your cabinets come with a warranty (three years, five years, Limited Lifetime) and what the warranty terms cover., and what the warranty terms cover.
Cabinets comprise approximately 30 percent of the cost of a kitchen remodel but may be higher depending on the quality of the cabinetry you are looking for and the customization you need. The better you understand the basics of kitchen cabinetry, the better you’ll feel about spending a full one-third of your budget on a single aspect of the renovation. You will want to know what you’re looking at to get the most for your money.