Toulmin Tips
You Have Questions? We have answers.
It’s a big move on your part. To ensure your comfort and aid planning, here are questions we often see at the beginning of any job.
1. How long will it take to remodel my kitchen?
2. How much does a new or remodeled kitchen cost?
3. Why should I pay a design retainer to you when others will design my kitchen for free?
4. Why are the plans for my kitchen copyrighted?
5. What happens to the old cabinets that come out of our home?
6. Do you perform refacing of existing cabinets?
7. Do you perform countertop replacements only?
8. Do you sell appliances?
9. What do I need to know before my kitchen remodeling begins?
10. What do I need to know before my bathroom remodeling begins?
11. What are the top 10 kitchen countertops, and why?
1. How long will it take to remodel my kitchen?
Each job is different. Once you sign a design retainer with us, we typically create elevations and an estimate available within two weeks. Using that as a point of departure, we will work with you to refine the design and select colors and finishes until you are 100 percent satisfied. The length of this process varies, depending on your schedule and decision-making approach.
Once all decisions are made, we place your cabinet order. Cabinetry usually requires a wait of 4 to 6 weeks. Once the cabinetry has been installed, we will create a template for the countertops, typically an additional 7-10 day wait. During periods of peak demand, production time may be even longer.
Cabinetry installation is usually one of the final stages of a job. Installation typically cannot begin until after framing, plumbing and electrical are roughed in; windows, doors, and flooring underlayment are installed; and drywall is hung.
Because cabinetry is one of the final stages of the job, we know you’re ready to be done. So we work steadily and remain attentive until the project is complete.
What can you expect? A small kitchen renovation could take a month. A large job could last six months or more.
2. How much does a new or remodeled kitchen cost?
We often say a free estimate is worth exactly what you pay for it: Nothing. While we realize you want a range to begin with, the truth is that Room Size, Floor Plan, Material Choices, Features and Options all affect price. Until you have made your product selections, it is impossible to give a definite price. Cabinetry is typically the largest single cost in most projects. Check out our budget calculator to get a starting place for remodeling your kitchen. Freestanding appliances, vinyl floors and laminate counters may add $10,000 to $15,000 in cost. At the same time, professional, built-in appliances, wood or tile floors and granite counters preferred by many consumers could easily total two to three times the cost of the cheaper options.
3. Why should I pay a design retainer to you when others will design my kitchen for free?
You have high standards when it comes to your home. That means you want ample thought put into how you will use your kitchen and what design sensibilities matter most. As a result, our designers spend many hours researching the best options for your budget and tastes, creating computer-drawn floor plans and elevations with the specifications your builder needs. Meanwhile, a free design may only consist of a simple hand-drawn sketch.
So, in short, you get an actual plan with us. Further, the entire $500 you pay for our design services is used as credit toward your purchase of cabinetry from Toulmin Cabinetry.
4. Why are the plans for my kitchen copyrighted?
A copyright protects the design integrity of your home: No other kitchen will ever be sold at Toulmin Cabinetry, with identical plans. Like any work of art, each kitchen or custom cabinetry project we work on is a one-of-a-kind original and will never be duplicated.
5. What happens to the old cabinets that come out of our home?
If you want to use them in your basement, garage or second home, let us know. At the same time, we know of charitable organizations, that will either use the cabinets or profit from their resale to help those in need, gaining you a tax deduction in the process. Otherwise, we remove everything and properly dispose of it.
6. Do you perform refacing of existing cabinets?
Every craft has its specialties, and cabinetry is no exception. At Toulmin Cabinetry, we are best at designing and crafting cabinets from scratch. Your needs will best be served by a refacing specialist. In addition we’ve found that refacing cabinets can be as expensive if not more expensive than actually replacing your cabinets and, after you’ve replaced the doors, it’s impossible to get a furniture finish on the cabinetry that will last for years.
7. Do you perform countertop replacements only?
Yes, we’ll be happy to replace your countertops.
8. Do you sell appliances?
No. We’ve partnered with some of the best vendors in the community to ensure the best price for you, but we do not sell appliances. If we’re performing a complete remodel, we offer to handle it all for you. It’s important to remember how crucial appliance choice can be to a successful kitchen remodel. That’s why we supply you with local specialty suppliers knowledgeable in the unique needs of remodeling.
9. What do I need to know before my kitchen remodeling begins?
- Before work begins, list all those restaurants you’ve been meaning to try. When microwaving gets old, it will come in handy for a quick escape!
- Before your cabinets arrive, choose a safe enclosed area to accommodate the delivered cabinets and appliances. The garage is typically a good location.
- Pack up your kitchen (or bathroom) well before the remodel. Don’t forget to label storage boxes with specifics to make unpacking a lot easier. Fragile items should be marked accordingly and stored in a safe area removed from the construction.
- Designate a location outside the remodeling area to act as your temporary kitchen. Remember to equip this area with the following:
- Your fridge!
- You may be able to temporarily move everything you need…except the kitchen sink! Consider where your water source will be in relation to your temporary kitchen.
- Microwave (and a freezer stocked with microwavable meals).
- Say a fond farewell to your old kitchen by cooking some family favorites to store in the freezer. We promise you’ll thank yourself later.
- The coffee maker. Don’t forget to put the filters and coffee close at hand, too.
- Utility utensils such as a can opener, bottle/wine opener, sharp knives and microwavable dishes.
- Toaster.
- Keep the basics handy: butter, salt and pepper, favorite spices
- Dining table
- Tell the kids you’re picnicking: Use paper plates & napkins as well as disposable dinnerware.
- Cleaning supplies and dishtowels
10. What do I need to know before my bathroom remodeling begins?
- If it’s a bathroom remodel, pretend you’re packing to go on a trip. Remember the hairdryer and curling iron.
- Don’t forget about your pets. If there isn’t an area in your home to keep them safely away from construction, especially during certain phases, it may be a perfect time to treat your pet to a vacation at the kennel or a play date at a friend’s home.
- Decide in advance where you’d like the installers to store their tools.
- Dust…there’s just no way to avoid it. If there is a fish tank or electrical equipment in close proximity to the work, remember to keep them well covered.
11. What are the top 10 kitchen countertops, and why?
There are lots of options on the market for kitchen countertops. Our list of top picks gives the pros and cons of the top 10 choices so that you can make an educated choice when you remodel your kitchen.
- Granite Counters
Granite is the countertop material of choice when there are no other things to think about - like money. It defines elegance in a kitchen. As the use of granite becomes more widespread, the price comes down. The beauty of the stone contributes to the beauty of even the most modest kitchen.
Pros: holds up to heat; comes in a range of almost 3000 colors; looks permanent and substantial; will last a lifetime; new sealers are almost maintenance-free; 2nd highest hardness rating after diamonds; has a high value to home buyers.
Cons: expensive, but becoming more affordable; requires some maintenance; some stones absorbs stains if not sealed; knives can become dull if you cut on it; can crack if stressed.
- Engineered Stone
Engineered stone is composed of 93% quartz particles. It is available in a larger range of colors than granite and has a nonporous surface that resists scratches. It's easy to maintain, without the annual sealing required by natural stone. Some brands on the market include DuPont Zodiaq®, LG Viatera®, Cambria Quartz, CesarStone and Silestone®.
Pros: Resistant to stain and acid; easy care.
Cons: Expensive.
- Solid Surface
Because solid surface counters are just what they're called, solid, any scratches can be sanded out. The countertops are custom-made to your specifications. Brands include Avonite, Corian, and Livingstone.
Pros: comes in a rainbow of colors and patterns; seamless; stain resistant.
Cons: vulnerable to hot pans and stains which can damage the surface; can be moderately expensive.
- Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile is durable and easy to clean. Add to that inexpensive and you've got a really good choice for countertops for the average home. Because it's installed a section at a time, it can be done by most resourceful homeowners.
Pros: takes hot pans; easy to clean; wide range of price, color, texture and design.
Cons: counter surface is uneven; tiles can easily chip or crack; grout lines become stained; custom-designed tiles are very expensive.
- Laminates
Laminate counters bear trademarks such as Formica and Wilsonart. They're made of plastic-coated synthetics with a smooth surface that's easy to clean. The pieces are cut to size and finished on the ends.
Pros: you can buy laminates in lots of colors; easy to maintain; durable; inexpensive.
Cons: scratches and chips are almost impossible to repair; seams show; end finishing and front edge choices can be pricey.
- Wood or Butcher Block
Wood countertops offer a beautiful warm look and are available in a wide range of colors and finishes. Hardwoods such as maple and oak are most often used as countertop woods.
Pros: easy to clean; smooth; can be sanded and resealed as needed.
Cons: can be damaged by water and stains over time; scratches must be oiled or sealed according to manufacturer's instructions.
- Stainless Steel Counters
For a really contemporary and industrial look for your kitchen, stainless steel is a good choice. They are heat resistant and durable. Because they're constructed to your specifications, you can have a seamless countertop.
Pros: takes hot pans; easy to clean.
Cons: Expensive; noisy; may dent; fabrication is expensive; you can't cut on it.
- Soapstone Counters
Soapstone is generally dark gray in color and has a smooth feel. It is often seen in historic homes but is also used in modern homes as both a countertop and sink material.
Pros: rich, deep color; smooth feel; somewhat stain resistant.
Cons: requires regular maintenance with applications of mineral oil; may crack and darken over time.
- Marble
Because of it's extremely high price tag, marble is not often seen on the countertops of whole kitchens. To get the luxurious look, use it on an island or inset at a baking center. Marble requires constant maintenance, as it easily stains. Some new sealers retard staining.
Pros: waterproof; heatproof; beautiful.
Cons: expensive; porous; stains easily unless professionally sealed; can scratch; may need resealing periodically as per manufacturer.
- Concrete Counters
If you have countertops in unusual shapes, concrete may be a good choice, as they're often cast right in your kitchen. The high price tag may be beyond most people's budget.
Pros: heat and scratch resistant; can be color-tinted; looks exotic and unusual; new treatments eliminate cracking; additives reduce porosity; new finishes are more decorative.
Cons: mid to high range on cost due to custom work; cracking is possible; can look somewhat industrial; porous but can be sealed.