Remodeling Q&A

If you're thinking about remodeling your kitchen or bathroom, you probably have a lot of questions that need answers and Bucks County Kitchens is here to help with our Remodeling Q and A.

Q: What makes a kitchen more or less expensive?

A: Cabinets usually account for a large part of the total cost of the project and will have the greatest impact on your budget. Cabinets range in price based on quality, the type of material they are made from, the finish, and whether they are stock (ready made in specific sizes) or custom (produced specifically for your kitchen in whatever sizes are needed).

Custom organizers, those helpful roll out shelves or drawers, spice racks, can storage units, etc., can also increase the cost of the cabinets.

The material you choose for surfaces including counters, backsplashes and floors can account for variations in price as well as your appliance choices. Although wonderful in a new kitchen, totally integrated appliances can easily double your appliance costs.

Other key elements that factor into the equation are talent and workmanship. In the remodeling business, you tend to get what you pay for. An accomplished designer, skilled sub-tradesmen and expert installation crew may cost more, but you'll appreciate their ability every time you look at and use your kitchen.

Q: What makes a bathroom remodeling more or less expensive?

A: No single element of a bathroom remodeling comprises a significantly larger portion of the costs than other elements. Cabinets can comprise a big part of the budget, so as with kitchen cabinet selections, the type and quality of cabinets you select will affect your total costs.

Not surprisingly, fixtures and fittings account for a high cost percentage in the bathroom. Expense for fixtures and fittings will vary depending on the brand, type of materials, and array of products you select.

In bathrooms, installation accounts for nearly a quarter of the total cost. This is because the installation work in a bathroom tends to be intricate (for example, plumbing, tile setting). If you're looking to cut corners, this is probably not the place to do it.

Q: How can I possibly pay for a new kitchen or bathroom?

A: Like any major purchase, you should only spend what you can afford. That means setting a budget and sticking to it. When you work with a Bucks County Kitchen designer, we will help you make the most of your budget and respect the limits you've set.

Q: How do I choose the best person for the job?

A: There are a lot of professionals out there - interior designers, architects, remodeling contractors - but your best bet is to pick a designer or firm that specializes in the kitchen and bath area. At Bucks County Kitchens our client referral rate is 100%.

Q: How do I begin?

A: It's helpful to print our Design Survey and answer the questions when you have time. The survey helps you to think about some of the questions we will be asking. After our preliminary conversations we will meet in our showroom to share your ideas and basic needs. Then we will come to your home to take photographs, careful measurements of the space, make notes of plumbing and structural elements and get a feel for your home's style. We will also ask a lot of questions about your kitchen or bathroom, lifestyle and family. We will be listening carefully so that the finished room you work to create reflects your personal taste and how you use the space.

We'll choose products, colors and materials together, working within your budget. Our services can be limited to creating your design, providing the materials and acting as a consultant or managing the entire project for you -- including using our contractors, scheduling the work and personally supervising the installation.

Q: What can I do myself to help cut costs?

A: How much you can or should attempt to do depends on your ability and knowledge of remodeling. You'll definitely be able to tear out old cabinets (be careful not to damage walls and beams), take up old vinyl flooring and handle trash removal. You may also want to paint or wallpaper on your own. You're better off letting the pros handle plumbing and appliance hook-ups -- if you try it on your own, you may violate building codes or invalidate manufacturer warranties. Also you should let us professionally install your new cabinets so they look their best and are installed so that the doors and drawers all work properly.

Q: What about contracts and orders?

A: Before any work begins on your kitchen or bathroom, we will provide detailed, written estimates, project specifications, and contracts. All of the contractors we work with are licensed, bonded and insured. We will prepare project drawings including floor plans and renderings that clearly represent your project. If anything changes mid-project, you will be asked to sign a change order.

Q: What about payment?

A: We will require a percentage when you sign the contract, additional payments when cabinets are delivered and/or installation begins, as materials are delivered. and the balance when the job is complete.

Q: How are you paid for your services?

A: When we begin a project we ask for a retainer of $1,500.00. This retainer is used to defray a portion of the costs of designing the space and ordering any samples that may be required. When we sign the contract, 50% of this retainer is credited back to the client in the materials costs. Bucks County Kitchens is paid for our services through a profit on the materials and a 15% profit and overhead charge on our discounted labor costs.