Kitchen Project

Information

 

 

We present three articles discussing lessons we have learned in working on new kitchens and re-modeling kitchens over the years.  We hope you will find them useful and discuss them with us during a visit.


Order of Events

THE WEEK BEFORE SCHEDULED START DATE:

Confirm arrival dates of all materials.

Re-confirm contractors availability

Prepare a storage area ( garage, porch, or little used room ) where materials can be received and tools can be left. The area must be dry and lockable.

2 or 3 DAYS BEFORE START DATE:

Set up temporary kitchen somewhere in the house. Being really well organized here can help you to weather unexpected delays. Eating out is nice, but most families tire of it in less time than the average kitchen re-model!

Empty the kitchen space completely. This is a great opportunity to sort belongings and get rid of items that are no longer needed. ( There may be extra space in the contractor's dumpster that you can use ).  Also remove everything from any hallway or adjoining area where work people will need to pass.

Wherever possible create dust barriers between the work area and other rooms. If there is direct access to the work area from outside, close off the interior door ways completely with plastic sheets to separate work and living space.

DAY BEFORE START DATE:

Call contractor to confirm everything is in order. Find out the expected time of arrival. ( Some contractors start work Very early!! )

Make sure any appliances or cabinets you want to keep are clearly labeled.

CONSTRUCTION BEGINS:

Plumbing and electrical appliances are disconnected.

General demolition happens. This is the messiest, noisiest day. On the positive side, it is quick. The average kitchen can be stripped down to the wall studs and be broom clean within one day.

The plumber and electrician do "the rough". This is all the invisible portion of the job. Water pipes are re-located and updated. Wiring is checked and additional wiring is added and re-located according to the new placement of fixtures and appliances.

Inspections need to be signed after the rough work and before the walls are closed.

This is time for repairs, changes to walls, doors and windows. Insulation can be added.

Walls and ceiling work comes next. This may be simple patching if only small areas are affected, or may be completely new wall board with skim coat throughout.

Next, the floor preparation is done. If the new floor is vinyl or ceramic tile, a new subfloor is put down to ensure a solid foundation. If the new floor is hardwood, the complete floor goes in now, usually with a first coat of finish to seal the wood.

Then the kitchen is ready for new cabinets. If the counter is plastic laminate that is installed right after the cabinets. If it is to be granite or solid surface material, the counter fabricator will come after the base cabinets have been installed to make a 'template' ( this is a pattern which shows the exact shape that the counter is to be made. ) Time between template and installation of the new counter can be anywhere from 1 to 4 weeks.

Tile work comes next - floor or backsplash. For tile floors expect to be not allowed to walk on them for 2 full days - one day to lay the tile, and 1 day for the grout to set.

'Finish' plumbing and electrical come next. All the appliances, lights, sink and faucet are connected and tested ready for use.

Which brings us to "substantial completion". This means that you can move in and have a functioning work space. There sometimes are, however, small items that still need to be completed. ( This can be due to changes, or receiving damaged or incorrect parts. ) These items should be listed in a written "punch list" , and dates agreed with your contractor when they can be completed.

Surviving a Kitchen Re-model

DURING PLANNING STAGE:

Agree a budget.

Keep the whole family involved. Try to ensure that the proposed changes will fulfill at least one dream of each household member.

BEFORE CONSTRUCTION BEGINS:

Discuss living arrangements with the whole family ( Know that everyone will be inconvenienced - work on ways to make it into an adventure, rather than a nightmare )

Confirm arrangements for your pet's safety and happiness. ( Small children and pets should not be allowed anywhere in a construction area, at any time , EVER !)

Establish a communication system with your contractor . Some people like a short meeting each day before leaving for work, others prefer a phone call every evening. The important thing is that you agree from the beginning a communication plan - and then stick to it.

Do not schedule any major event in the house until several weeks after the expected finish date. Artificial deadlines create tension.

DURING CONSTRUCTION:

Accept all invitations - for meals or visits - that come to any or all family members.

Relax standards a little ( most dust is not dangerous, nor is pre-prepared food . Three weeks supply of paper plates will have little impact on our forests. )

Create efficient and pleasant temporary kitchen arrangements. Move the refrigerator, microwave and table near a water source . Pack kitchen supplies in an organized way in labeled boxes. Working down inventory well in advance will minimize clutter.

Keep expectations realistic. There can be delays and problems beyond anyone's control. People can (and do) make mistakes. Try to meet both with a positive attitude, and work with all parties for solutions. Keep communicating!

As the project nears completion, schedule a formal walk through with your contractor. In advance of this meeting thoroughly examine all the work done so far, and prepare a written list of all items which you consider incomplete. Discuss this list in detail and agree a completion date for each one. Keep communicating!

Care and Maintenance of your New Kitchen

WARRANTIES

Be sure and save all of your owner manuals, sales slips and Proof of Purchase for your new appliances , cabinets and counters.

Send in warranty registrations if applicable.

CABINETS

1) WOOD - Cabinets should be cleaned regularly by damp wiping with a soft cloth using diluted dish washing liquid followed by a clean water rinse to remove cooking grease and other spills. Do not allow liquid to settle between door frames and center panel.Dry the surface of your cabinets thoroughly.

Do Not use - abrasive cleansers, ammonia base cleansers or any product containing wax on your cabinets, as these can cause deterioration of the finish.

2) PLASTIC LAMINATE & THERMOFOIL - Use regular dish washing soap and clean water to wipe up spills. A glass/plastic cleaner such as Windex followed by buffing with a soft cloth will remove streaks and fingerprints.

For stubborn stains use a non abrasive cleanser such as SoftScrub

HARDWARE - PULLS & HINGES, & FAUCETS

Dish washing soap and clean water are all that is needed. Buffing with a clean cloth will remove any streaks.

Do Not use ammonia based cleansers on any polished brass surface. It will dissolve the protective lacquer coating on the finish.

COUNTERS

1) GRANITE

a) Sealer - Your counters were sealed at time of installation. We recommend a second coat be applied 3 to 5 days after installation and then periodically for optimal protection. ( When stone is adequately sealed, water will bead up on the surface and will not penetrate ).  Directions for applying sealer are on the bottle.

b) Stonesoap - For everyday care and cleaning of your counters, a bottle of Stonesoap has been included. Dilute per instructions and store in a spray bottle. To use just sprits your counter and wipe with paper towel or clean cloth. No rinsing is required.

c) Do's and Don'ts

- You may place hot objects directly on the surface.

- Aluminum pans can scuff the stone, so use care when setting them down.

- Cutting will not hurt the stone, but will damage your knives.

- Do not use commercial cleaners or bleach. They will break down the sealer

- Do not leave food on the counter for extended periods.

2) CORIAN, GIBRALTAR, AND OTHER SOLID SURFACES:

a) Routine care - soapy water or ammonia based cleaners will remove most dirt and stains from all types of finishes

b) Removing stains and fixing scratches & burns - Minor damage, including scratches, general stains, scorches or burns, and minor impact marks can be repaired with a light abrasive cleanser ( such as SoftScrub or Bon Ami ) and a Scotch-Brite pad.

For more serious damage, light sanding may be necessary. Try hand sanding with 400-grit wet and dry paper ( used wet to control dust )

If this is not successful, try a slightly heavier grit or contact an authorized fabricator for assistance.

3) BUTCHERBLOCK - This surface should be sealed as soon as possible after installation using Mineral Oil . Be sure the surface is clean and free from dust. Apply oil liberally, allow to stand for 15 minutes and then rub well with a soft cloth to remove any excess oil. Repeat this process daily until the wood stops absorbing oil, then as necessary to maintain the seal.

Do not use vegetable oils to seal counter ( they can become rancid ) or any product intended for outdoor use. ( they can be harmful to health )

Do not allow water or wet objects to remain on the counter.

'Salad Bowl Finish' may also be used to seal the wood ( on raw wood only )
       - carefully following Manufacturers directions on the can.

4) PLASTIC LAMINATE AND COLOR CORE - See Plastic laminate under 'Cabinets'

Copyright 2004. All rights reserved. Specialty Craftsmen Inc.