Looking to Change Your Style or Renew Your Kitchen?
by Susan Coss

Looking to change your style or renew your kitchen can be difficult … if you try to do it yourself! Let the professionals in on your expedition and I promise, there may be some long and grueling times, but you will be a lot happier that you did.

Brian Kaskas, CEO of Kashas Design-Remodeling Inc. let me in some details no one would want to skip over. So please if you must, take some notes and don’t be shy to use a highlighter.

In the process of remodeling a kitchen one must…want to remodel, have an idea they can give to the construction / remodeling company that they choose to work with. Most people try to identify their objectives, whether it is a space issue or lighting or just needs to be changed. These ideas are told to one who can do some process of illumination. This is called initial consultation. Objectives, budget, design concepts, style and preferences and preliminary measure of affected areas are taken into account.

A schematic design is then decided; including: a draft of preliminary existing plans, develop and sketch of design concepts, identifying possible code and zoning issues, preliminary specifications and proposals, an established investment range and a design-retainer or feasibility-study agreement. A retainer agreement is then signed. This process may take longer than the job itself.

As Brian places it, “plan it and do it right.” There is no sense in executing a poorly planned project. Details will make to job faster and everyone more comfortable with the allotted construction zone in their home.

What needs to be moved or expanded upon; these are decided in the schematic design. Materials are chosen to what would look well together and how will it all fit. Kashas Design-Remodeling Inc. is a one-shop stop. They show their clients what types of materials they can put into the kitchen and where they will be ordered. Kashas do the shopping around, planning and labor. You as the client just need to speak up and tell them what you are looking for in a new kitchen.

There are thousands of types of materials that can be used in a kitchen all the way from tile floors to granite counters to wood cabinetry. Deciding what is best for you is what is key in making this remodeling work out. Telling the company in detail you are working with is vital. This is your kitchen, if they remodel something off of your liking; you have to live with it, so be clear.

After signing the retainer agreement, there is more designing called the design development. This is when mobility of the planning starts. The company must do a critical survey of the site, refine design and selections, there is a material / fixture checklist for you the client, job-site and showroom visits, draft detailed construction plans and elevations, develop complete specifications and selection sheets, develop preliminary project schedule and have a fixed-price proposal and contract with payment manager. After adjustments and plans are absolute, both parties sign the contract.

Now, the company can obtain permits necessary to start working on your kitchen. Major jobs that require removal of sinks or expanding into another room or adding to house require permits, building, plumbing and electric permits.

 When permits are acquired, the pre-construction stage begins. The materials are ordered, a schedule for all in-house and sub-contracted labor is made, neighbor goodwill letters and a pre-start meeting with clients, designers and project mangers takes place.

I am sure, you are ready to quit due to exhausted ideas and overloaded brainpower spent, but you can’t. You are there; ready to start seeing the inside of your kitchen go under the hammer for a while.

When in the zone, a couple things occur: making / securing the job site, a walk-through with carpenters and subcontractors, construction begins, monitoring of accuracy and quality or all work, reconcile plans and specifications with actual conditions, obtain inspections, respond promptly and thoroughly to client concerns, document and implement change orders, collect progress payments per schedule, job-site clean-up and final walk-through with client designer and project manager.

For clients to stay safe during times of construction, Kashas keeps their site clutter free and picked up. Other companies should keep their site clean as well, taped down wires and no tools lying around for those little ones to grab. To keep the allergies away, there is a comprehensive dust protection, usually accompanied by plastic covering of the site and proper protection used during sanding and other construction that can create a lot of debris. Also, keep clear of the site when contractors are there and don’t fool with anything when they are away for the evening. Not a smart choice. 

Future clients or those having your kitchen redone, please pay close attention to what I am about to write, when you make changes during construction, it can be difficult for you and the contractor and will take more time. To reorder parts can take a long time, this will stall construction and eating out can get sickening and expensive. So make sure before you sign the full agreement, you are 100% happy with what the team will create out of your kitchen. Don’t get me wrong, changes are possible, but a hassle no one really wants to bother with. 

After the walk-through post-construction is done: a warranty is issued, lien releases, clients are given an owner’s manual, clients fill out a survey and photographs are taken of the job well done.

You can take a step back; behold your new kitchen in awe. It is yours and to your exact liking. Job well done, applauses all around for you and the team.

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