Finally! The temperatures have started to warm up, the flowers and trees are blooming and I, for one, am feeling very hopeful and energized with spring fever. At this time of year, our thoughts usually turn to shaking off winter and getting ready for the upcoming summer months and all that that entails. Grooming the garden, spring cleaning and thoughts about refreshing and refurbishing our homes seem to take top priority in the spring. With that in mind, homeowners begin thinking about updating their kitchens. One of the first questions they ask is, “How long does a kitchen renovation actually take?” Our answer is always are sounding…”it depends.” Truthfully, that is because no kitchen renovation is the same. For example, if you are just trading out cabinets, updating appliances and countertops but keeping the same basic layout it could take as little as two weeks. However, if you are moving walls and ceilings, doors and windows, replacing floors, adding radiant heat, updating electric and gas, etc. it could take a few months or longer, particularly if there isn’t a well thought out plan of action. We always tell clients who want a beautiful, functional, stress-free(ish) kitchen renovation finished in time for the winter holidays, there is no better time to start planning than right now.

Start by scheduling an appointment with a professional kitchen design company, like Spivak Custom Design Associates, Inc. to discuss your thoughts, ideas and most importantly the time frame for your kitchen renovation. Planning ahead reduces stress for everyone involved and ensures a beautifully designed space. We also like to include the installer in the planning and design process early on. We find that this is another key element in ensuring a seamless installation.

The design process at Spivak Custom Design usually begins with a meeting at either our showroom or your home to discuss design ideas, get some measurements and provide a “quick quote.” We only work with manufacturers who adhere to the highest industry standards with regard to construction and finishes. We have found that buying lesser quality cabinetry may save money upfront but often ends up costing much more at the back end of the project when installers need to spend so much extra time modifying cabinets that were not properly manufactured. So a “quick quote” gives the client an idea of whether or not our products will fit into their budget. If the client wishes to move forward after the initial meeting, we usually collect a “design retainer” at this time. The design retainer is calculated at 10% of the initial quick quote and it allows us to provide the client with design layouts, elevations, finish samples (if needed) and revisions. The design retainer is applicable to the cost of the cabinetry. Should the client decide not to move forward after a retainer is taken and the design process has started, the client is entitled to all layouts, elevations and revisions however, the design retainer is non-refundable.

Now getting back to spring fever, the lovely weather and your new kitchen project, it is the perfect the time to start collecting inspirational ideas and planning a beautiful new space. We love when clients bring in a folder stuffed with photos, fabrics, paint colors that they have found inspiring. We also like it when they bring us photos of exactly what they don’t like; we cross those things off the list right away! And don’t worry if you really don’t have any idea of what you want, we are here to steer you through the process of determining what style and finish will make you absolutely adore your new kitchen. So when you are ready, we hope you will give a call so we can get together and plan the perfect kitchen for you and your family.