"Can't wait for my kitchen remodel. I have the design and I know what type of cabinets I want. I wish I could just get in there and get it started."
But you can't! Massachusetts has one of the most stringent building codes in the US.
Here is a quick list of things to prepare and know before you start tearing up your kitchen or bathroom.
Here are a few tips that will make your kitchen remodel a lot smoother.
1) First off, have your licensed contractor file a building permit at your city building, or inspectional services office. Usually they meet in the mornings between 8am-10am and 3pm-4pm, but call your local office for hours of operations. They will let you know what you require for your permit.
2) You will need a drawing of your design and any alteration you will be making to your kitchen or bathroom. They may even get specific and ask you what type of appliances will be installed. Be sure to have all these items available for your contractor.
3) Your contractor will require a valid CSL or Construction Supervisors License, an HIC or Home Improvement Contractor license, and a Workers Compensation Insurance Affidavit form. (You should always ask for a Certificate of Insurance from your contractor to make sure he and his company is insured.)
4) The contractor will also have to present either a contract with your signature, and/or the permit application signed by you. This is to make sure you are authorizing the work to be performed as well as to confirm the cost of the project. The cost of the project will determine the cost of the permit. Typically $ 10.00 per every $ 1000.00 of construction. (i.e. If your kitchen remodel will cost $ 35,000.00, the permit cost will be $ 350.00.) Do not forget, this will not be the only time you are charged a fee for a permit. You will also pay for the electrical permit and the plumbing permit. Typically, the electrical and plumbing contractor add these fees to their price. Be sure to find out what those fees are. Fees vary from city to city, so you could either call your city building department ahead of time or ask your contractor to be informed.
5) Typically you can start the next day or so depending on how swift your local inspector is at writing permits. Be sure that you and your contractor abide and listen to your inspector.
If you follow these simples steps, your project will be headache free and run smoothly.
If you have any questions or would like some advice, please feel free to email me with your questions at enza@cdikitchens.com
Visit www.cdikitchens.com for kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities.
CDI Kitchens
Dura Supreme kitchen cabinets
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
YOUR KITCHEN REMODEL
A total kitchen remodel will probably be the biggest investment you make. It could be costly and will require a lot of thinking. You will have to decide if you will be changing your appliances along with your cabinets. Maybe you will be removing a wall and designing an open concept kitchen/dinning room, or maybe just even an island in your kitchen. This will all take time and work. I will take your through a list of things you should do before you go ahead and hire a contractor.
1) Go to your favorite kitchen cabinet showroom and start picking the brand, style, color and accessories you wish for your new kitchen. Do not start the demolition of your kitchen until you have all the materials you want. You will have to make other choices as well. You will need to choose countertops, flooring (hardwood, tiles, etc...). Appliances, if you are replacing them. Lighting (recessed, low voltage, under cabinet, etc...). Faucets and sinks as well as pulls and knobs for your kitchen cabinets. It may not seem hard, but once you start trying to combine colors and styles it may become overwhelming. I have heard this several times.
2) Now it is time to pick your contractor. You may be removing your walls, old cabinets, appliances, flooring, ceiling, lighting, plumbing and heating. In some cases you may not have to remove these items. Call 3 general contractors and get separate prices for the work you require. Have the contractor separate prices for demolition, framing, carpentry (moldings and cabinet installation), flooring, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical. The reason to separate these items is to compare the prices with the other contractors. If one contractor is higher with his demolition, find out the reason why. He may have a valid reason to why his price may be higher. Once you have all the prices, compare and ask questions. To most contractors you will be looked at as a pain in the butt, but you are just making sure you get the right price for your remodel without over paying.
3) Get reference from the contractors. They will most likely give you good references. Do some investigating. Call your local building department and ask them about the contractor. Also do searches online to find any bad reviews.
4) When you choose your contractor, they will give you a contract to sign. If they do not, make a contract for them to sign. Check with your local laws to find out what the maximum deposit amount should be. If it is a good contractor that has good credit with his suppliers, 10-15% should be enough to start.
5) Make a schedule with the contractor to perform the work. Sometimes it may conflict with your schedule, but they may work at night as well, so make sure you know about it ahead of time.
6) Get a design of your kitchen from your kitchen designer or architect so that the contractor can follow the plan. Give your designers name and number to the contractor so that they may communicate. It is not rare that issues arise, but your contractor and designer can straighten them out.
7) Coordinate with the contractor for the products he will be needing to perform the work. Kitchen cabinets, faucets, sinks, flooring, etc... These could be excuse for the contractor to not perform his work. Be sure to have everything ready and available. Make sure the contractor knows about the products prior to buying them so he can agree that a certain product will fit or is accepted by your local building inspector. If you are changing appliances, make photo copies of the installation manuals to give to the contractor so they can review installation and clearance requirements.
8) Finally, sit back and watch as your kitchen gets revamped. The schedule may not work out as planned. You will get stressed out, you will get dust in your home and you will get angry at times. The important thing is that you have control of the project and you know what is going on.
For Kitchen Cabinets
For Kitchen Remodeling
1) Go to your favorite kitchen cabinet showroom and start picking the brand, style, color and accessories you wish for your new kitchen. Do not start the demolition of your kitchen until you have all the materials you want. You will have to make other choices as well. You will need to choose countertops, flooring (hardwood, tiles, etc...). Appliances, if you are replacing them. Lighting (recessed, low voltage, under cabinet, etc...). Faucets and sinks as well as pulls and knobs for your kitchen cabinets. It may not seem hard, but once you start trying to combine colors and styles it may become overwhelming. I have heard this several times.
2) Now it is time to pick your contractor. You may be removing your walls, old cabinets, appliances, flooring, ceiling, lighting, plumbing and heating. In some cases you may not have to remove these items. Call 3 general contractors and get separate prices for the work you require. Have the contractor separate prices for demolition, framing, carpentry (moldings and cabinet installation), flooring, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical. The reason to separate these items is to compare the prices with the other contractors. If one contractor is higher with his demolition, find out the reason why. He may have a valid reason to why his price may be higher. Once you have all the prices, compare and ask questions. To most contractors you will be looked at as a pain in the butt, but you are just making sure you get the right price for your remodel without over paying.
3) Get reference from the contractors. They will most likely give you good references. Do some investigating. Call your local building department and ask them about the contractor. Also do searches online to find any bad reviews.
4) When you choose your contractor, they will give you a contract to sign. If they do not, make a contract for them to sign. Check with your local laws to find out what the maximum deposit amount should be. If it is a good contractor that has good credit with his suppliers, 10-15% should be enough to start.
5) Make a schedule with the contractor to perform the work. Sometimes it may conflict with your schedule, but they may work at night as well, so make sure you know about it ahead of time.
6) Get a design of your kitchen from your kitchen designer or architect so that the contractor can follow the plan. Give your designers name and number to the contractor so that they may communicate. It is not rare that issues arise, but your contractor and designer can straighten them out.
7) Coordinate with the contractor for the products he will be needing to perform the work. Kitchen cabinets, faucets, sinks, flooring, etc... These could be excuse for the contractor to not perform his work. Be sure to have everything ready and available. Make sure the contractor knows about the products prior to buying them so he can agree that a certain product will fit or is accepted by your local building inspector. If you are changing appliances, make photo copies of the installation manuals to give to the contractor so they can review installation and clearance requirements.
8) Finally, sit back and watch as your kitchen gets revamped. The schedule may not work out as planned. You will get stressed out, you will get dust in your home and you will get angry at times. The important thing is that you have control of the project and you know what is going on.
For Kitchen Cabinets
For Kitchen Remodeling
Friday, September 10, 2010
No upcharges on Dura Supreme from Sept 20th through Nov 1st!
Come visit us from Septemeber 20th through November 1st for a new Dura
Supreme Proimotion.
No wood species upcharge and no finish upcharge. You Chose!
Also get a free design consultation with your visit!
Visit our website for more details
www.cdikitchens.com
or call us at 877-298-5605
Monday, August 9, 2010
Monday, August 2, 2010
CDI Kitchens, kitchen cabinets showroom serving the Boston area
CDI kitchens is located in Medford MA, just a few steps from Boston. CDI Kitchens provides quality kitchen cabinets as well as bathroom vanities in the Boston area, Metrowest, Northshore and Southshore. A design professional will come out to your home and off you a free design consultation so you can create the kitchen of your dreams. Please visit our website at www.cdikitchens.com or visit our kitchen showroom.
Showroom Hours:
Monday - Friday 8 am - 5 pm
Weeknights By appointment
Saturday and Sunday By Appointment
Or call us at (781) 395-1999
Showroom Hours:
Monday - Friday 8 am - 5 pm
Weeknights By appointment
Saturday and Sunday By Appointment
Or call us at (781) 395-1999
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