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Pdg
Citizen
Username: Pdg
Post Number: 541
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 12:46 pm: | 
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We are updating our kitchen without any restructuring - just gutting it and putting in nicer cabinets, granite counters, etc.
Just met with contractor #1 for quotes and he wants to work from a kitchen planner's plan, which makes sense. He will provide 2 names, but says he doesn't get a price break using them and doesn't mind my using anyone else at all.
Anyone out there love their planner? We need the best possible use made of existing small space. It will never be a fabulous kitchen, but we'd like it to be as efficient/practical as possible.
(Also, any comments on cabinets are welcome. This contractor mentioned Craft something-or-other. We're looking for good quality without breaking the bank.)
Thanks in advance for sharing! |
Virtual It Girl
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 4090
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 12:53 pm: |
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My architect did a very unique plan for my small kitchen. You can see the results on my renovation blog (under member blogs, called "Shh Renovation Hilights" or something like that.)
His name is David Jablonka in SO. Pretty sure he's listed. My contractor custom built the cabinets, but we could have used semi-custom as well.
He charge for the job, which included some structural work, but I bet he'd do a great job of efficiently planning your small space around your existing structure. |
Pdg
Citizen
Username: Pdg
Post Number: 543
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 12:59 pm: |
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Thanks VIG!
But I was sort of under the impression that a "kitchen planner" wouldn't be an architect, and thus would be much less expensive to work with? Am I mistaken? |
Kibbegirl
Citizen
Username: Kibbegirl
Post Number: 381
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 1:03 pm: |
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Our kitchen planner, Alison @ Jaeger Lumber in Morristown, is not an architect. She's using our architect plans as a model. She's helping us with a better kitchen floor plan, pantry space, cabinets, etc. We have researched and are in love with Diamond Platimnum cabinets. We currently have Kemper and love them too, but Diamond has more to choose from and are semi-custom. Good luck! |
Pdg
Citizen
Username: Pdg
Post Number: 544
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 1:10 pm: |
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Thanks Kibbegirl! Curious why you use Jaeger in Morristown and not the one in Union? Or did you choose Alison, and not necessarily Jaeger, and she happened to be in Morristown?
May I ask who is doing your renovation?
And VIG, I didn't see kitchen pics in that blog, but lots of nicely done LR pics. And who are Neil and Sally, your contractor? Can you give a recommendation and phone number?
Thanks again! |
Pdg
Citizen
Username: Pdg
Post Number: 545
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 1:24 pm: |
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OK, found the right Blog... Your kitchen is very impressive! You guys are really doing an amazing amount of work - and it looks great!
Are those tiles in front of your fridge? Why not h/w all the way? And why did you do custom cabniets, was it just not possible to do semi or stock? And if you don't mind, what's the ballpark for custom cabs for that size kitchen? (I was just ballpark estimated $20-mid $20's for stock. We didn't even talk custom b/c I assume it is just too much.) |
Virtual It Girl
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 4091
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 1:35 pm: |
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PDG, wrong Blog. I guess I'm a blog hog? Scroll down a little further.
I might be wrong, but if a kitchen planner works for the distributor, you might not pay any extra for their services. So it's hard to compare the two.
David was not outrageously expensive, but his plan was very unusual and extremely well thought out. It really pushed the space to the limits. (It's easier to design a 16x20 space that has room for islands and separate areas but 12x12, not so much!) We previously had our kitchen done by Brook Custom Cabinets (formerly in Maplewood, now in UNion) and I liked the plan initially, but over the years I realized I needed the space to function differently. For example, traffic patterns were a big concern in a small space. David designed my kitchen with a peninsula that forces traffic around it, so the stove is really out of reach for my kids. (They are forced to walk around.) My peninsula has the stove with a downdraft, so when I cook, I face the dining room (where we have our table). It really makes cooking a much more sociable experience. After meeting with my husband and I, David designed this plan I just shook my head at. It was NOT what I envisioned, yet every question I asked him he was able to give a good answer for why it was there and what made it work better than what I suggested. It totally made sense for my needs. I was going for a vintagey look, and you don't normally think peninsula, but when it was all said and done, I got a vintagey look (because of the cabinets and finishes) that works in a contemporary household. (Meaning a family that uses their colonial home in a more contemporary way!)
Neil & Sally were other contractors we used for a 2 story addition. We considered using them for the kitchen/bathroom project but went with the custom cabinet guy instead. Sally & Neil 973-761-0075. |
Virtual It Girl
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 4092
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 1:45 pm: |
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Oh, we used the tumbled marble because we have a back door there and I wanted something that would hold up under dirty shoes. I love having the tile there, and I love the hardwood throughout. Very easy to stand on.
The cabinets were really reasonable, which is why we went with the contractor. He made beautiful cabinets and doing custom enabled me to do a few things I probably could not have done with semi-custom, at least not for what we paid. I would love to recommend him, but he hasn't responded to a few emails I have sent (asking for more cabinets!) so I don't know if he decided against pursuing building the custom built-in business.
One thing I love about the cabinets is that they are all wood. No chipboard. When we took out our other cabinets (which were only 6 years old or so) I was dismayed to see what I was told were maple cabinets were mostly chipboard covered with veneer (or laminate) and maple doors. Not the end of the world. I just really like the painted wood finish too. |
Kitchenguru
Citizen
Username: Kitchenguru
Post Number: 6
Registered: 9-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 2:17 pm: |
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PDG,
Kitchens can be unnnecessarily complicated. I've done several of my own plus have been designing them for others since 1987. I am also a rep for Kraftmaid and Omega/Dynasty cabinetry. Omega is rated the highest semi-custom by Consumer Reports. I also happen to represent a line of totally custom cabinetry which prices out the same as semi-custom and sometimes even as low as stock. I will be happy to answer any of your questions--no obligation  and I do have a website for ideas.
You can email me at jahdesignr@aol.com
Do your research!!! |
Kibbegirl
Citizen
Username: Kibbegirl
Post Number: 384
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 2:58 pm: |
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PDG, Jaeger was recommended, somewhere, on these posts. We tried unsuccessfully during the rough drawings to contact and use the kitchen design person in Union, but he never returned our endless phone calls. Mr. Kibbegirl scouted Jaeger in Morristown and was intro'd to Alison -- who so far is extremely thorough and all about what you need for your kitchen and most importantly, how your family uses the kitchen space. We're gutting and bumping out kitchen with pantry and adding a family room immediately off of the kitchen. WHEW -- we're broke! :-) |
Kibbegirl
Citizen
Username: Kibbegirl
Post Number: 385
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 3:01 pm: |
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Oh, Xcel is doing our renovations...it's more than just the kitchen and addition...that's why we're broke! :-) It'll be absolutely fab when done...if I can live through it all. |
ll1
Citizen
Username: Ll1
Post Number: 37
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 3:21 pm: |
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Definitely call Richard Barr at Plumberry Design on Columbia Turnpike. 973 966-1950. Can recommend unequivocally. |
Pdg
Citizen
Username: Pdg
Post Number: 547
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 3:48 pm: |
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Thanks everyone! (I just love MOL message boards!)
Kitchenguru - what is your website? I'm sure I'll be in touch as I love to learn and tend to research big purchases to death!
Kibbegirl - Mike from Xcel is the only contractor that showed up today. He made a great first impression. Did he recommend Jaeger to you? He said he'd contact me with 2 recommendations of planners he's worked with. I assume you're pleased with Xcel so far, since you didn't say otherwise. Who else did you bid the jobs to? (Based on MOL references I'm requesting bids from Xcel, Finishing Touches and Jarek - I may call VIG's Sally and Neil if these three aren't enough.)
VIG - I like the tumbled marble idea. We have a door there too.
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Flik Chik
Citizen
Username: Flikchik
Post Number: 181
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 3:58 pm: |
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Also for research - look up
ths.gardenweb.com/forums/kitchbath
Good usable ideas. I practically lived on the site when we got our kitchen done. Got a lot of really good ideas from there. |
Kibbegirl
Citizen
Username: Kibbegirl
Post Number: 388
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 4:11 pm: |
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We did not get Jaeger through Mike -- that was Mr. Kibbegirl's gum shoe work. We received bids from GreeneRose, Nader Homes, Xcel and Tekart Builders. I liked all personalities, sans Nader Homes, and after a long pow-wow, we decided on Xcel. His bid was more within our overall price range. Mike showed us about 4 homes he was working on b'twn S.O. and Maplewood, all either having additions, bathrooms and/or kitchen renovations. I liked the work being done on each home -- each one unique. To be honest, I think all contractors and clients start off with a lovefest and depending on the timeframe of the project or how many suprises arise, the relationship can go downhill from there. I hope our relationship with Mike continues to be on good terms because I like him as a person and know that our project will really be awesome once completed. |
Kitchenguru
Citizen
Username: Kitchenguru
Post Number: 8
Registered: 9-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 4:43 pm: |
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PDG,
Please email me directly and I will send you all info. I have great area references.
K |
Pippi
Supporter
Username: Pippi
Post Number: 1843
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 4:53 pm: |
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pdg - I have a friend who had his kitchen redone by Neil and Sally. He has done nothing but praise their skill and professionalism and -- very important-- timeliness to the heavens. I have heard great things about them from others as well.
best of luck in your remodeling |
Kitchenguru
Citizen
Username: Kitchenguru
Post Number: 9
Registered: 9-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 4:59 pm: |
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Kibbegirl,
Generally problems occur after the "lovefest" because the clients delay in making decisions or payments. I try to keep everyone on track and be
realistic with time frames to avoid that.
I've heard great things about Mike as well.
Usually the contractors run into problems due to the kitchen planner's failure to be organized and technical enough to anticipate problems.
A good contractor will double check his planner's
specs and the materals before starting the job.
Hope it turns out to be everything you expected and more. |
rimman
Citizen
Username: Rimman
Post Number: 14
Registered: 9-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 5:26 pm: |
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I recommend calling Bill Rega. He's a hands on contractor,can arrange to have your kitchen designed for you, once you give him an idea as to what you need.He did our kitchen last year and just finished our neighbors kitchen.pl me for bills number. |
Kibbegirl
Citizen
Username: Kibbegirl
Post Number: 389
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 6:36 pm: |
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Kitchenguru, you couldn't be more correct! Thanks for your well wishes! |
Kitchenguru
Citizen
Username: Kitchenguru
Post Number: 10
Registered: 9-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 8:38 pm: |
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Thanks Kibbegirl.
You can email me as well if you are interested in a one-stop shop. My company designs kitchens, supplies and installs cabinetry, granite, lighting, flooring, backsplashes, sinks, faucets, and appliances. Everything is integrated and managed for you by me so you don't have to be a watchdog. I also take you shopping to the best sources to choose all your materials. No one is fussier than I am. But this doesn't mean it will cost a fortune. I don't think budget is an excuse for lack of creativity. There is so much available now at every price point.
Some people prefer to buy cabinetry and GC the job or hire their favorite contractor. That's fine with me. I usually have to do some site visits to insure a smooth fit, but that's okay too--just part of giving good service.
I have cabinetry from numerous sources from $50.00 to $2,500.00 per linear ft, all are wood.
I have RTA, stock, custom, semi-custom, framed, frameless, beaded inset, square inset etc., plus every type of wood ie.,walnut, rift-sawn oak, maple, cherry, and every painted or veneered product available.
I am sometimes hired to design the kitchen and install cabinetry ONLY by GC's or architects. They sometimes purchase directly from me(I provide a trade discount in this case) but they mostly prefer to send clients to me instead. The reason for this is the lines of responsibility
can get blurred when the product gets tranferred before installation.
I prefer not to publish my company name or website on this site, at this time, but you will see my work in an upcoming issue of Design NJ(A must read). I have several complete jobs in Maplewood, South Orange and Short Hills with references. My initial consultation is complimentary so you can review my portfolio.
My email is jahdesignr@aol.com.
All the Best,
Kitchenguru
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Pdg
Citizen
Username: Pdg
Post Number: 553
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 1, 2006 - 11:18 am: |
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Flik Chik - Thanks for the referenced site, I checked it out. Did you use the oft-mentioned buycabinets.com? Xcel suggested that we might use Kraftmaid cabinets (we want a good qualitly cabinet w/out going too high end), and they seem to cut out the middleman - everyone on the site you sent me to seems to use them. They claim to save 10%-20% over the best quotes from a retailer like Home Depot or Lowes.
Anyone order their own cabinets direct from this or another internet seller? Do contractors dislike dealing with that or don't they care one way or another? We are not really very DIY people, but we'd love to save money where we can and the cabinets will be the biggest cost. |
sportsnut
Citizen
Username: Sportsnut
Post Number: 2318
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 1, 2006 - 12:05 pm: |
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Pdg - if you decide to go with Kraftmaid you should really ask Just Cabinets to give you a quote. They're located in PA and their quotes were significantly below what the home centers were providing.
www.justcabinets.com
Our contractor couldn't believe the price we got for the cabinets so he called them himself and as a result now says that he may start buying his cabinets from them.
We placed our order on February 1st and the cabinets are already in our garage awaiting installation. We had our architects spec out the cabinets so we only used their designer as a check and she made a couple of suggestions and slight changes so we didn't really get a feel for how their designers were but the woman we used was very patient with us as our project was on and off over a period of several months. PL me if you'd like to know what we paid for our cabinets. |
Kitchenguru
Citizen
Username: Kitchenguru
Post Number: 12
Registered: 9-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 1, 2006 - 12:35 pm: |
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I would not take a recommendation from anyone about any kitchen cabinet company or contractor without that person having start to finish first hand experience with the entire process. Furthermore,before I hire on a recommendation I need to see the completed job and the outfit better have been around at least five years and can prove it.
Where are all these big discounters going to be when you need replacement parts? I do a lot of internet buying and you have to be careful, the process may not end with your initial delivery.
There is no such thing as a middleman in the cabinet industry everyone buys from the manufacturer at the SAME price. |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 6822
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 1, 2006 - 12:51 pm: |
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Wow. Kitchen, you may want to tread lightly. You probably don't mean to come off as snotty and dismissive, but....
The people asking the questions and giving answers have been around awhile. Many of us have met/shared our renovations on and offline. There is an element of trust here.
I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss these MOLers. Especially if you are trying to build your business (as your posts seem to indicate). |
Kitchenguru
Citizen
Username: Kitchenguru
Post Number: 13
Registered: 9-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 1, 2006 - 1:13 pm: |
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greentree
lol
thanks for the tip.
i am not trying to build my business at all. i have lived around here for many years and have occasionally read these posts. Since I am home nursing a bad knee, i have been on here quite a bit and just find it surprising that it is still so hard to get good info on home improvement.
i have heard all the horror stories in my 20 years in the business so i was just trying to lend a helping hand, by suggesting people get their info first hand. i am a designer, kitchen dealer(I buy directly from Kraftmaid, Omega/Dynasty, Rutt,Hanssem and several other factories) and sometimes contractor and have done it all, low-end kitchens,high-end kitchens and everything in between. i'm sorry if i come on strong but, i have held the hand of many crying people over the years since i don't work with friends and neighbors or give them recommendations. be careful out there, every body is getting in the remodeling business trying to get rich.
Thanks again greenetree. |
Peter
Citizen
Username: Peter
Post Number: 213
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 1, 2006 - 3:09 pm: |
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Mike from XCEL did our kitchen and two baths last year. We still love him after the whole thing was over. It was the fourth house my wife and I have renovated, so we're pretty good at the process now. Mike recommended Joe at DAD Kitchens in Garwood (town next to Westfield on rt. 28) (not Garfield) and we were very pleased with the results. Anyone want to come by and peek, give me a PL. |
Kitchenguru
Citizen
Username: Kitchenguru
Post Number: 14
Registered: 9-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 1, 2006 - 5:21 pm: |
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Peter,
Congratulations on a success story. I'm sure the credit mostly goes to Mike for being a good project manager, plus being a cooperative client never hurts the process.
Do you mind saying what brand of cabinetry you used? I'm really curious about what to use in my own kitchen. Which is my reason for being on here lately. I've lived in four different houses in Maplewood and South Orange and have done a lot of house hunting over the years. Most of the newly remodeled homes (which weren't many)I saw had Kraftmaid. I don't want to overbuild. |
Peter
Citizen
Username: Peter
Post Number: 214
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 1, 2006 - 7:31 pm: |
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We used Kraftmaid. Price/value seemed right. |
Kitchenguru
Citizen
Username: Kitchenguru
Post Number: 15
Registered: 9-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 1, 2006 - 8:04 pm: |
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Thanks Peter
I think you are right. They have so many options at around the same price point. Plus, they have upgraded the cabinets quite a bit over the years.
Do you remember what door and finish?
I thought someone around here sold them besides Home Depot, but I guess it's best to go on your contractor's recommendation. Kitchen success stories all hinge on the person ordering the cabinets--assuming the dimensions are right.
Sportsnut, did you try to get the home centers to match the price that www.justcabinets.com gave? I thought they had a price matching guarantee but
I could be wrong. |
sportsnut
Citizen
Username: Sportsnut
Post Number: 2319
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 1, 2006 - 9:48 pm: |
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I didn't try to match prices as the service we received was good. I didn't feel the need to go back to either HD or Kitchen Expo. Plus I hate places that make you haggle for lowest prices - just give me your price, if I find it lower someplace else you've lost my business.
Just curious though - you mentioned in your 5:21 post that you are trying to determine what cabinets to install in your house. I thought you did this for a living? Wouldn't you know which brand to use? |
Pdg
Citizen
Username: Pdg
Post Number: 565
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 1, 2006 - 9:55 pm: |
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sportsnut - I thought that was odd and inconsistent too. But I think kitchenguru is interested in a flip for investment purposes and perhaps didn't want to overspend for her neighborhood. |
Kitchenguru
Citizen
Username: Kitchenguru
Post Number: 16
Registered: 9-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, March 2, 2006 - 12:33 pm: |
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Sportsnut
This area is very unusual in it's buying patterns for remodeling compared to other areas where I have worked with homeowners. There is a great cross-section here of everything. I am not trying to flip my house but after we purchased it my husband said we were on a five year plan (I had no idea). This is year three so I don't want to put a lot of money into a kitchen that I won't be around to enjoy. In the past, in other homes,I have had a Woodmode kitchen which I installed (1987) and an Almilmo kitchen, that one came with the house. I have done lots of work here but the kitchen cabinets were actually sleek mahogany ones done in the sixties so I left the kitchen for last.
I think my house needs an addition to justify a high-end kitchen. We are not staying long enough for that. Someone on my street did a Kraftmaid one and that's mostly what I've seen except on the more upscale streets. I just want what's in keeping with the neighborhood.
I think people should do what makes them happy no matter how much it costs, as long as they can afford it,you definitely get the return on your investment here. But if you're selling in three years or less it seems foolish. Anyway, I think Kraftmaid is a great product or else I would not be selling it to my clients.
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