Kitchen Cabinet Installation: Why Hire a Professional

A complete kitchen cabinet installation can be a stressful process. We know the difficulties and inconveniences a kitchen renovation poses for you and your family, which is why we are fully committed to providing you a seamless installation, guaranteeing efficiency and quality. We make the entire kitchen cabinet installation and remodel a hassle-free experience, from the initial design concept to completion. Part of the reason why our home renovations are so successful is because of the meticulous steps we take before we begin any project.

Step 1. Design & Functionality

We have a reputation for professional and exceptional kitchen cabinetry services. Our team of expert kitchen contractors can help you turn your vision of a perfect kitchen into reality, and we start with design and layout. We can help you sort through the many different types of kitchen cabinets, compare wood and laminate finishes, and offer advice on smart storage and organization solutions, such as pullout spice racks, hideaway bins, and pop-up shelves that let you hide certain counter appliances. In addition to improved aesthetics, we want to ensure that your kitchen also provides added organization and functionality. Once you have chosen your cabinets, a professional installer will take detailed measurements of your kitchen and verify the design and layout with you prior to demolition and installation.  

Step 2. Demolition & Installation

There are always a few hours of demolition involved in a kitchen cabinet installation and remodel. The process usually means removing the old kitchen elements in the reverse order of how they were most likely installed. First, we start by removing all the appliances, turning off the water, and disconnecting the gas appliances in a safe and secure manner. Then we remove any plumbing fixtures such as the sink and dishwasher, and we disconnect any drain and water supply pipes that connect to them.

The dishwasher is usually secured to the countertop or the neighboring cabinets with screws which we remove before trying to slide it out. Next, we remove the sink, and the countertops are taken out after. Countertops are attached to the cabinets by screws from below, through the cabinet framing. Before pulling off the top, we go into each base cabinet and remove all the screws going up into the countertop, or we pry them apart carefully, in case the countertops have been glued down. In some cases, the countertops are saved and used again with the new kitchen cabinets.

When we're removing cabinets, we take the base units out first. If the cabinets we are removing are stock box cabinets, they're usually screwed into the wall framing as well as into each other, so taking those screws out is about all that is necessary to remove the cabinets. However, if the cabinets were framed on site and built in when they were initially installed, we probably have to cut them apart with a reciprocating saw.

For the majority of kitchen projects, the demolition phase also involves re-framing to add or remove a window, door, or wall. This requires clearing off the wall surface to expose the old framing and perform any necessary structural changes.

Once everything from the old kitchen has been removed and cleared away, we start installing your new kitchen cabinets.

We suggest completing any painting or flooring first and then adding the cabinets afterwards. It is more likely cabinets will become damaged when walls are painted and floors are installed first rather than vice versa, and by doing so, you will have a pre-established smooth transition between your cabinets, floors, and walls. The only time it is suggested you install cabinets before flooring is if you are planning on using floating floors. Otherwise, any type of flooring that is nailed or glued down should come before installing kitchen cabinets.

How to Take Care of Your Wood Cabinets

Wood cabinets are a beautiful addition to any kitchen or other room in your house. Once you get the perfect, quality cabinets in place, you will want to maintain them for as long as you own or rent the home. The right cabinets not only work as storage, but they also add aesthetic value to whatever room they are in. Once you have been enjoying your cabinets for a while, you may have a spill or accident. At first, it can be alarming since wood can be harmed by certain substances, but we can lend a few helpful tips on how to take care of your fine wood cabinets.

Cleaning Wood Cabinets After a Spill

1. Spot-clean the spill with whatever rags are handy. If you do not have time to grab a cleaner and towel, use the closest fabric or paper towel you can find nearby to sop up most of the liquid. Letting it sit while you look for a nice rag gives spills time to seep into your wood cabinets. If that happens, paint jobs can be ruined, and the wood grain and thickness of your cabinets can be disrupted. When wood absorbs moisture, it swells and may never go back to its correct size.
2. After you remove the superficial liquid from the spill, sticky residue or gunk will most likely remain. For removing residue, you will need a cleaner. Never use a multi-surface cleaner on wood surfaces, even if the bottle says you can. Make sure you get a cleaner made for wood surfaces only, and it wouldn't hurt to find one that can be used on painted surfaces, too. Murphy's Oil Soap is a great option for wood cabinet surfaces because it both cleans and conditions. Try the cleaner on an inconspicuous part of your wood cabinets first to make sure it does not stain or spot. Spray the cleaner on the cabinet where the spill took place. Make sure you get it into the crevices. You will want to have a clean, dry cloth on hand, as well as a small toothbrush for the hard-to-reach areas. Following the directions on the cleaner, spray, leave, and revisit to rub and wash off the cleaner as indicated. If you do not have any appropriate cleaner on hand, a cloth dampened with warm water can remove excess stickiness until you get a good cleaner.
3. After all signs of residue are removed, make sure you leave your cabinets dry. If you need to switch out cloths to absorb any residual wetness, do so. Don't let moisture sit on the wood.

Other Care Tips for Wood Cabinets

Wood cabinets look best when they are maintained properly. Dusting regularly keeps the right sheen-like surface. Lint-free cotton cloths can be used for dusting. Avoid using aerosol duster spray. Never drape damp cloths directly on wood cabinets to dry. This will leave discoloration. Also, avoid placing direct heat onto wood. If scratches or nicks occur in the wood, you can get a touch-up kit with the correct wood shade to cover up mild flaws.

These are just a few tips to consider when you are learning how to properly care for your wood cabinets. We have much more information available for your convenience. Contact our office to learn more about caring for your cabinet investment.

New Features to Include in Your Kitchen Remodeling in New Orleans

We can complete a kitchen remodeling in New Orleans to improve the look and functionality of your home.  Your kitchen is one of the most frequently used spaces in your home.  If you have a family and cook a lot, there is a good chance that you are preparing three meals a day plus at least two snacks in this space.  During the summer, when the kids are home from school, the kitchen has to work even harder at keeping up with the demand of meals and the constant clean up.  This time of year, it is easier than ever to see if your kitchen is up for the tasks at hand, or if it severely lacks in functionality.  If you are tired of constantly battling for counter space or dealing with a lack of storage and pile of dishes, give us a call.  We can meet with you and present you with design solutions to improve your space.  In the meantime, here are some of the aspects we incorporate in every remodeling project.

Kitchen Remodeling in New Orleans – Storage Solutions

No kitchen remodel would be complete without addressing the need for storage.  When they built older homes, the cabinets tended to be smaller, and there were fewer of them.  This has created an issue for the modern homeowner that tends to have several styles of dishes, pans, and small appliances.  Storage space is absolutely critical and instead of creating one-size-fits-all solutions, we like to learn about the amount of things you have and create a storage plan to fit them.  This way, you will not end your remodel without having a space for everything. Even if we are not expanding the footprint of your kitchen, we can use smart storage ideas like bringing the cabinets all the way to the ceiling, adding shelving, making the island a storage space, etc.  Installing drawer and cabinet organizers will also help to make the space more functional so that you can fit more and so that it is less messy than it is currently.  For example, one silverware drawer can have two levels of storage so that you can keep twice the amount of utensils in one space.

Kitchen Remodeling in New Orleans – Design Style

When remodeling your kitchen, it is important to select a design style that fits your personality.  Just because you had a country kitchen when you bought the house, does not mean that you have to keep it that way.  You could switch to a modern kitchen with clean lines, or you could go darker and install cherry cabinets OR if you have always wanted a country kitchen, we can make yours beautiful.  The reality is that there are so many design styles and features that can be included to transform your kitchen into a space that you absolutely love.  All you need to do is let us know what your favorite design style is and what your favorite colors are so that we can incorporate them into the design plan.

Why You Should Add Custom Cabinets to Your Home

If you are starting a remodel, include

custom cabinets in your plans. This is an excellent way to create the storage you need to hide the clutter, create organization, and add beauty to your home. While many people tend to think of cabinets as no more than a functional item, they can also be beautiful and improve the appearance of your home. We can make cabinetry out of all types of wood. They can be painted or stained, and blend in or stand out. The choice is yours, and we can help you select the type of cabinetry perfect for your home and your family.

Custom Cabinets in the Bathroom

The bathroom is an excellent space to have custom cabinets designed and installed because they can maximize your storage. This is especially important if a bathroom is being shared by multiple people. For example, if you have a kids' bathroom being used by a teen, an elementary student, and a toddler, you will need to store three very different types of products. While your teenager may need a blow-dryer and a curling iron, your toddler might still be using bath toys. This means that your storage solutions need to keep up with the demands of your family. We can install various cabinets and drawers for each person to use, so their belongings can be entirely separate. We can also create space for towel storage, toilet paper, etc., so your hallway closet can be freed up. In the master bathroom, we can get more detailed with your storage solutions, providing cubbies for makeup, hair accessories, etc. This can make it easier and faster to get ready in the morning.

Custom Cabinets in the Family Room

Most families have games, toys, CDs, DVDs, blankets, etc. that all end up in the family room. If you have multiple video game consoles or your kids like to read, the amount of items that need to be stored only increases. This can turn any family room into a cluttered space in no time at all. If you are tired of picking up constantly or having the room look messy when it is actually clean, you should have custom cabinets built. With a wall of built-ins, there can be a space for everything that lives in the family room, which will make the room look better and make picking up less of a chore for you and the kids.

Custom Cabinets in the Kitchen

When it comes to your kitchen, cabinets are a must. We can design them to function as both storage and organizational tools. For example, you do not have to use a large cabinet for a tower of pans to go in. We can create cabinets that can actually separate and store pans, dishes, utensils, appliances, and more, so everything has its own organized place. Cooking will be much easier this way, and cleanup will be faster, as well.

To get started on your remodeling project, call and schedule an in-home consultation.

Why You Should Hire a Professional for Your Kitchen Cabinet Installation

When it is time for your kitchen cabinet installation, you may want to consider hiring a professional to do the work for you. At first, a cabinet installation may seem like a simple process, but it actually requires extensive skill, professional equipment, and a keen eye for design. We offer professional and quality cabinet installation services for your kitchen. 

Your Kitchen is a Highly Trafficked Area

In most homes, a kitchen is a central location that encompasses cooking, cleaning, and socializing. Even if you have a living room, sometimes you may find that everyone is congregating in the kitchen so that they can be together and work together. For a comfortable family environment that also allows you enough space to work, a professional can help you determine the best layout for your kitchen cabinet installation. 

Your kitchen is such a common room that it will receive a fair amount of attention from visitors. This being so, you will want your kitchen to look beautiful even when it is messy from cooking. Having a proper quality cabinet installation can make your kitchen look like it has come straight out of a magazine. You will enjoy impressing your family and friends with your functional, but chic kitchen cabinet outfit. 

Expensive Houseware is at Risk

When you invest large amounts of money in cookware and dining ware, the last thing you want is for those expensive necessities to be at risk for breaking. When you install your own kitchen cabinets, you may not know how to properly reinforce the cabinets so that the weight of your dishes and appliances does not cause the cabinet to come loose. If your cabinet breaks, the entirety of what is inside of it breaks too. This is especially true if you have fine china that was expensive or passed down through generations. Not only is taking a chance on losing important house-ware costly, but it is also dangerous to anyone who could be nearby if a cabinet collapses. 

The Right Fit is Necessary

When you are performing a kitchen cabinet installation, you may find that a piece does not fit into place correctly. When this happens, you will need the right tools and the know-how to shape and cut the pieces in a way that leaves them unblemished. A professional can do all this detailed work for you while also providing you with cabinets that fit and that are left unscathed. New kitchen cabinets are an investment that you don’t want to throw around lightly by trying to fix minor issues yourself. 

Replacing Old Cabinets

If you are having a kitchen cabinet installation done in an older home, you may already have old cabinets in place that need to be removed. A professional can remove your old cabinets without creating a mess in the process. We can provide you with a cleared area for your brand new cabinets. 

Don’t take your kitchen cabinet installation lightly when you can easily hire a professional to complete this complicated work for you. We are available to properly install your beautiful new cabinets in a secure and durable way. 

Summer is Here and it is Time for Your Kitchen Remodel

If you have been considering a kitchen remodel, summer is the best time to get started.  Remodeling your kitchen can transform the appearance of your home, give you an open concept floorplan and make entertaining more delightful.  We can incorporate every fun, practical and glamorous feature that you can think of while adding in beautiful countertops and high-end appliances.  There is nothing too extravagant when creating your remodeling plan.   

The reason that we encourage people to remodel their kitchen during the summer is all about practicality.  While we do a thorough job and are conscientious about the noise and mess, there is no way to prevent a disruption to your home and your family life.  The kitchen is a room that is used so frequently that not having daily access to it poses challenges.  During the summer months, there are ways to get around this.  For example, many of our clients will plan their kitchen remodel to start right before they go on their family vacation.  This way, when they come back, the remodel is either done or close to it.  While you are dining out or visiting grandma, we can work on replacing your floors, cabinets, appliances, etc.  

Another benefit of a summertime kitchen remodel is that you can cook outdoors.  This is the season where most people are grilling on the barbecue anyway.  If you are grilling one or two days a week, you might want to use this time to buy a smoker or look up new recipes so that you can continue to cook outdoors for the duration of your remodeling project.  Sure, you may need to eat cereal for breakfast and sandwiches for lunch but at night, you can pull out the grill, throw on your favorite meat and veggies and have a delicious meal without the need for your kitchen.  This is opposed to a winter remodel where you may become highly reliant on your microwave.  Thanks to the grill, most homeowners we work with, find that a remodel is less disruptive than they initially thought it would be. 

If your kitchen remodel involves an extension, there is the added benefit of being less worried about inclement weather when the roof or walls are exposed.  Our crew can get more work done since the weather is nicer, and we will not be as concerned with the potential for a rain delay.  Additionally, the summer means that we have more light to work with.  This is helpful when completing an extension because natural light is essential for laying the new foundation, putting up new walls and a new roof.  It even helps our electricians to be able to work longer.  The summer months provide us with the opportunity to finish a remodeling project faster so that you can get your kitchen and home back.

Regardless of when you decide to start your kitchen remodel, we will ensure that it is a positive experience for you.  However, if you are looking for the least amount of disruption, we encourage you to start today.

Make Room for Grandma With Help From a General Contractor

As a general contractor, we are experts at providing home remodeling solutions.  Whatever the needs of your family are, we can help.  We are solution oriented and it is important that your home suits your family’s needs so that you can enjoy your time there and feel comfortable, rather than stressed out due to a lack of functionality or space constraints.  One challenge that many families have is finding space for extended family, whether they are visiting for a month or needing to move in.  We can create a space for both.

As a general contractor, our home remodeling solutions can make space for extended family. To create a design for your home, we need to visit with you, take a tour and look at your property to determine what options might be available.  One thing to consider is who is going to stay at your home and how long they plan to be there.  This is important because if your guests will only be staying off and on, you may want to create a space that can be repurposed in their absence.  For example, Grandma may come to stay for a month around the holidays but if she only visits once a year, you won’t want an empty room the rest of the time.  

We will frequently build an addition that serves as a guest suite for short-term out of town guests.  To make the room dual purpose, we can make the bed a Murphy bed that pulls down from the wall. You can put it in place before they come so that the room is all set up, and when they leave, it folds back into the wall so that you can use the space differently.  This often works well as a combined at-home office/guest suite or as a craft room.  We can build in a reserved closet for your guests’ clothes with an entirely separate closet or storage center that can be used for the items that need to be stored on a daily basis.  This way the space can have designated zones rather than storing your craft supplies in the same closet that grandma needs to hang her winter sweaters.  Additionally, the benefit of using a Murphy bed is that if you do need a space like a home office for daily use, it can serve one purpose during the day and another at night while still giving your guests privacy.

Get creative with our home remodeling solutions.

If your visitors are planning on becoming permanent or semi-permanent house guests, you may want to consider a different type of solution.  If, for example, Grandma is moving in, we recommend giving her a separate entrance into her suite or unit.  That way she can maintain some level of autonomy.  You can easily do this with a ground level addition, and we can create a path leading to the door from your driveway area.  If you have a walkout basement or are building a garage apartment, this is also a possibility.  As a general contractor, we also recommend that you turn it into a one bedroom or a studio with a kitchenette.  While small, this can make life a little easier so that she can have her own snacks and things to prepare small meals if she, or you, would like some alone time.