Tips from Pros:

Appliances	Cabinetry	Design/Trends	Surfaces
Fixtures	Designers	Overall/Misc.	Universal Design

A skylight will open the ceiling to more light and raise a portion of the ceiling, visually expanding the
space. Likewise, eliminating any soffits above the cabinets, leaving it open for display space will allow
the eye to follow a wider ceiling. Light colored cabinets; open shelves and glass-fronted doors will help
to lighten the space.

In your new design, consider non-traditional heights of storage, appliances, and adjacent work centers/ surfaces. Variety in the heights of these elements can reduce bending. For example, a single wall
oven can be installed at a height that cuts down on bending and lifting (18"- 27" off the floor to the
bottom of the oven cutout works in most cases). Organization of heavier and frequently used items in a
24"- 69" reach range eliminates bending for the average standing person, while 24"- 48" would eliminate
bending universally. Concentrating work centers to that most things needed to perform a certain task are
available with minimal moving or bending, and providing the option of a place to sit while working will
help.

The bedroom/bathroom area can often be a wonderful place to put a laundry room as that is where most
of the dirty clothes come from! The first thing you need to decide is do you have enough space for this
new task? You will not only require space for the washer and dryer, but also for folding, storage for
laundry baskets, soaps, softeners and possibly some ironing facility. Stacking washer and dryers reduce
the amount of floor space required. They usually take up 27 inches in width and in depth, plus a few
inches either side to get them in and out!

Because doing laundry produces heat and humidity, it is very important to vent your dryer to the exterior.
It is also important to increase the capacity of the ventilation to be used in the bathroom. Look for a
washer that has an automatic shut off in the event that a hose springs a leak. Insist on shut-off valves on
all the supply lines in the bathroom.

If you decide that you do have enough space to add the laundry to the bathroom area, the next thing you
should think about is the aesthetics. You can enclose the machines behind mirrored bifold or sliding
doors that visually increases the room size and can be useful when getting dressed. You can also choose
doors that match the vanity cabinets. Be sure that there is enough closed storage so that everything can
be put out of sight when the laundry is done. Remember, this is still a bathroom.

Your kitchen and bath dealer or CKD/CBD can help you with this process. Be honest with them about
your budget expectations. Cabinets, appliances and floor coverings come in a variety of price ranges. A
kitchen design can usually be done in all price ranges. Some changes may be required, but the basic
design can usually be achieved.

You can also do your own research. Price appliances and flooring, ask friends who have remodeled about
the costs, use the NKBA average kitchen/bath prices and read shelter magazines to help you mentally
prepare a budget that is realistic.

I think it is a good way to start. It will show you which design firms are at the forefront of technology, but
not all designers have Web pages yet. Also be aware that there are companies that do nothing but
design fabulous Web pages. I think that "word of mouth" and interviewing the designer are still best.

Yes. Island cooktops are wonderful. Today's cooking is often a "social function." Tossing a few steaks on a grill or having a shish-kabob party is great fun. A down draft ventilation system (where a blower pushes the exhaust down through a plenum and out of doors through ductwork in the floor joist) is required unless an over head hood is employed.

My neighbor said that if I get a new range I'm required to have a ventilation unit.
I really don't want one, is it really necessary?

Most codes don't require that you use a ventilation fan. However, when you do purchase one you will be required to install it according to code. Many consumers don't want a ventilation hood. Some don't like the noise and some don't like the looks. The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) advises all consumers to install exhaust fans. Additionally, the guidelines for good kitchen design dictate that the fan remove a minimum of 150 CFM (Cubic feet of air per minute) and that the fan be vented to the exterior.
One industry report indicates that those who don't use an adequate exhaust fan system spread approximately six quarts of grease throughout their home each year. Some consumers prepare few meals that are greasy. They argue that they don't need a fan since they don't make greasy foods. However, all of us burn something once in a while and that's reason enough for me to want to own a fan.

I really like commercial looking ranges. Is there any benefit to this other than the look?

There are many benefits to commercial looking ranges, if they fit your lifestyle. Larger sizes, up to 48"
wide, are available. They could come with up to eight burners, or six burners with a grill or griddle or four burners with a grill and griddle. The burner output is usually 15,000 BTU, which is much more than a standard burner. The one thing that most people considering commercial cooking overlook is commercial ventilation, which requires more powerful ventilation and can require ductwork as large as 10" round which can sometimes by difficult to install.

Fixtures

Why do fixtures range so much in price? A faucet's a faucet.

The price of a fixture depends on a great deal of options. The type and quality of the valve; the variety of finishes; the quality of the finish; as well as the length of the warranty. Better faucets will have ceramic cartridges and be made of solid brass. The most costly units will have outstanding design and be available in such exotic finishes as antique or polished copper; stainless steel, etc.

Cabinetry

What are the most popular cabinet woods and finishes?

For the past year, the good old standby oak has fallen into second place with consumers. At the top of the list is maple. The grain is much finer and the finished product has the appearance of fine furniture. The natural color or a pale stain is most poplar but this wood lends itself well to painted or glazed finishes. Cream, bisque, mossy greens and blues are the most prominent colors used by designers. Trendy finishes and color tend to vary from one geographic location to the other. What might be very popular and quite suitable in Florida or the South West might look very much out of place in the North East.

Designers

We were are going to be using an interior designer to come in after our bathroom is done. Should this person be involved from the beginning?

If an interior designer is going to be involved at any time in the project, it is a good idea to involve them early. Their input into the selections you make in cabinets, counters and other materials may greatly affect the final outcome of your project. Interior designers often times offer different skills and expertise than your kitchen or bath planner. However, when those skills are combined, the final result can be awesome.

Can I expect/require my designer to be on the job constantly to supervise my project?

Your designer will be working with a number of clients at the same time and no one client can expect to have a designers undivided attention. Your designer should have made the appropriate arrangements with your installer to be sure they have the information they need to complete the job. This would include appropriate drawings and technical information. The amount of supervision may depend upon the contract, you have with the designer and installer. Your designer should always be available to you and your installer when needed and should follow the progress of your job.

I saw a designer listed in a magazine. How do I contact this person?

There are many ways that professional designers are listed in various consumer publications. Many
times they are part of a co-op with an appliance manufacturer. Often times an ad is placed using the
designers name and the manufacturers brand name as well. Check the advertisement carefully for a
number to call. If you saw the designer listed in a story there is often a resources area in the back of the magazine which will not only tell you the name of the designer, address and phone number, but also may list many of the products used in that particular project. If the magazine has not listed the name and phone number of the designer you may need to contact the magazine directly. When calling the magazine it is important that you have your information ready. Have the full and proper name of the magazine (often times publications have magazines that have similar names), the article and pages that you saw the designer and your specific questions ready. This will make the interaction between you the consumer and the magazine easier.

How do I know if my designer or installer is trustworthy or competent?

Referrals and credentials - if the person wasn't referred to you, check their references. If they have
attained certification in their field and/or have earned awards, the recognition helps assure that you are
dealing with a professional.

Design/Trends

We were are going to be using an interior designer to come in after our bathroom is done. Should this person be involved from the beginning?

If an interior designer is going to be involved at any time in the project, it is a good idea to involve them early. Their input into the selections you make in cabinets, counters and other materials may greatly affect the final outcome of your project. Interior designers often times offer different skills and expertise than your kitchen or bath planner. However, when those skills are combined, the final result can be awesome.

Can I expect/require my designer to be on the job constantly to supervise my project?

Your designer will be working with a number of clients at the same time and no one client can expect to have a designers undivided attention. Your designer should have made the appropriate arrangements with your installer to be sure they have the information they need to complete the job. This would include appropriate drawings and technical information. The amount of supervision may depend upon the contract, you have with the designer and installer. Your designer should always be available to you and your installer when needed and should follow the progress of your job.

I saw a designer listed in a magazine. How do I contact this person?

There are many ways that professional designers are listed in various consumer publications. Many
times they are part of a co-op with an appliance manufacturer. Often times an ad is placed using the
designers name and the manufacturers brand name as well. Check the advertisement carefully for a
number to call. If you saw the designer listed in a story there is often a resources area in the back of the magazine which will not only tell you the name of the designer, address and phone number, but also may list many of the products used in that particular project. If the magazine has not listed the name and phone number of the designer you may need to contact the magazine directly. When calling the magazine it is important that you have your information ready. Have the full and proper name of the magazine (often times publications have magazines that have similar names), the article and pages that you saw the designer and your specific questions ready. This will make the interaction between you the consumer and the magazine easier.

How do I know if my designer or installer is trustworthy or competent?

Referrals and credentials - if the person wasn't referred to you, check their references. If they have
attained certification in their field and/or have earned awards, the recognition helps assure that you are
dealing with a professional.

Overall/Misc.

Will the designer or installer give me a trade-in on my old cabinets/ appliances/fixtures?

It is not likely. There are useful second lives available for many things. Cabinets and tops can make great work/storage areas in basements or garages. Some people look in the classifieds for used kitchens for apartments or cabins. Some areas have non-profit companies that will pick up usable items for use in rehabilitation projects for people with limited resources.

My family will be attending a consumer home show next month.
How can we make the best of it?

Home shows are a terrific way to view many of the products required for either a new home or a
renovation project. Everything you need is usually available under one roof. The secret to getting the
most out of the show is to plan your visit before you leave the house. Most home show producers
publish a floor plan and an exhibitor list in local papers the week before the show. Look at the exhibitor list and circle the firms and products that you want to check out. Next, go over the plan and highlight these firms so that you can map out a course. This might sound crazy, but believe me, there are so many distractions at home shows that can eat up your time and energy that you can find yourself going home without seeing half of what you came for! If possible, get a sitter for the youngsters so that you won't have to divide your attention. Wear a pair of comfortable shoes and don't leave the house hungry.

It is easy to pick up pamphlets and business cards with important information but it is hard to remember what belonged to who after you get all the stuff home. A small notebook is handy to jot down product information, appointments you make and comments about the people you meet. Copies of your floor plan can be helpful in some instances when discussing ideas with the suppliers. If you are looking for something for an existing space, take accurate measurements with you.

Always ask for references and look for signs of membership in national or local building related
organizations. Beware of companies who put undo pressure on you to buy during a show, don't follow up after the show or who don't show up for an appointment.

Is there a time of year that is best to begin remodeling?

There is never a "good time" for someone to come into your home and totally disrupt your life. Spring
and fall were traditionally the better times, but with the economy as good as it is now, schedule a project so that it will disrupt you as little as possible and also make sure that you select a reputable firm that will complete the project in a reasonable amount of time.

I don't want to remodel my kitchen, but would like to add nice features, such as a pull out cutting board, towel holder, upright cookie sheet holder and rollout shelves.
Will this cost a lot of money to accommodate my kitchen?

After-market interior fittings and accessories are available in a huge range of prices from a variety of
companies, to be installed by a professional or by you. Two of the larger companies that offer these
products are Hafele and Rev-a-Shelf, sometimes available through home centers, and always through
kitchen designers.

I find the whole process of remodeling quite overwhelming. Where should I start?

NKBA understands that the remodeling process can be quite overwhelming and confusing. Here are
some tips that we hope you find helpful. Start with an idea: The first step in planning a new kitchen or bathroom is one that you may have already taken - probably because it's such a natural place to begin. Build an idea file. This is nothing more than a collection of things that appeal to you. Look through magazines and tear out photos of rooms, products and floor plans that catch your eye. Collect fabric, wall covering and surface samples. And don't limit yourself to what you think you can afford at this point. The purpose of your idea file is to help you create a context, a look and feel that best reflects your personal tastes, and which will act as a stimulus and constant reference point for your plan.

Look closely at the space: Start to look closely at how you and your family use the kitchen and
bathrooms. Note traffic patterns and how accessible the important features are to all family members.
Question everything; don't overlook the obvious.

Map out the terrain: As you make your observations, it also helps to map out your routine on paper. The best way to evaluate the functionality of a space is to give yourself a clear picture of what works - and what doesn't work. As you do this, be sure to note all obstacles that now keep your current kitchen or bathroom from meeting your needs.

Set a budget: You've seen what you like. Now you're getting a sense of how the things you like coincide with how you actually use the space. The next logical step is to look at what all this will cost you. Money is always an object, so this is a good time to determine just how much you want to invest in your kitchen or bathroom.

What is a design fee and how much is average?

A design fee is compensation to the designer for advice, consultation, ideas or development of a kitchen or bath design or space planning. The fee varies but can be expected to be in the $70-$95 per hour range. Some may apply all or part of the fee towards the total cost of the project.

Why do some companies charge a design fee and others don't?

Most firms that charge a design fee do so because they have the credentials. Kitchen designers work for years to earn their accreditation as a CKD (Certified Kitchen Designer) just as a dentist or lawyer does. Many of the firms that do charge a fee do so to protect their time as well. Good design firms are in great demand and people tend to take advantage of those talents if they are not charged. Many firms do not charge either due to a lack of expertise or simply because they choose not to. One could not safely say that you will always get a better design if you pay for it, however logic dictates that if you are paying for this service you will get more of the designers time. One company looks at design fees this way: "Here at XYZ Kitchens everyone pays their own way. You won't end up paying us additional to make up for the time we spent with other clients or consumers that did not buy from us. We feel every company knows the value of their own services and therefore, we charge."

What are the initials I see after a kitchen or bathroom designer's name?
What do they stand for and how do I know they are true professionals?

There are three sets of initials that the National Kitchen & Bath Association uses as proof of
certification, CKD (certified kitchen designer), CBD (certified bathroom designer) and CKBI (certified kitchen and bathroom installer). CKDs/CBDs/CKBIs are trained to help you achieve what you really want in your new area. The plans you see, the options described, and the products recommended by CKDs/CBDS/CKBIs will reflect your individual needs and style.

The title CKD and CBD is a certification administered by the National Kitchen & Bath Association
(NKBA). It takes years of training and expertise to earn those coveted initials. Requirements go far
beyond the demonstration of space planning ability and design talent. A successful design also equires thorough knowledge of construction, plumbing, mechanical and electrical systems. It requires the ability to write specifications and draw plans that plumbers, electricians and cabinet installers can interpret. It means being familiar with local building codes, safety and environmental regulations, not to mention all those new products - everything from high-tech shower systems to cabinet finishes to door knobs.

The CKD/CBD exam is a full-day test including written questions and a design problem. Individuals must have at least seven years of experience in the planning and execution of residential kitchen or bathroom design or the equivalent in experience and education, as well as submit affidavits from fellow professionals and letters of reference from past clients.

Individuals who have passed the CKD/CBD exam must also continue to polish their professional skills. CKD/CBDs are required to participate in an Ongoing Professional Development program, whereby they earn continuing education credits by attending educational programs, seminars and conferences. CKDs/CBDs must keep up with changing technologies and products.

Our 16-year-old daughter spends a long time in the shower and the steam has damaged the paint and walls. What's this thing called wonderboard?

Wonderboard is what is technically referred to as "cementitious backerunit," or more commonly as
cement board. Although not waterproof, it is highly water-resistant and is frequently used with a
waterproof membrane for tile installations. It is not typically used for painted surfaces. Another option
for the wall areas outside the shower is greenboard which is somewhat more resistant to water than
standard wallboard and is a good choice for painting. In truth, much of the problem of the steam build-up in your bathroom might be alleviated with proper (increased) ventilation.

Surfaces

What are the benefits of having a solid surface countertop verses a laminate countertop?
I would like solid surface, but I hear it's expensive?

Everything is relative. Solid surface is not an expensive product when viewed as a lifetime material. Solid surface will never need to be replaced and since it is repairable one need not worry about having to replace it due to damage (except in the most extreme cases). Even more importantly, solid surface allows you the ability to attach a solid surface sink below the counter surface eliminating the raised up sink edge which has always been a source of aggravation to homemakers since it can collect so much garbage. Solid surfaces' biggest strength may also be its greatest weakness - a lifetime material. Many consumers don't want a product to last a lifetime. We all get tired of things eventually and if we have paid a great deal for a product and then tire of it, we are unlikely to want to replace it. Some consumers prefer plastic laminate countertops since they can change them every so many years and not tire of the pattern. The selection of solid surface or laminate is a very personal one. One last thought. When you go to sell your home and can say you have "solid surface" countertops in your home, it adds value and prestige to your home.

I like the look of tile, but I'm afraid that the grout will be hard to maintain and clean.
Any advice?

Grout is porous, thereby giving it the ability to absorb liquids, including those with the ability to leave
behind a residue stain. Darker grout colors can help to make staining less noticeable. All grout needs to be sealed before use -this helps, but will not prevent staining. Epoxy grouts are available that are more impervious to absorption but they are more difficult to apply and more expensive.

Universal Design

What are the benefits of having a solid surface countertop verses a laminate countertop?
I would like solid surface, but I hear it's expensive?

Everything is relative. Solid surface is not an expensive product when viewed as a lifetime material. Solid
surface will never need to be replaced and since it is repairable one need not worry about having to replace it due to damage (except in the most extreme cases). Even more importantly, solid surface allows
you the ability to attach a solid surface sink below the counter surface eliminating the raised up sink edge which has always been a source of aggravation to homemakers since it can collect so much garbage. Solid surfaces' biggest strength may also be its greatest weakness - a lifetime material. Many consumers don't want a product to last a lifetime. We all get tired of things eventually and if we have paid a great deal for a product and then tire of it, we are unlikely to want to replace it. Some consumers prefer plastic laminate countertops since they can change them every so many years and not tire of the pattern. The selection of solid surface or laminate is a very personal one. One last thought. When you go to sell your home and can say you have "solid surface" countertops in your home, it adds value and prestige to your home.

I like the look of tile, but I'm afraid that the grout will be hard to maintain and clean.
Any advice?

Grout is porous, thereby giving it the ability to absorb liquids, including those with the ability to leave
behind a residue stain. Darker grout colors can help to make staining less noticeable. All grout needs to
be sealed before use -this helps, but will not prevent staining. Epoxy grouts are available that are more
impervious to absorption but they are more difficult to apply and more expensive.