Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does "design/build" mean?

It means we provide all of the services necessary to both design and build your entire project.  We have our own employees and trusted subcontractors that are professional, well-equipped, and highly experienced in handling every aspect of your unique project.  We have designers, installers, plumbers, tile setters, painters, and electricians.  Perhaps even more importantly, we have project management down to a science.  Managing projects like yours is our specialty and what we do every day.

In addition to being a design/build general contractor, we are kitchen and bath experts.  This means you get the benefit of our decades of design experience and creative style “under the same roof” as the contractor who will do the work.  This saves you time, stress, and added costs that often occur when “design” and “build” are done by separate contractors or businesses.  

Two main benefits of working with a design/build contractor are 1) the stress you miss out on and 2) the time you save.  Managing a remodeling project can feel like a full time job… because it is!  Hiring different subcontractors for each portion of your project can be enough to send the sanest of homeowners to the psychiatrist’s office.  Because we manage your entire project, we are also solely responsible for it.  When hiring different subcontractors for particular parts of your project, homeowners often find themselves in the middle of a subcontractor “blame game” if a problem arises.  When you work with us, we take full responsibility for the entire project from the design concept to project completion.  In the event of a problem, we are fully responsible to resolve it.  You will never be caught in a fight between a designer and a subcontractor or stuck trying to hold a contractor accountable for unsatisfactory work.

2. How long will the process of remodeling my kitchen or bathroom take?

Definitely longer than a TV episode!  The time frame for your project will be determined by 3 important factors:  the size and scope of your project, your product choices, and the pace you want the planning process to go. 

On average, we see the following timeline and stages: 
- 1 month to plan your project (determine layout and products)
- 1 month to get the materials here (order products and wait for them to arrive)
- 1-2 months to complete the project (construction, installation, final walk-through)

Of course, these are averages, and they can vary at each stage.  That said, the greatest variation tends to be in the Planning Stage where customers work to determine their budget, who to have do the work, the size and scope of the project, their style and color preferences, layout and design options, and product choices.  The Planning Stage can take anywhere from a several hours to many months depending on your situation, personality, and how sure you are of what you want. 

3. How long does it take for cabinets to come in?

It takes 4 to 8 weeks for cabinets to arrive after they have been ordered.  In order to ensure the best quality and fit, we almost exclusively use custom-built, made-to-order cabinets.

4. How do I measure my kitchen or bathroom?

To start, don’t worry too much about measuring your kitchen or bathroom perfectly – unless you are the only designer you’ll be using.  Any professional designer, remodeler, or contractor will expect to measure your space for him or herself.  That said, measuring the space can be a great way for you to get an idea of what you have to work with and can make it easier for contractors to give you a “ballpark” estimate for your project. 

 1) Use graph paper for your final sketch.  
2) Start measuring from a corner. 
3) Don’t worry about existing cabinets, appliances, or fixtures. Pretend your room is completely bare.
4) When measuring doors and windows, measure from the outside edge of the trim or molding (if any) that goes around it. 
5) Continue measuring around the room. 
6) Measure from the center of your sink.  This helps determine the location of your plumbing.

For Kitchens…
7) Measure from the center of your range.  This helps determine the location of your electrical. 
8) Measure the width, height, and depth of your refrigerator.

For Bathrooms…
8) Measure the width, height, and depth of your bathtub.
9) Indicate on your drawing where your toilet is located.
10) Draw rough sketch of room on graph paper, including measurements for everything listed above.

5. Will I need building permits for my remodeling project?

Building permits are needed for all but the simplest of home improvements (examples: replacing carpet, painting the interior or exterior, replacing a ceiling fan, etc.).  Plumbing and electrical permits are needed for even simple changes in these areas (replace a hot water heater, installing a dishwasher, relocating plumbing, etc.).  You will almost certainly need permits and inspections for building, plumbing, or electrical work.  When working with Kitchen & Bath ReStylers, we handle the entire process of submitting plans, getting permits, as well as scheduling inspections and working with inspectors.  Unless acting as your own general contractor, it is almost always a good idea to have the company doing the work get the appropriate permits.  Whoever is responsible for the permits is also responsible for everything that goes along with them (plans, forms, submittals, scheduling, inspections, performance requirements, and liability issues).  Kitchen & Bath ReStylers always handles the permitting process if we are responsible for your project.