Remodeling Contractor

Individual or firm licensed, bonded and insured to engage in Home Remodeling including Room Additions, Second Stories, Custom Kitchen and Major Renovations.

Sub-Contractor

Individual or firm licensed, bonded and insured to engage in specialty trades i.e. concrete, framing, plumbing, electrical etc.

Home Improvement Agreement

Also know as a contract between a homeowner and licensed contractor.

Scope of Work or Specifications Document

A document that describes the work to be performed including labor, materials and compensation.

Notice of cancellation

Also know as recission notice.  Gives the property owner 3 business days to cancel the home improvement contract after signing. 

Conceptual Plans or Design Drawings

Floor plans, elevations, and sometimes perspectives reflecting the work to be completed.

Working Drawings

Also know as Construction Documents.  Blueprints including structural engineering, Title 24 Energy calculations, framing details, electrical plans that are submitted to the City for permit.

Change Order

Document authorizing change to the contract, plans, specifications.  A change order can increase, decrease or have no affect on the contract price.

For more information, visit www.murraylampert.com

What is the difference between true European cabinets and traditional American face frame style?  With European cabinets, the doors/drawer fronts are flush fully overlayed and there are no frames or styles. Here is an example:

The advantage of European cabinets is you get more usable space by having open insides without frames or styles.  Not only does this make the openings bigger, the volume of space inside is greater.

European style cabinets can be wood, laminate or thermo wrapped.  The choices of doors, wood species and cabinet accessories are unlimited.

For more information plesse visit: http://www.murraylampert.com/services/kitchen_remodel.php

Custom Cherry Wood Kitchen with Granite Counters

Do you have an outdated kitchen, or does the layout not fit your needs?  Custom kitchen remodeling will give you a funcitonal new look by replacing cabinets, counters, appliances, fixtures and finishes. 

Hire a qualified General Contractor who will consult with you and create a design/space plan that meets your needs.  Eliminate the guess work by insisting on a design, specifications and complete quote including finishes, fixtures etc.  You should not be obligated to pay upfront design or retainer fees for this service.  

Most kitchen remodeling requires multiple trades such as framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, drywall and stucco.  Often there are modifications to structural walls or window and door changes.  A General Contractor is licensed to handle all the trades required for home remodeling.  Cabinet companies can either be unqualified, undertaking work without permits and inspections, or do not have the resources of trades a  General Contractor employs.

With a licensed General Contractor , all the workmanship is warranteed by one firm and all work is permitted and inspected.  Not only is important for your own safety, it protects your investment should you ever sell your home.

For more information, check out:

  http://www.kitchenguild.com/index.php?option=com_myblog&task=tag&category=general+contractor&Itemid=0

If you are looking for a contemporary finish that you don’t see all the time, concrete may be a good choice.

Pros
Unlimited colors and textures available.  Very durable.  Low maintenance.

Cons
Can be pricey.  Possible cracking.  Industrial look.  Porous, but can be sealed.

Summary
For a contemporary look that is pretty much maintenance free, concrete is a good choice.

Because natural marble is pricey and requires constant maintenance, it is not frequently used for kitchen counters other than accent areas.

Pros
Unlimited colors and textures.

Cons
Very expensive.  Requires regular maintenance.  Scratches easily and shows water rings.

Summary
Using marble for accent areas or backsplashes is a great way to enhance granite or other materials.  Not practical for all kitchen surfaces.