Frequently Asked Questions
Kitchen Design, Remodel & Installation Questions
How do I begin my kitchen remodel?
Assemble a file with your plans (if you have one), pictures and rough measurements of your current kitchen. Make an appointment with a professional designer. In your first consultation, the designer will discuss your design and color preferences, floor layout changes (if any), contracting work necessary, your timeline and budget. If you have pictures of kitchens you love, bring them too.
What decisions do I have to make for my new kitchen?
Decide if you are going to keep the same footprint or enlarge /change the kitchen layout.
Choose and order your appliances. The kitchen cannot be finalized until your appliances are chosen. Hampton Appliance in Garden City is an expert appliance partner.
Choose your cabinet brand, door /drawer style, material and color.
Discuss your lighting and plumbing requirements based on your plan.
Storage is very important so choose the organizers you need.
Approve the kitchen design. Cabinetry cannot be ordered until final drawings are signed.
Should I hire a firm that handles the entire project, or do I find different contractors/designers?
It makes your life easier if you hire a local firm that offers full-service design and remodel services. They will provide a professional design, cabinetry, remodel and installation from start to finish. They will help you choose your counters, backsplash, appliances, flooring, windows, doors, plumbing, hardware, electric, etc. A “one stop shop” with a contracting team will oversee every detail.
If you hire a separate designer and contractor, the designer will design the space, sell and deliver your cabinetry. They should perform a supportive role for you and your contractor throughout your project. Ensure your contractor doesn’t t corners.
Do I need a permit?
Hire a contractor that understands all the local codes and files for a permit if the work being done requires one.
What is the process to have my kitchen designed and installed?
After meeting with your designer, you will be presented with an initial kitchen design and budget. When you make the decision to hire us, we require a non-refundable retainer to continue the design process. The retainer is applied towards your kitchen cabinet order. At this point, our designer will visit your home and measure your kitchen space. The design process continues until you are happy with the final design. Once you approve the design, we require a 50% deposit towards the kitchen cabinet order. The designer will than place the order with the cabinet company you chose. If you require contracting work, our contracting division will visit your home, evaluate your needs and give you an estimate. We also install your cabinetry.
When should I choose my appliances?
You must choose your kitchen appliances before the kitchen design is completed. It is important to decide what sizes and configurations you want so the designer can design the kitchen space and cabinetry with the appliances in place. For example, do you want a 48” professional range or a cooktop and double wall ovens? Do you want a steam oven, microwave drawer? Do you want a 36” or 48” fridge? Built in or counter depth? Undercounter wine or beverage unit? There are many combinations and the decision will drive the design. Hampton Appliance is an expert appliance partner.
What other decisions do I have to make for my new kitchen?
Light fixtures, plumbing fixtures, flooring, backsplash, countertop, paint color, cabinetry hardware. The sooner you make these decisions, the better. Several items still have a leadtime.
Does the cabinetry brand matter? ?
You have so many choices of cabinetry. Quality, budget, style and warranty are important points to consider. You can choose luxury cabinetry such as Rutt Quality Cabinetry or Cesar Modern Italian Cabinetry. Top quality and fine finishes are the strengths of luxury cabinets. If you have a budget for mid-priced cabinets, there are many choices, in what is called semi-custom cabinets, to choose from like Cuisine Ideale - Made in Canada and Brighton, Made in America. For low budget brands, stock lines made overseas is the best bet. The finishes, construction and warranties are commensurate with cost.
How much will my kitchen cabinets, appliances, etc… cost?
It depends on your budget and desires. It is best if you have a budget in mind to start. Cost will vary from $10,000 to $150,000 for cabinets. If you choose exclusive luxury custom brands because you value the best quality, design and finishes, your budget will be much higher than other choices. Stock lines are for those with smaller budgets. Do you want to spend $15,000 or $100,000 on cabinets? Appliances - You can spend $8,000 on an appliance package or $60,000. Cabinet quality should be commensurate to your appliance budget/quality. Same goes for tile, flooring, counter-tops and fixtures. It is best not to place $50,000 of appliances in a low quality $10,000 cabinetry brand. Some of your choices may be more labor intensive. These are items to discuss with your designer.
How long will it take to remodel my kitchen?
The timeline begins after you approve and sign the drawings for your new kitchen design. Cabinetry is not ordered until you approve the design and place a deposit for the cabinets. The lead-time for custom cabinetry brands has been running 12-15 weeks. Semi-custom cabinets run 6-10 weeks. Stock lines are about a 2 week leadtime. If you need major or minor construction work, that will begin before the cabinetry arrives. Construction work can take between 1-8 weeks, depending on what you need done. Cabinetry installation is typically 1-2 weeks and depends on the size and complexity of your new kitchen.
What if I am working with an architect or interior designer?
Choose a kitchen designer that works well with your designer’s plans. A kitchen designer will customize the plan to fit with the cabinetry brand you choose. Partnering with your designer brings you a wonderful collaboration of professionals.
Does your contractor perform remodels other than kitchens?
Yes. Licensed contractors with a kitchen design showroom typically are full service design and build firms. Contractors can remodel your entire home, bathrooms, design and construct an extension - pretty much any remodel need you have.
KITCHEN & BATH SHOWROOM: 983 Northern Blvd, Manhasset, NY 11030. Phone 516-365-0595
Showroom Hours: Tuesdays - Fridays: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm and Saturdays: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm