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Remodeling Process
Phase One
– Budget
Artisan’s initial estimate process is free. An Artisan designer comes to your home and takes measurements, discussing your project with you.
Next is a trip to the design studio, located in the Fairview
area just outside of Asheville, where you will select the type of cabinetry, countertops and hardware that you like. Using your selections and a linear foot formula, Artisan will estimate your project cost. This will not be a bid, but an educated guess to establish a budget range, usually within 5-10% of the final cost estimate.
If that budget is agreeable to you, then you retain Artisan’s design services much as you would with an architect or interior designer. This retainer fee, which is equal to 5 percent of the estimated budget, will be applied 100 percent against the cost of the project if you purchase your cabinetry and countertops for this project from Artisan. After you have retained Artisan’s services, all designs that it creates are yours to keep and study. Many cabinet companies do not let you have any drawings until you have signed the final contract.
If the estimated budget does not meet your needs, Artisan
will then discuss with you alternate material selections or design alternatives that can help you reach your budget goals and still get the dream project you are looking for.
Phase Two – Design
During the design phase, Artisan will create your dream kitchen – working with the materials that you have selected, the ideas that you have collected and its own creativity to create a unique, one-of-a-kind project. The perfect design may come right away or it may take several revisions to get what you are looking for. Rest assured that Artisan’s designers will not stop until you are happy with your design.
Once the design has been settled upon, Artisan will cost out your project and give you a final estimate.
Phase Three – Production
If your design goals and your budget goals have been met, the next step is the production phase.
A project package will be prepared, consisting of floor plan and elevation drawings, finish and material selection sheets, as well as documents that spell out who bears responsibility for each phase of the project.
Artisan will then place orders for all of the components of your project and coordinate its talented team of installation subcontractors to install your project. Artisan uses only talented and professional craftsmen to complete your installation. A top quality design will only look as good as the quality of the installation.
Artisan can coordinate any or all of the other various subcontractors necessary to complete your project. Its team includes electricians, plumbers, carpenters, flooring specialists, painters,
etc. Artisan will also work with your favorite electrician or plumber if you already have one.
Phase Four –
Conclusion
Your kitchen design team will be involved in your
project until the end. At which time, your designer will
walk through your project with you to make sure that
Artisan has exceeded your expectations. Any adjustments
that are necessary will be handled promptly.
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Remodeling
Hints
Prior
to enjoying the pleasures of your new kitchen,
there is the remodeling construction. In order
to make it as easy as possible, we invite you to
take advantage of the great tips we’ve put
together for you.
In
the weeks before the work begins, keep a list of
all those restaurants you’ve been meaning to
try. When the microwave gets old, your list will
come in handy for a quick escape!
Before
the cabinets arrive – decide on a safe
enclosed area for the cabinets and appliances to
be delivered to. Usually the garage is a good
location.
Pack
up the kitchen (or bathroom) well before the
remodel. While it’s a great time to
"spring clean" your shelves, don’t
forget to label the storage boxes well. This
will make the unpacking process a lot easier and
a lot more fun! Items that are fragile should be
marked accordingly and stored in an area away
from the construction.
Plan
a location outside of the area where the
remodeling is being done to act as your temporary
kitchen.
Don’t
forget:
-
The
fridge!
-
You
maybe able to temporarily move everything
you need…except the kitchen sink! Consider
where your "water source" will be
in relation to your temporary kitchen.
-
Microwave
(and a freezer stocked with microwavable
meals!)
-
In
a fond farewell to your old kitchen, spend
some time in it, cooking. Make family
favorites and throw them in the freezer. We
promise you…you’ll thank yourself later!
-
Coffee
Maker (don’t forget to put the filters and
coffee close at hand too!)
-
Utility
utensils, such as: can opener, bottle/wine
opener, sharp knives, and microwavable
dishes
-
Toaster
-
Keep
the basics handy: butter, salt & pepper,
favorite spices
-
Dining
area/table
-
Tell
the kids you’re picnicking…use paper
plates & napkins as well as disposable
silverware.
-
Cleaning
supplies and dishtowels
If
it’s a bathroom remodel, pretend you’re
packing to go on a trip. Remember the hairdryer
and curling iron!
Don’t
forget about Fido & Kitty! If there isn’t
an area in your home to keep them safely away
from construction, especially during certain
phases - it maybe a perfect time to treat your
pet to a vacation at the kennel or a play date
at a friend’s home.
Decide
in advance where you’d like the installers to
store their tools.
Dust…there’s
just no way to avoid it! If there is a fish tank
or electrical equipment in close proximity to
the work – remember to keep them well covered!
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