Kitchen Renovation Part Two

Progressing to the next phase of our client’s kitchen renovation brings in a more creative and exciting time where we will see all the possible concepts in plan and renderings.  We have already completed the programming, gathered all necessary information and requirements for the new space, established a budget and drafted the existing plans and elevations.  Before we can start planning out the new kitchen layout, we need to know what the appliance list will be so we can input all of the proper dimensions, electrical and plumbing requirements and the specifications.

Appliance Shopping

In some projects, we reuse some of our client’s existing appliances but there are always  items that are still needed. In this project, we are replacing everything except the dishwasher so we are adding a new panel ready fridge/freezer, range, hood, sink, microwave drawer and an undercounter wine fridge.  Doing the initial sourcing online is the easiest way to begin so you can get an idea of what looks and styles you are gravitating towards and you can start to collect some  general pricing to add to your budget.  Going to showrooms would be the next step so you can physically see them, look inside and speak with the sales reps that are fully knowledgeable in this area.  Once all of the appliances are selected, we can then input those specifications into the drawings and have accurate dimensions for space planning.

Shopping for Kitchen Appliances

Shopping For Appliances

Finishes and Materials

I love when clients send me inspiration images that they collect from social media, magazines, Pinterest boards, etc. These are so helpful because I can find some common details throughout the images. This is a great way to discover what materials you are most responsive to and this exercise can also help you to figure out the looks you really don’t like.  Once I have a direction, I’ll start to add these materials to the 3D renderings so my client can get a better visual and approve the look.  I’ll then collect samples and finishes of all of the materials so we can see them together and get a feel for the big picture.  Going through Kitchen showrooms to see cabinets, tile and stone showrooms and lighting stores are extremely helpful for both visual aids and to obtain more accurate numbers for our budget. We decided to go with the slab on the left from Cava Surfaces.  It’s a quartz called Traviata and we are using it for our countertops, backsplash and then book matched on our 13 foot island!

Matchbook Quartz

RCP (Reflected Ceiling Plan)

The Reflected Ceiling Plan is a plan drawn over the millwork / floor plan to scale and it shows where all of the lights, vents, bulkheads are located.  This will also include the ceiling height and what the material of the ceiling is. This is great to see how many lights are being proposed for the ceiling and the dimensions, along with any pendants or chandeliers over islands or kitchen tables. I will also include the switching plan on this drawing so you can see what switches operate which light fixtures.

Elevations and Concepts

The Elevation drawings are 2 Dimensional drawings of all the walls, or the millwork for a kitchen.  These are essential for us to really add the detail for the millwork, space out and label all the doors and drawers, appliances, backsplash, heights of everything right down to the locations of the cabinet hardware.  These are the drawings that take more time but they are so important and they really give you a true feel for how your new kitchen space will work for you.  I like to show these in CAD for the contractor and millwork shops and to also show them as a 2D renderings for my clients since they show more of the materials and how everything will look together.

Elevation Drawing of Kitchen

Elevation Drawing of Island

Concept Design for Kitchen

Drawing Packages sent to Contractors

Once all of the Plans, Elevations, 3D renderings and wish list for materials are completed, I’ll send this package out to contractors to be quoted.  I’ll always send to more than one contractor that I have worked with in the past and have had a great experience with. The bidding process can take 2-3 weeks with questions back and forth and some sight visits to see the existing space and to meet my clients. Then I’ll present the contractors numbers to my clients and help them with selecting the right contractor for their project.  A kitchen renovation can last a few months so it’s important that everyone clicks.  The contractor and the trades will be in your home alot!  Many times, clients choose to live at home during a kitchen reno and will simply BBQ, make a temporary kitchen in the laundry room or order in/eat out tons. So, you really want to make sure that your personalities are in tune with one another 🙂

Next Steps that we will discuss in a Future Post

• Awarding the Contractor and going over schedule and shop drawing approvals.
• Fine tuning all materials, details, appliances and fixtures.
• The “messy middle” of a reno.
• Completion and walk through addressing any deficiencies.

Stay Tuned!