Custom Remodeling Remodeling your kitchen or bathroom involves more details and planning than any other room of your home. Our planning and design work is precise, with wall and cabinetry measurements to the quarter inch, and esthetically perfected in any style that you like. Smaller or unusually-shaped kitchens and baths, typical in New York City, may require customizations to make the best use of your available space. Large, luxury kitchens also require the most careful designing to make them as functional and esthetically rewarding as possible. A thorough knowledge of materials and their applications, coupled with skilled installation techniques, is essential to carry out a fine design and assure the durability that you deserve in your renovation. It is our policy to provide every client with extensive guidance and design services. We prefer to spend as much time up front as needed to assure you the highest level results. As a guide, here is a typical renovation description encompassing kitchen and bathroom remodeling. As you can see, there are many required steps, regardless of the size of your kitchen or bathroom. Renovation Planning and Preparation Plan and design the entire renovation with client Determine a schedule for starting and completion, allowing sufficient time for delivery of custom products Develop or obtain specifications for all significant installation items Obtain the building's Alteration Agreement to review and comply with rules Provide insurances, licenses, plans, specifications, and other documentation as may be required by the co-op or condo building's management Verify that all items for installation have been ordered or are scheduled Starting Work Install dust barriers to protect furniture and other rooms; use Masonite for floor protection, and seal off the work areas with plastic partitions Perform all demolition, including cutting though existing walls for layout changes Remove debris and dispose off-premises Inspect for any leaks or damage behind walls, tiled areas, floors, etc. Frame the new walls, partitions, closets, etc. Perform plumbing rough-in work: may include hot and cold water lines, drains, replacement of shut-off valves, gas meter relocation, and plumbing terminations for gas and water lines. In the bathroom, install the shower body and bath tub Perform electrical rough-in work: may include dedicated power for new appliances (your microwave, dish washer, electric oven, washer/dryer, or air conditioner all require dedicated lines), lighting inside and under cabinetry, new outlets, light fixtures and switches, wiring for audio/video, computer and communications, etc. Complete building walls; tape seams and plaster to make joints seamless Re-level floors, walls, and ceilings for cabinetry, vanities, tiling, wood floor installation etc. Skim-coat walls and ceiling as needed, sand surfaces to a smooth finish Prime walls and ceiling using oil-based or acrylic-based primer Install new flooring Install new baseboard moldings Complete tiling Complete doorway framing and interior window frames Install new doors, door moldings and hardware Install crown-molding, millwork, trim work Install cabinetry and millwork per plan including paneling, kitchen cabinets and vanities, entertainment centers, work stations, built-ins in other rooms, and other furniture Install appliances Make templates for fabrication of counter and vanity tops with matching backsplashes Install sinks, faucets, dishwasher, and ice-maker Install all light fixtures Complete all water, gas, and electric connections including outlets, TV, computer, and other Floor protection and complete painting Apply faux finish, wallpaper, or other special finishes Walk-though with client for final inspection; create a punch-list of touch-up details Finish punch-list items Keep the following points in mind during a renovation: • The final finish items will affect the way the rough plumbing and electrical work must be done • Walls cannot be closed until the inspection is performed • Projects cannot be rushed and come out correctly • Changes, deletions, additions, client approval and any missing specifications or items will cause delays in the job completion date • Contractors do not look forward to changes and additions; they have schedules and other projects they want to move forward on • Job site meetings usually produce some modifications or changes • There will usually be some minor changes that may result in added costs