Many homeowners wonder if they should hire an architect, designer, or contractor first when starting the kitchen remodeling process. Westphall Remodeling is a design and build remodeling company that works with homeowners to provide one contract and one unified flow of work from the initial concept to project completion. The design and build approach can help to simplify the entire process as well as save time by utilizing the alliance and relationship between the architect, designer, and contractor. However, in many cases, much of the initial concept or design work can be done upfront during the initial in-home visit by Westphall Remodeling for many projects.
Initial In-Home Visit
During your initial in-home visit, Westphall Remodeling will visit with you to help better understand your personal needs and goals. Normally, the owner will have a basic idea of what they want or the reason for the kitchen remodel. Westphall listens carefully and will often expand and add to those ideas to help generate an initial direction for the project. We often find that most or all of the basic kitchen design/layout can be accomplished during our initial visit. If, however, the scope of the project is more complicated or the owner needs a little more time to review a design, we will often advise moving forward with a more detailed design process that can involve an architect or designer as part of our team. If the project scope requires a more lengthy design process, we will offer an initial design proposal that will lead to a comprehensive project estimate and turnkey construction process.
Detailed Proposal
For the projects which are easily defined during our initial in-home visit, we will follow up with a lengthy detailed proposal that will include general cabinet descriptions for a Custom or Signature package along with material levels and allowances and a total contract amount.
Kitchen Design Selections
Once the owner hires Westphall Remodeling as their kitchen remodeling contractor, we will schedule meetings with our team members to review and select final project materials. Westphall and their team will work with owners to coordinate colors and styles to make their project unique to the owner's requirements as well as stylish and functional. Some of the main selections include a one-on-one with our cabinet designer, fixture supplier, and hard surfaces such as flooring, backsplash, and countertops. Other selections can include but are not limited to electrical fixtures and appliances.
Demo, Framing, Rough-In
The design and build process is a turnkey operation that also includes complete kitchen construction. Often the demolition, framing, and rough-in stage are scheduled to coordinate with the cabinet install date to eliminate any unneeded downtime. Once the cabinet manufacturing and install date is determined we are able to schedule a few weeks prior to this date to start construction. During this initial wait time, most or all of the other final selections can be made.
Finishing & Installation
Usually, once the demo, framing, and rough-in have been completed, we will begin drywall and paint. After the paint is complete we will install the flooring in final preparation for cabinet install. Upon cabinet install, countertops will be measured and fabricated for install. Backsplashes will be installed after countertops and will be followed by electrical/plumbing trim and appliances.
