Page 391 - 2018 National Home Improvement

2018 National Home Improvement Estimator, All Rights Reserved Page 313

Wood cabinets are stained to bring out the warmth of the wood grain and then sealed for moisture
protection. Install unfinished cabinets if your client wants to match existing woodwork in the home. But
be prepared to do a lot of sanding and hand rubbing to produce a finish equal to the best of stock
cabinets. Many cabinet vendors offer special custom glazes and layered finishes at extra cost – usually
about 10 percent more than standard stained cabinets.

Kitchen Remodeling Checklist
Cabinets – Soffits, countertops, size of back splash, accommodating a dishwasher?
Ceiling – Repaired, acoustic tile, suspended ceiling, drywall
Electrical – See the Kitchen Electrical Service Checklist for new outlets needed
Floor – Underlayment, vinyl tile, sheet vinyl, ceramic or clay tile
Heating and cooling – Ducts or radiators relocated
Doors – Change in location or swing. New trim
Plumbing – New venting, gas line relocated, change sink location, dishwasher
Structural changes – Partitions removed or moved
Wall repairs – Ceramic tile, paint, wallpaper, paneling
Windows – Relocated, increase or decrease in size. Storm windows
Ventilation – Kitchen exhaust hood, ducted or ductless

Kitchen Appliances
Most home improvement contractors avoid reselling kitchen appliances that only need to be plugged in.
Every homeowner knows where to get a good deal on a refrigerator. Instead of quoting prices, include a
cash allowance for appliances in the contract price. For example, your contract might include the
following language:

This agreement includes an allowance of $_________ for the following appliances:
____________________________ _______________________________________
Owner agrees to bear the cost of appliances that exceed this allowance. Contractor agrees to furnish
and install all gas, water, drain, vent and electrical lines required for operation of these appliances.
Contractor is not responsible for installation, service or maintenance of these appliances.

Built-in appliances, such as garbage disposers, cooktops and wall ovens are an exception to the rule on
appliances. These are fixtures, a part of the home itself, and should be included in your bid as a
courtesy to the owner. Be sure to specify in the contract the brand and model the customer chose so
that’s what you price.

You’ll never see an old kitchen with adequate electrical service. Upgrading the electrical service is a
prime reason for remodeling most kitchens. Consider the following checklist when planning extra runs
from the electrical service panel. Note that some building codes require as many as three ground-fault
receptacles in the kitchen. If you’re adding base cabinets, figure which electrical outlets have to be
moved.