Sign In

    A Guide to Understanding the Remodeling Process

    Last updated 3 days ago

    We know that the remodeling process can be quite overwhelming and confusing. From choosing a designer and selecting a style, to establishing and sticking to a budget, kitchen and bath projects can be daunting to any homeowner. Here are several tips from the National Kitchen and Bath Association to help simplify the process: 

    Look closely at the space. The first step is to decide what the main purpose of your remodel is. Are you looking to add extra space, upgrade the kitchen/bathroom, improve security, make changes for health reasons or just to improve your living space? Is there room to expand or redesign the existing floor plan? Get input from all members of your household to find out their wants and needs. Be sure to consider the short- and long-term implications of your renovation decisions.

    Map out the terrain. As you make your observations, write down your daily routine on paper. The best way to evaluate the functionality of a space is to create a clear picture of what works and what doesn't work. As you do this, be sure to note all obstacles that now keep your current kitchen or bathroom from meeting your needs. Start to look closely at how you and your family use the kitchen and bath. Note traffic patterns and how accessible the important features are to all family members. It is important to decide what you want to change most and what you can keep or update later. Question everything. Don't overlook the obvious.

    Start gathering ideas. Look through magazines and save photos of rooms, products and floor plans that catch your eye. Collect fabric, wall covering and surface samples. Visit design centers and manufacturer/supplier showrooms. Don't limit yourself to what you think you can afford at this point. Build an idea file of the things that appeal to you. The idea file will help you create a context, a look and feel that best reflects your personal tastes and will act as a stimulus and constant reference point for your plan.

    Set a budget. You've seen what you like. Now you're getting a sense of how the things you like coincide with how you actually use the space. The next logical step is to look at what this will cost. Money is always an object, so this is a good time to determine how much you want to invest in your kitchen or bathroom. What is the total amount you are willing to spend and how much can or are you willing to borrow? Establishing your priorities early will help decide where to spend the money.

    Are you looking to remodel your house to better reflect your lifestyle and organizational needs? If so, you should consider 1st Choice Cabinetry. At 1st Choice Cabinetry we carry a wide selection of quality custom, environmentally friendly cabinets and appliances that can suit any kitchen, bath, living or work space. From inspiration to complete installation, our kitchen design experts will be there to help you transform your house into a home. For more information about 1st Choice Cabinetry and our products and services, visit our website or give us a call at (919) 924-0325.

    Tips for Planning Your Kitchen Remodel

    Last updated 10 days ago

    Thinking about remodeling your kitchen or bathroom? Check out these money saving tips by clicking on the links below. 

    • Green cabinetry is at the forefront of the kitchen remodeling industry. Learn more about the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers’ Association’s Environmental Stewardship Program on this page.
    • There are a multitude of ways to save money on your kitchen remodel and This Old House provides some really helpful ideas.
    • Eco-friendly cabinets are a great way to reduce your impact on the environment. For more ways to make your kitchen greener, visit this website.
    • Don't want to pay a lot extra for custom colors on your cabinets? With Norcraft cabinetry you can get custom color to better reflect your style with only a modest price increase.

    Are you looking to remodel your house to better reflect your lifestyle and organizational needs? If so, you should consider 1st Choice Cabinetry. At 1st Choice Cabinetry we carry a wide selection of quality custom, environmentally friendly cabinets and appliances that can suit any kitchen, bath, living or work space. From inspiration to complete installation, our kitchen design experts will be there to help you transform your house into a home. For more information about 1st Choice Cabinetry and our products and services, visit our website or give us a call at (919) 924-0325.

    The Benefits of Choosing Green Cabinets

    Last updated 17 days ago

    Improving your home through remodeling or adding a new addition can come at quite an expense to the environment. There are ways around the issue, however, as more and more companies are focusing on green construction. One organization, the Kitchen Cabinets Manufacturers Association, has created a program whereby cabinet manufacturers can exhibit their adherence to green practices. The Environmental Stewardship Program lends its seal of approval only to businesses that demonstrate a commitment to sustainable building practices.

    Green cabinets are those made from wood purchased from sustainable forestry programs or from reclaimed or recycled materials. By purchasing green cabinets, you can feel satisfied that you are participating in the protection of the planet. Wood products are sustainable, biodegradable, and use less energy to create than plastic or metal. Building an eco-friendly home focused on sustainable practices of all kinds is one of the easiest and best ways to get involved in the environmental movement.

    Green cabinets come in every style and design, so you don’t have to sacrifice appearance for the sake of eco-friendly construction. As an added bonus, in some areas, companies with the ESP seal are able to use lumber that comes from local forestry programs, which cuts down on the energy use and pollution caused by transporting wood over long distances.

    Are you looking to remodel your house to better reflect your lifestyle and organizational needs? If so, you should consider 1st Choice Cabinetry. At 1st Choice Cabinetry we carry a wide selection of quality custom, environmentally friendly cabinets and appliances that can suit any kitchen, bath, living or work space. From inspiration to complete installation, our kitchen design experts will be there to help you transform your house into a home. For more information about 1st Choice Cabinetry and our products and services, visit our website or give us a call at (919) 924-0325.

    Customer Testimonial For 1st Choice Cabinetry - Raleigh

    Last updated 21 days ago

    I had another exceptional experience with you company – one that I could never have imagined happening in this day and age. 

    At the one year mark of completed renovation, we had a few very minor touch up items in our kitchen.  In addition, we had a good bit of caulk on our kitchen crown molding…..the result of an inexperienced painter sent to our house to do some caulking and touch up work.  Lastly, we had a seam above our hood that was a bit unsightly (I think due to the hood being installed lower than the plan called for and thus a small, extra board installed).   Knowing that the caulk on the molding would require special attention, I insisted that 1st Choice be engaged.  Our contractor engaged Jim and Matt to come over, both of whom seemed happy to address both the minor and the other larger issues (caulk and area above the hood).  Romero came out, did the minor touch-up items (and did a wonderful job), but felt like there was a better option for the hood than the materials he had.  I checked in with Jim at that point, who sent Dave to take a look.  Long story short, Dave not only successfully removed the caulk from the molding and recaulked where needed, but he has build a panel to match the drawer fronts and installed it over the hood for a very finished and beautiful end result. 

    It isn’t very often than companies go above and beyond.  In this case, it was more than that, given that the two major issues were not really your problems to solve.  Yet, your team presented solutions and took charge and provided a customer experience right out of the 1950’s. 

    I am so grateful for the expertise of your team and their willingness to help us.  We LOVE our new kitchen and bathrooms, LOVED each of our interactions with your teams, and are so very appreciative of this last interaction with 1st Choice.   I’m your company’s biggest fan and intend to share my experience with anyone who will listen.

    Many thanks,

    Melissa T. 

    Thank you for your kind words, Melissa! It has been our pleasure to work with you.

    For more information about 1st Choice Cabinetry and our products and services, visit our website or give us a call at (919) 924-0325.

    Citysearch Review for 1st Choice Cabinetry - Raleigh

    Last updated 23 days ago

    on Citysearch
    Exceptional customer service! Working with 1st Choice was truly amazing. From the design stage to the installation to the final touch-ups, they were totally focused on delivering the best product and service and at a very good price. They did our kitchen cabinets, two bathroom vanities, and built a gorgeous custom powder room vanity. I can say that... More
    M Tillman

    Thank you for your kind words! We are so glad that our services exceeded your expectations!

    For more information about 1st Choice Cabinetry and our products and services, visit our website or give us a call at (919) 924-0325.

Do you like 1st Choice Cabinetry?


  • Hours:

  • 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday
  • 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Tuesday
  • 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Wednesday
  • 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Thursday
  • 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Friday
  • 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM Saturday


Links

  • Recent Comments
    • Loading comments... Spinner
  • Popular Tags
    • Loading tags... Spinner