Kitchen remodeling is an exciting process, but it can also be overwhelming. To start, you’ll want to begin with new kitchen cabinets and countertops as this upgrade offers the biggest transformation for your space and dictates the flow of the room. The various cabinet options you have to choose from can often make this stage in the process a stressful one for homeowners and contractors trying to find the perfect balance of functionality and aesthetics, but our cabinet experts at Doug Ashy are here to get you through it.
There are a few things you need to know and do before shopping for new kitchen cabinets, so we’ve created a guide to help define your expectations, prioritize your preferences and establish the limits of your project scope.
Information to Gather Before you Buy
Measurements
Basic measurements of your kitchen space are the main thing you need to get started on before browsing and brainstorming ideas as it will provide you with more detailed information upfront on the cabinet options you have to work with. However, the Doug Ashy staff will measure your kitchen on-site to provide an accurate quote, so you can rest assured your order accommodates the exact dimensions.
Important measurements include the basic dimensions of the room as well as heights for countertops and other features. You should also take measurements for all appliances, particularly the refrigerator, dishwasher and oven, and know the location of your current electrical, water and sewer connections.
Kitchen Layout
The first big "yes or no" decision that will affect your budget the most is whether you want to keep the existing layout of your kitchen and simply replace the cabinets or do an entirely new layout. If it’s the latter, you will need to determine if any utilities have to be moved to accommodate the new design and factor in the cost of hiring a contractor to carry out the work prior to your cabinet installation.
Total Project Budget
As with any major home renovation or development project, homeowners should make a ranked list of their goals—starting with essential features they can’t live without and working their way down to optional items they want. This will give you a better idea of how you can best utilize your budget to create the space you want while defining your financial limitations.
If you get stuck, think about your current cabinet setup and ask questions like: Is there anything my kitchen is missing? Is there anything I would change? Will I have different needs in the future than I do now? What design considerations should I account for to ensure my new cabinets complement the rest of my home's finishes?
Things to Consider
Equity
Before making any kitchen cabinet or countertop changes, it’s important to run home value comparisons for similar properties in your immediate area to determine if the investments you put into your kitchen will provide you with equity when or if you decide to sell. If the amount you put in drastically exceeds the top-dollar value you can get for your neighborhood, you may want to consider choosing lower-end finishes. The same can be said if you intend to rent out your property, as you will need to ensure your rental price is fair and justifies the spend.
Kitchen Cabinet Options
From high-end craftsmanship to budget-friendly contenders, there are several cabinet options you can choose from to fit just about any budget. Once you determine how much of your renovation budget you can allocate toward the kitchen remodel, our Doug Ashy team can help you select the perfect products to fit your design needs. Below we’ve included our top picks broken down by price points from manufacturers we trust.
Medallion Cabinetry - High-end
Shiloh Cabinetry - Mid-level
Merillat Cabinetry - Value pick
Kitchen Countertop Options
Much of your decision-making with kitchen countertops boils down to quality, price and maintenance preferences. Granite is a great choice for its resistance to scratches, stains and heat but it requires to be resealed every couple of years. Similarly, marble countertops require the same rigorous maintenance. Unlike granite, marble has porous properties which make the natural stone very susceptible to stains, however, its luxurious appearance and versatility make marble a popular option. Quite possibly the most durable and versatile stone of the three is quartz. It’s stain, chip and crack-resistant and is available in a larger range of colors and finishes to match any style. Here are our customer favorites by composition:
MSI Surfaces - Quartz, Marble and Granite
CAMBRIA - Quartz
Silestone - Quartz
Stop Waiting to Get the Cabinets You Want
Ready to kick your kitchen renovation off?
Visit the Doug Ashy Cabinet Design Center at our Johnston Street and Northshore locations for a free in-store cabinet design consultation and estimate where we’ll provide you with a computer-aided drawing to bring your vision to life!
From the on-site measurements to the final installation, our experts will help walk you through the process from start to finish.