FAQs

Q. What does a kitchen renovation cost?

A. The answer to this question depends on the size of your space, whether you plan to change the ‘footprint’ of your kitchen (meaning, will you change walls? impact the electrical and plumbing? etc.), and the quality and features of the products you select (for instance, cherry cabinets typically cost more than maple, and there are many paints, glazes, and cabinet door styles you can choose in addition to the wood you select.). However, a typical 10 foot by 15 foot ‘L-shape’ kitchen ranges anywhere from $3,500 (using our basic, quality stock cabinet line) to over $40,000 (using a full-custom cabinet line, high-end appliances, and special features and accessories—lots of ‘bells and whistles’). What you invest depends on your goals for the room and your home. What’s nice is, because of the product range available, you can get great-looking, quality renovation results for a wide scope of budgets.

Q. What role does a kitchen designer play in a remodel?

A. As you can probably imagine, every inch matters when putting together the puzzle of cabinets, appliances, etc. You have literally thousands of options for cabinetry styles when you take into consideration paints, glazes, stains, and door style details. There are also many options with countertops, appliances, hardware, etc. A kitchen designer has been professionally trained in products and layout/design strategy to help you maximize your space in terms of appearance and functionality. The kitchen designer collaborates with you to provide computer-aided design—a 3-dimensional layout created with software specialized for kitchen and bath design, which allows you to ‘see’ realistic-looking perspectives of your new room. He or she should visit your home to do an on-site measure and actually see your space. Product selection within your budget is another huge piece, and a good designer offers education about the pros and cons of what’s out there and how to help you get the best quality for your investment, and also, suit your personal style. In the case of Carole’s, the demo of your original space and installation is handled by your contractor, who is in communication with your designer as needed to ensure accurate installation. If you need a good contractor, we are happy to refer you to one of the many people who we have extensive history working with.

Q. What is the difference between granite and engineered stone?

A. Granite is a naturally occurring stone that is simply cut and polished, while engineered stone, also called quartz (sold under brand names Silestone, Cambria, Zodiaq, Caesarstone) is man-made (using 90-95% quartz, which is one of the hardest minerals on earth). Granite can look more natural and it is recommended that you seal it 1-2 times per year depending on the color. Engineered stone is typically more durable and more uniform in appearance and requires no maintenance. The cost for these products is quite comparable.

Q. Are some cabinets more eco-friendly than others?

A. Yes. Many cabinetry manufacturers are getting on board with the eco-friendly movement in their product design. As you shop, look for these elements in your cabinetry products:

Urea/Formaldehyde-free plywood or particleboard boxes (as well as particle board made from pre-consumer recycled wood fiber)

Material that has no VOCs (volatile organic compounds). For example, the manufacturer should use non-toxic water-based glues, adhesives, and finishes.

Wood that’s responsibly harvested solid wood from Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) Certified Forests. (Avoid endangered wood species, but if you like the aesthetics of exotic veneer, look for cabinet doors that duplicate that look by using an impregnated veneer or laminate.)

Made in the USA, or even better, made in the Northeast, for a smaller carbon footprint. (This results in less fuel used for transportation.)

Executive Cabinetry is one of the most ‘green’ cabinet lines on the market today, and it’s available at Carole Kitchen & Bath Design. Executive uses water-based stains and coatings, Formaldehyde-free adhesives, and the brand is certified by the FSC to ensure that raw materials come from forests that meet the social, economic, and ecological needs of present and future generations.

Q. I am shopping for replacement windows. What does the term “Low E’ mean?

A. Low Emissive. It’s a type of glass that reflects heat, not light, and therefore keeps spaces warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

Q. What Are the Current Trends in Wood Finishes?

A. When you browse for cabinetry, you will quickly find that there are many, many versions of one ‘color’ (never mind door styles, which are also incredible in number). For instance, within KraftMaid Cabinetry’s offerings (KraftMaid—known as a ‘semi-custom’ line—is the largest cabinetry manufacturer in the world), ‘white’ appears in many variations, such as; Biscotti, Canvas, Dove White, Vanilla Bean, and Irish Cream. And with full-custom lines/brands, such as Dura Supreme or Elmwood, there are even more options within the ‘white’ category. The family of painted white options continues to emerge in the furniture market as well. Deep color values such as Peppercorn and Kaffe are prevalent in all furniture categories also, from the bedroom to the dining room. It is a basic finish for both modern design and key traditional looks. Finishes such as Praline and Butter Rum Glaze provide a mid-tone value that is growing strong. Honey Spice holds strong as the leading finish for KraftMaid. Glazed finishes continue to be very popular; they provide a furniture appearance to a design and coordinate well when paired with other finishes. It helps to see many displays in person to get a sense of which color appeals to you, and to talk with a designer about how color will impact your particular space, given important factors such as room size and available natural light, etc.

Q. Will My Wood Cabinets’ Color Change Over Time?

A. A wood product is affected by environmental conditions that may alter appearance from what your cabinet looked like when it was new. Keep in mind:

As wood ages, the appearance of the finish may change or darken over time due to factors such as interior lighting, sunlight, and humidity. Of the most commonly selected wood species, cherry is the one most apt to have noticeable changes within the first year or two.

Finishes react to prolonged exposure to tobacco smoke, resulting in discoloration, which is especially noticeable on white and lighter finishes.

Ovens and ranges emit heat and steam during operation. To protect the finish of adjacent cabinets, you may opt to install heat shields. (In fact, on thermofoil cabinetry, heat shields are required by some manufacturers for the warranty.)

Showroom cabinetry samples, depending on age, room lighting and environmental factors, may look different from the new cabinetry installed in your home.

To ensure satisfaction with a finish color, ask your designer to borrow a door sample and take it home to look at in your space. Ask your professional designer to describe the intricate differences between their products and how to care for them long-term.

Q. Does Carole’s charge a separate fee for design?

A. No. We always create a first design based on your rough measurements of your space at no charge. This helps you get a sense of our professional design capability and the potential for your project. It also helps you get comfortable with Carole’s, your designer, and what we offer. If you decide to proceed with us, we charge a retainer fee, all of which goes toward your product purchase. We continue refining your design from there. (Your designer has the benefit of our entire team as a sounding board and for critique, with well more than 100 years’ worth of kitchen design expertise, as you perfect your customized design together.) Before we finalize a design, we come to your home to do a professional measure before we order your products.

Q. Do you have a Showroom?

A. YES! It’s the largest in the area with more than 50 kitchen displays and a separate In-Stock Vanity Center. We believe offering clients a great showroom helps them determine their likes and dislikes and get comfortable with the many, many product options. Come visit us! We are open Monday & Friday from 9-5 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9-8 p.m., and Saturday from 9-4 p.m. Drop in or make an appointment. (Note: Appointments are a great idea on Saturdays, when the showroom tends to be quite busy).

Q. Do you handle installation?

A. No. Carole Kitchen and Bath Design does not install. We collaborate with your builder/remodeling contractor as extensively as required to ensure a seamless project, and we pride ourselves in providing contractors with thorough and professionally-presented plans. We do have an extensive list of contractors/builders to whom we can refer you. They do not work for Carole’s, and we do not receive any referral commission from them.