Sainted and Tainted

Our local newspaper runs a weekly column called “Sainted and Tainted” in which readers can submit praise or criticism of just about anything:  people, events, organizations, etc.  I look forward to reading about the Sainted people who anonymously pay for someone's restaurant meal, or who selflessly rescue a stranded motorist, giving them repairs or rides, etc.  The Tainteds are always interesting as well.  I wonder if they ever read the column and recognize their poor or foolish behavior, being able to see how it negatively impacted someone else (being a rude driver or stealing another person’s property).

I have decided to write my own spin on “Sainted and Tainted” as it relates to Kitchen Remodeling Projects.  Here’s the first list I want to share with you (I’m sure I will have more):

SAINTED – Our trade partners (plumbers, electricians, tile setters, cabinet installers, etc.) who every day go the extra mile for our clients.  They work at solving unexpected issues that arise, they work hard trying to manage multiple schedules and keep everyone happy, they try very hard not to let the uncrated dog or cat escape, and they always treat the clients, their  home, and their belongings with respect. All this, and high quality work, too!  Thanks, you guys!

TAINTED – HGTV, for setting up unrealistic expectations as to the real costs of quality products and skilled labor, and the realities of a kitchen remodel.  While allowing viewers to think they are being informed and educated, the channel’s main goal is actually ENTERTAINMENT.  They rarely, if ever, portray real projects in real time with real costs, although they lead the viewer to believe that’s what they are seeing. If I had a nickel for every time someone asked us to completely remodel their kitchen with all the upscale bells and whistles, AND stay within their $15,000 budget ................ But, as they say, “That’s Entertainment”!

                                     "GET ALL THIS IN 3 DAYS FOR ONLY $15,000!"

SAINTED – The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA, www.nkba.org) for over 50 years of informing us about what does and does not make a kitchen layout function well.  The NKBA has developed a full set of guidelines that every good kitchen designer can quote.  These guidelines address adequate walkway minimums, maximum distances between work centers, and minimum landing space requirements.  There are currently 31 guidelines (not rules) that promote good function. A pretty kitchen is wonderful but one that also functions well should be everyone’s main goal.  And the NKBA is the very best source for all things related to kitchen and bath projects.

                                     NKBA: 50 Years of Leadership Through Learning

Gee, this “Sainted and Tainted” business is kind of cathartic!  I get to  express my gratitude (sainted) and my frustrations (tainted).  Yes, I think I will need to resurrect my “Sainted and Tainted” list from time to time.  There are definitely many more additions to be made.

Where do I start??

This is my first time writing a blog and I'm really not sure where to start.  I have plenty to say, make no mistake about that.  But where do I begin?  What should I talk about first?  As this thought echoed in my head, I realized that this is a question I actually hear quite often --- from people who are interested in remodeling their kitchen, but have no idea how to begin.  "I have some ideas but I don't know where to start," is the most frequent comment from them.  Here's what I tell them:  Many people start by talking to their friends, relatives, coworkers, and acquaintances who have already gone through a remodeling project.  If you start there, politely listen to their comments, but also remember that their experience with one kitchen remodel (or even two, three, or four) does not make them an expert in kitchen design.  It does not take the place of formal training or years of daily experiences in the kitchen remodeling trade.  Listen to them.......and then call a professional.  Look for a company that has designers who are certified by the National Kitchen and Bath Association. This is your assurance that you will receive a good design with great functionality.  AND you will be working with someone who has passed the required training and exams.  AND you will know that this designer had to work successfully in the kitchen and bath industry for years before being recommended by his/her peers and endorsed by other professionals.  You can feel confident that, with their guidance, you will be well on your way to seeing your dream kitchen become a reality.  A kitchen remodel is usually a large investment in your home and because of this, it should be handled by experienced professionals (not "Chuck-in-a-Truck" who scribbles a design on a napkin. Sorry, Chuck.). There is much truth in the saying, "Jack of all trades, master of none." Sorry again, Chuck.  And Jack.

A kitchen designer trained by the NKBA will be a goldmine of information relating to every detail of your remodeling project.  They know about all the popular choices for sinks, faucets, cabinets, flooring, lighting, hardware, and backsplash tiles ----- but they will also tell you about the products you've never heard of and the latest style trends that the average consumer does not yet know about.  He/she may ask if you have started a folder of kitchen pictures cut from magazines. This can be a great tool for the designer as they try to determine the styles, colors, and materials that appeal to you.  Let your designer be the one to help you make decisions on wood specie, stain or paint colors, tile design, etc.  The choices and decisions are yours but the designer's input can be invaluable.

So basically, that's where you start:  by clipping photos from magazines and then calling a professional kitchen designer.  They will know where to guide you from that point on.  Just jump in with both feet ---- the same way that I just finished writing on my first blog topic!