6. Do you handle custom cabinets ?
Yes. The companies we work with carry many levels of custom cabinetry.
Some are what we call “semi-custom” companies. They will do quite a bit
of customizing, but not all. Other companies will build almost anything. We
use them to do special wood species, custom paint, custom sizes, custom
styles, …. anything. We have even duplicated another manufacturer’s
cabinet to expand a customer’s kitchen so they could keep their old
cabinets in a portion of their new kitchen.

7. How long is the average design project ?
Usually they last a month or more. The process requires lots of involvement
and decisions, so the customer is partly responsible for the length of time
required to complete the design. The process usually requires a number of
meetings, at least one or two trips to your home and then lots of time on the
drawing board making sketches and trying various layouts to see what
works best.

8. Do you have samples?
Yes. We have a showroom with numerous kitchen displays. In addition to
the kitchen cabinet displays we have many cabinet door samples on the
wall so customers can usually find what they are looking for. For large jobs
with extensive design input, we can order special samples just for your
project.

9. After the kitchen is finished, can we contact you if there are
problems?
We would hope you feel comfortable calling us for anything. Our cabinet
lines carry a factory warranty (five years or more) that we service directly. If
there is a problem with your cabinets, we come to your home to examine
the problem and work to resolve the problem to your satisfaction. For jobs
where we are also the contractor, we provide a one-year warranty for all our
remodeling work. Other products we use (appliances, counters, lighting,
etc. ) carry various types of warranties depending on the product. We
provide a “project close-out” package to our customers at the end
of the project with warranties, care and use information and other
information pertaining to their project. This packet tells you what to do for
warranty work and how to care for your new kitchen to make it last.
TOP

10. If there is a product that can’t be found locally, can you find it ?
Yes, however, if it is a product we are unfamiliar with, we may not be able
to recommend it for your project. Lots of new products come on the market
and are the “rage” for a while. Many are taken off the market after a short
time because of problems that were not found in the manufacturer’s
research and development. We like to use time tested products in our
remodeling projects to make sure our customers don’t have problems
down the road.

11. What if I want to do some of the work myself ?
We have worked that way before and are willing to look at any arrangement
to help your budget. However, the realities of this arrangement are that it
often costs more money to have the customer “help”. We know how to get
the job done quickly and efficiently. When a customer helps, it often takes
longer while we “wait” for the customer to do their part. Other potential
problems of liability can make this arrangement undesirable. Sometimes
the arrangement works, but not all the time.

12. Is there a licensing or bonding requirement?
To perform kitchen or bath remodeling, a contractor is required to have a
General Contractor’s License (a “BC” license). We have that type of
license and are authorized to perform most any type of general
construction. Other specialty trade licenses (“C” licenses) are for
subcontractors working under the direction of a General Contractor.

13. What is the most difficult part of designing a kitchen ?
The most difficult part is the first part - creating the general layout that
works and looks the best. The designer will most likely be working with
restrictions of the existing structure size, your remodeling budget, window
and plumbing locations, arrangement of adjacent rooms, NKBA guidelines,
etc. and still try to create a unique and exciting design that fulfills your
desires and dreams for your new kitchen . Sometimes there is only one
layout that works. Sometimes a number of layouts are found that meet all
the criteria and then the task is to work with you to narrow the choices and
meet your goals. Usually the final design is a combination of various
features from a number of different layouts. Once the final layout is
determined, the final finishes, styles and color choices can be
incorporated.
TOP

14. If I am building a new home, can you work with my contractor ?
Yes and we do that all the time. Sometimes the contractor buys the
cabinets and installs them. Sometimes the homeowner hires us directly to
design, furnish and install the products.

15. How do you charge for your services ?
If you come to our showroom with completed drawings and you know exactly what you want, our job is easy. All we have to do is provide cost proposals for the cabinetry, appliances, counters, etc. you choose and offer our product lines for your project. When you have no design or need help with your design, the process is more involved. We can meet with you in your home for a small fee or you can bring in some photos of the existing conditions and drawings of the existing layout if you have them. Then you tell us what you want us to do - such as design the new kitchen in the same location, design a new kitchen that expands into the adjacent family room, design a completely new kitchen / family / dining room with adjacent bathroom revisions and laundry expansion, etc. With an understanding of the scope of the project, we determine the design fee required. Fees generally range from $ 3,000 to $ 6,000, however, if you use us to do the remodeling work on your project and purchase the cabinetry and appliances from us, 50 % of the design fee is credited back toward the cost of the project. This arrangement works very well and many of our customers choose this option.

16. Can I get a firm estimate for the complete cost of remodeling ?
Yes, however, usually not at the beginning of the process unless you know
exactly what you want. If a customer comes to us with a complete design
and accurate drawings then we can provide a firm price fairly easily. When
we provide a cost proposal based on our design drawings or completed
design drawings provided by the customer, the price is fixed and won’t
change unless the customer makes changes to the scope of the project
along the way.

17. How can JohnCookKitchens save me time and money ?
We can save you time, because you won’t have to spend time running
around researching what products are on the market. We direct you and
help you make choices because we know what’s available, what products
are good and what to stay away from. We can help save you money by
avoiding the mistakes a laymen might make that could cost you more
money later.

18. If I provide a good sketch of my dream kitchen can you produce
a set of plans that will be up to building code specifications ?
Yes. However, we will always want to go to your home prior to completing
the plans to see the existing conditions and check measurements to be
sure our final drawings are accurate.

19. What are the main headaches I can avoid by hiring your firm ?
Hiring a professional saves time, money, frustrations, and makes the
completed project a beautiful addition to your home. Many of our
customers come in to our showroom feeling tense, and frustrated -- already
overwhelmed by the task of designing their new kitchen. We have actually
had people tell us they feel relieved after hiring us, even before the project
is complete, because they know they are in good hands and will be happy
with the finished project.
TOP

PREVIOUS FAQ PAGE