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First, thanks to all who commented on my last post looking for kitchen update comments.
I'm still in the "getting estimates" stage. I'm about ready to give up, buy the cabinets from some BigBox and install them myself.
Saturday an "estimator" came from a company that I visited cold a couple weeks ago - drove in off the street on my way home from work and was impressed by the display of cabinetry and the sales/design person I spoke with.
Wrong.
The estimator (company owner) came to the house Saturday and sent the first 20 minutes talking about his father who at one time worked for the company I work for. Then he "explained" how they work for another 20 minutes and finalized the conversation by asking for a 10% down payment on his verbal estimate of what the entire job would cost - without giving me any specifics on cabinet grade, etc. The only thing missing was the x% discount if I sign now pitch I got from Sears remodeling.
I'm about over all this. I dread calling more remodeling companies and going through the same dance. This is worse than buying a car for less money spent. WWJD?
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As usual, the best bet is to find someone who has had a good experience, and get their guy to quote it for you.
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[quote cbelt3]As usual, the best bet is to find someone who has had a good experience, and get their guy to quote it for you.
Actually, I tried this already - recalled that I saw a pile of cabinetry for trash pickup at a neighbor's a while back and went over got the name of the cabinetmaker along with the unit owner's recommendation. Called and got a promise he'd stop by within the week to give an estimate. Hasn't showed up yet. I have to keep reminding myself this is S FL and the season is upon us. Not that it's any better in the summer though....
My next door neighbor just arrived from up north and they redid their kitchen last year - I'll see who they had do the work and see if I can get an estimate .
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Jesus was a carpenter. He'd install them himself. ;-)
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[quote The UnDoug]Jesus was a carpenter. He'd install them himself. ;-)
see initial post... :-)
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Contractors are a pain in the ass. Bite the bullet and do it your self. It'll take longer, but you will end up with a better job. The contractor doesn't care about the little details like you do. It's not his house.
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In my experience, for something that doesn't involve massive structural changes to the house, you get the best workmanship, price and service by finding a solo operator who does all or most of the work him/herself, except perhaps the electric and plumbing, for which he/she should recommend the names of trusted tradespeople for you to hire. The only way to find such people is to contact people (friends, coworkers, clients, etc) in your own community (surely there are some local community groups that share such info) who can give you recommendations. There is no way on earth I'd cold call random companies to get bids.
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I understand your pain; in 1997, I began a major remodel on our house - tore our all carpet for hardwood flooring, converted attached garage (14' x 25') into a new kitchen, added laundry room and new carport (25' x 26')!! I did all the work myself, with a little help from a neighbor, but 99% did my me. It took a long time since I did the work, but I agree with the above who said if you want it done right, do it yourself.
After having lived now with the new kitchen/laundry room/carport for some years, we absolutely love it! I did not skimp on anything, and even though it was tough doing it myself, I am definitely enjoying the fruits of my labor now.
I shopped all over for cabinets (the most expensive one-item for kitchen), and finally ordered them from Home Depot, measured and special ordered. They are great! Cabinets are not too hard to install, so if that is all you are doing, I say, go ahead, do it yourself.
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Has anyone mentioned Angie's List? Contractors recommended by other people.
http://www.angieslist.com
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Where in South Florida are you?
my uncle is a independent cabinet maker down there. He is an old cuban guy who does incredible work (you just can't understand him when he talks - in Spanish or English!)
