<![CDATA[Ridgeview Cabinetry

<![CDATA[Ridgeview Cabinetry - News]]>Wed, 08 May 2024 21:50:03 -0400Weebly<![CDATA[Planning for Quality Projects]]>Tue, 07 Feb 2023 15:03:43 GMThttp://ridgeviewcabinetry.com/index-683282/planning-for-quality-projects
I have learned very quickly in this business that something happens “quickly” very rarely when you want a quality product. Sure, you can go to a big box retailer and buy stock products quickly. Even then, will they have everything you need to complete your project? Do you really want to sacrifice quality in the name of speed when you are spending your hard-earned cash? Quality matters, customer service matters. Taking the time to find the right product is so important, especially when it comes to once in a lifetime projects and products you expect to last a lifetime.

To that end, how do you make sure your project decisions don’t end up being last minute, costing you quality and affordability?

Understand the market. We know during the pandemic that lead times got ridiculous. Thankfully, that has settled down, but it hasn’t gone away complete. For example, when ordering cabinetry, the lead time is a minimum of three weeks. That is for a simple project with mass produced products. If you need semicustom or custom products, you need to order at least four months in advance so that means you should be planning at least six months in advance. If you are unsure, ask a professional what they suggest given their experience.

Know your details. Unless you have a designer handling all your plans, you need to know what appliances and fixtures you will be using before ordering cabinetry and other similar products. The exact manufacturer’s specifications must be considered when ordering cabinetry, countertops, etc. This comes down to minute details that, unless you are a builder, you probably haven’t considered. You or your hired professionals will need time to make sure everything is going to fit and operate as it should. For example: is there room for your refrigerator doors to open all the way?

Consider the source of your products. Many cabinetry manufacturers are right here in the United States. When possible, buy local, buy American made. This can drastically reduce lead times on all aspects of your project.

Do your research. Have an arsenal of options you are willing to consider. Have your options prioritized. Have a budget in place. Know ahead of time what you are willing to compromise on and what is nonnegotiable. The more information you provide your professionals, the fewer times the project will have to be redesigned and the more likely it is they can give you what you desire and meet your budget.

Have all of the elements for installation when it is time to install. If you are unsure if you have it all, ask. Design and building experts are more than happy to make sure all the bases are covered because in the end, it will make everything easier for everyone involved.

Don't make assumptions and don't expect the professionals to read your mind. Communicate. Talk it all out. The more everyone knows, the lower your margin of error and risk of unexpected charges.

Home improvement projects have more working parts than is commonly known. As with any aspect in life, the more you can plan ahead, generally the more successful you will be!
Ridgeview Cabinetry specializes in cabinets, but we also offer contracting on any size job from countertops to flooring, plumbing to electrical…remodels to new builds. Call us: 540-742-7776]]><![CDATA[Organizing your Kitchen]]>Wed, 14 Dec 2022 00:38:46 GMThttp://ridgeviewcabinetry.com/index-683282/organizing-your-kitchenOrganizing your Kitchen - A Very Informal Narrative

What makes organization happen? Storage! Not everyone can afford or has the room on their property for a storage unit. Besides, why put your stuff that you need out of reach when you can organize it at your fingertips with cabinetry. Cabinetry or cabinets are a fantastic way to organize your home by putting things you need out of sight and still at your fingertips. Whether it’s a free-standing armoire, a bathroom vanity or a kitchen with maximized use of space, cabinetry can not only change the look and feel of your home, but it can actually change your life.

I have a small home, not tiny, but close and I never have enough storage. No matter how much I get rid of and try to minimize my stuff, the fact remains I need quite a few basic items in order to do life. I have to have cookware, food, cleaning products, dishes and utensils along with some small appliances; and that’s just the basics! Where do you put it all? When you don’t have effective storage or room for enough storage you’ve got to learn to organize what you do have and get rid of what you don’t need.

Start with getting rid of stuff. Holding on to those plastic containers your soup came in? Plastic fast food cups you rinsed for reuse? Spatulas, spoons and knives? How many do you actually need? I’m no Marie Kondo, but I am finally starting to look at things with more objectivity and saying, “do I really use this?” Not, “oh, I will need this someday,” but “DO. I. REALLY. NEED. THIS?” The answer is usually no. Why? Because that stuff is exactly that - it’s stuff. You don’t need to go through your whole kitchen and clear it out today. I would suggest that when you open a drawer or cabinet door to retrieve something you do use, take out one item you don’t and put it in your sell or giveaway pile. Then, make sure you are taking action with those items you set aside. Try selling or consigning them or take them to your local thrift store at least once a week. Start small. Small steps lead to big changes. P.S. Don’t buy anything when you are at the thrift store!

Replace cheap disposables with lasting items. This seems counterintuitive given the previous point, but there is a purpose in this. Plastics…we hear all the time of the harm they can cause to our bodies and our planet. Start replacing plastics with glass or ceramic dishes and cookware that will never wear out, are healthier and nicer to look at. Over time, this will save you time and money and you’ll find that you only need a few for everyday life, so it also saves you clutter and clears up space for what you do need. You’re not buying more to have more; you’re replacing items that aren’t going to last anyway. I am not a perfect conservationist, but I did start replacing all of my plastics with glass and ceramic a few years ago. I still end up with plastics around, but not nearly as much and I’ve really come to like it. Ten out of ten, highly recommended.

Rearrange to fit patterns. I don’t know why I never thought of this until I started looking at kitchen design but having the right items within reach at the right places can really streamline and save you time. Not everyone loves being in the kitchen and cooking. Whether you do or you don’t, it’s important to have what you need in the right place. Pots, pans, spices and cooking utensils need to be by the oven and range. The microwave and storage containers should be in proximity to the refrigerator and cooking countertop space. Coffee, coffee cups, sweeteners and other supplies should be grouped together.

Remodel or add cabinets. Ok, this is a bigger change but it’s definitely one of my goals and is more realistic than you think. My little house was remodeled on the cheap. It’s cute, cozy, serves the purpose and I am so grateful for it for so many reasons. But I would really love to jazz it up and create more workspace with a new layout and new cabinets. You never really know what you’re going to need until you give it some time. If you’ve been in your home for a while, chances are you know exactly what needs to happen to maximize your home’s potential. If you plan to stay in your home, aging in place, then you know you will need to modify the space for usability at all ages and stages. If you’re moving into a “new to you” home, it’s tempting to gut and remodel and make it yours before you move in. However, if the home is livable, I suggest sitting on that reaction a little while and give yourself some time to get a feel for the space and how you use it. This way, when it is time to upgrade, you’ll get it right the first time and end up with a space that is “fun”ctional and right for you.

When you do decide to upgrade, make sure you hire a professional to get it right the first time. This will ultimately save you time, money and keep it worry free.

For a lot of people this is probably all common sense. If so, thanks for reading anyway. For those of you like me that need a little push with organization, keep at it! Making small steps daily can add up to big changes that will make you feel better with every bit of progress you make. You can do it! I know you can!

]]><![CDATA[Gift Giving?]]>Wed, 30 Nov 2022 13:29:47 GMThttp://ridgeviewcabinetry.com/index-683282/gift-givingHoliday gift giving?

This year, consider spending your money on something that you know will make a difference in your households’ lives and will last for years to come. New kitchen cabinets, a remodeled kitchen, bathroom or laundry room or just a fresh coat of paint. I previously wrote about the mess it can take to complete these projects. But, I can say, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that once complete, it feels so good to walk into a room in your house that you like!

Cabinetry is often the focal point of a room. Kitchen cabinetry is not only the focal point in the kitchen that attracts the most attention, it is also the most important functional element. Cabinets in the kitchen get used by everyone daily so they need to be beautiful and durable. From “fun”ctional decorative to destruction proof cabinetry and everything in between, we’re here to help design and install cabinets that fit your life. It’s a great time to start planning so your space is ready for 2023!

]]><![CDATA[Planning a Remodel]]>Wed, 23 Nov 2022 20:25:47 GMThttp://ridgeviewcabinetry.com/index-683282/planning-a-remodel
Now is the time to start planning your remodel.
By Emily Short - Ridgeview Cabinetry

There is a lot of talk about a market downturn coming in real estate, so unless moving is a necessity, the next few months are a great time to revamp your current living space. This will accomplish two major goals: make your home more enjoyable while you stay in it and enhance its value when you decide to sell it.

With that in mind, let's talk about planning a remodel.

Yes, there is a lot to think about with the holidays upon us. But, if you take some time to look ahead, we can help you execute a remodel that creates very little disruption to everyday life.

I don’t know about you, but whenever I decide to revamp or organize, I usually end up with ten other messes before I get it completely done. The ultimate goal of doing a remodel is to simplify life, but to get there sometimes you have to go through a little more mess. When it comes to a remodel, however, you should be able to rely on the experts you hire to get the job done with as little added mess to your life as possible.

How can we accomplish this?

With planning and communication, you can have a smooth, worry-free project with the results you envision.

What does planning a remodel look like?

Here are some simple questions you can ask yourself to get started on planning and your remodeling project.

What are you remodeling?

If you want to remodel more than one part of the home, what is the area that you want done first? Unless you plan on living elsewhere during the remodel, it’s best if you do one area at a time. Make a plan for how you intend to keep things as normal as possible if your bathroom or kitchen are out of commission for a week or until a project is done.

What is your budget?

According to industry experts, you’ll want to budget at least an additional 10% of your budget for unexpected costs. So, if your budget is $10,000, you’ll want to actually budget at least $11,000. Or you need to reserve $1,000 from your $10,000 so that in reality, your budget is $9,000 with a $1,000 reserve. Seems common sense, right? But it’s a factor that many people overlook. This is a precautionary measure, so you aren’t stuck cutting corners because of unexpected costs.

How will you finance the project?

Most contractors and service providers are going to expect a down payment of up to 50% of the total project cost before ordering supplies and starting work. If you don’t have the money saved, financing will need to be obtained through a bank loan, however the majority of providers will also accept credit card payments.

DIY or Hire a Pro?

Are you going to hire a contractor to run the project or be your own contractor? Hiring a contractor can ensure a smoother project. Doing it yourself could help to keep costs lower, but that can backfire also and create even more stress and cost for you in the long run. You could end up paying 10-40% more on your project if you don’t have the expertise required for a task. If you are an expert builder and you have the time, by all means, DIY all you want. If you don't know what a stud is (the ones in the wall) then you may want to hire a pro.

What is your dream design?

Choose your style and desired look for the remodel. This is probably the step you’ve already completed, but really, this part can wait a little bit. There’s nothing wrong with dreaming though, as long as you’re doing the practical stuff too.

How will you keep everyone safe?

Before you start any project - think safety! How will you keep your kids, pets and other vulnerable household members safe during the reno?

Remodeling is not just what you see on TV - the demo and redo with lots of shopping, busting down walls and beautiful reveals. A successful remodel involves careful planning and partnering with service providers you know you can trust. Once you’ve thoroughly considered all of the steps above you should be ready to start the fun stuff - designing, buying and building!

Call Ridgeview Cabinetry and we will be happy to help you get started on your planning today!

For more information on planning a remodel, check out these helpful articles.
Home Renovations and Budgeting for Unexpected Expenses (houselogic.com)
https://www.thisoldhouse.com/home-finances/22280528/remodel-pro-tips

]]><![CDATA[Product Showcase]]>Wed, 26 Oct 2022 14:25:35 GMThttp://ridgeviewcabinetry.com/index-683282/product-showcase4357069

]]><![CDATA[Product Showcase]]>Mon, 24 Oct 2022 16:22:46 GMThttp://ridgeviewcabinetry.com/index-683282/product-showcase

Ridgeview Cabinetry is proud to feature products from Merillat Cabinetry. From contemporary to classic, Merillat has a broad selection of styles and products to fit any aesthetic and budget. Check out their product selection here clicking below.
See something you like? Contact Ridgeview Cabinetry to get started!

]]>