My Pets Are Ruining My Floor

 One of the reasons given by our clients for replacing their floor is that it has been damaged beyond repair by their pets.  Others recognize that they will almost certainly always have a dog or cat, and want to make the best possible choice for a pet friendly floor.  In fact, over 60 percent of families in the U.S. share their homes with pets, so it's no surprise the flooring industry is getting creative with options that are durable, inexpensive and stylish. Here is a look at some of the best pet-friendly flooring options on the market today. 

Stone and Tile

Stone is one of the best floors for pets as far as durability and slip resistance, but natural stone can involve a little more upkeep (sealing) than porcelain or ceramic tile.  Porcelain and ceramic tile are easier to clean and maintain, but care needs to be taken when you have active pets.   Natural stone isn't as likely to be as slippery as a tile, therefore making it slightly safer for pets to walk, run and play on.  Rugs are a good option to keep pets from slipping and injuring themselves.  Another plus to tile and stone for pet owners is that if you or a family member has allergies, it cuts down on the dander that can get stuck in carpet.  In the summer, your fluffy pet gets hot and will appreciate the coolness of tile flooring.  A drawback of tile and stone is that it can be uncomfortable for pets to sleep on all day, especially older animals.  If you go with tile for your pet, make sure you have comfortable beds for them to sleep on.  Grout lines can also get very dirty with pets, so we recommend upgrading to a stain resistant grout.  It's important that the floor be cleaned regularly to keep the dirt and grit out of the grout.  Tiles are even being made to look like wood, so that is an alternative to risking real wood getting scratched if you like the wood look. 

Wood

Wood is a popular choice for any home, but wood can be scratched and damaged by pets.  We do not recommend many wood floor styles if you have large or active dogs.   But if you are set on getting wood, there are some things you can do to minimize the damage.  An engineered wood is made up of plywood layers with the real wood being the top layer.  It is a risk with pets because it is difficult (and sometimes impossible) to refinish an engineered wood.  If the pet causes a deep enough dent it could chip through the top wood layer.  If you are on a concrete slab, an engineered wood is your only option and you might want to consider a laminate instead.  If you are not on a slab, and want a solid hardwood, you will want to look for a harder species of wood.  Hickory, Brazilian Cherry and Acacia are all very hard woods,

while Elm, American Cherry and Birch are on the softer end.  The harder woods tend to be more expensive, but the more durable wood is well worth the price if you have an active dog.  Also, you will want to make sure you have a good finish on the wood.  A high gloss finish is going to show more scratches and scuffs than a more matte finish will.  A goodoption for people that have pets and want wood is going with a handscraped or distressed hardwood.  A handscraped wood already has imperfections, scratches and dents as part of its look.  When a pet scratches it, the scratch just blends in

like it is supposed to be there.  Strand woven bamboo is one of the hardest woods you can get, and it is extremely durable with pets.  However, strand woven bamboo is reacts more to moisture, so that's something to keep in mind if your dog has accidents or is sloppy around the water bowl.  Other things you can do if you have your heart set on wood  is to make sure that your pet's nails are kept as short as possible and use lots of area rugs.  Also try and keep heavy running and playing to a minimum on the wood floors.  Make sure any spills or accidents are cleaned up immediately or it could seriously damage the wood.

Laminate

Laminate is one of the best options for pets.  Laminate is more scratch resistant than a real wood and is very easy to clean.  It gives you the look of wood, with added durability.  Laminate comes in a large variety of looks, finishes and plank sizes.  Design technology has gotten so sophisticated that it is hard to tell the 

difference between a laminate and real wood.  Laminate is installed floating, which makes it relatively easy to replace a board or two if it gets deeply scratched.  Although laminate isn't a wood, it is still a wood based product and spills and accidents should be cleaned quickly to prevent swelling, buckling or other damage.   A sound proofing pad is recommended to muffle the clicking sound your pet will make while walking on laminate.  Door mats help with pets tracking in dirt and other things from outside.

Sheet Vinyl

Sheet vinyl is an excellent option for pets.  Sheet vinyl is incredibly easy to clean, and essentially water proof.  Pet urine and other moisture related spills will not seep into the subfloor, nor will it cause much damage to the sheet vinyl.  Entry level vinyl is inexpensive to put down.  However, sheet vinyl can tear if a pet's nails are too sharp and can be slippery.

Luxury Vinyl (LVT)

The newest development in flooring is luxury vinyl.  Luxury vinyl is made to look like realistic wood or stone, but it is a vinyl.   LVT is waterproof, easy to clean, and installs either floating or glued down.  LVT also offers more comfort for your pet; it is softer than wood, stone or laminate.  It is also more slip resistant than a tile or sheet vinyl, making it easy for pets to get up and walk.  It is very durable and scratch resistant as well. LVTs are not as loud as a laminate, so there is no need for a sound proofing underlayment.  Luxury vinyl tiles and planks come in a variety of realistic wood and stone looks, and again, sometimes it's hard to tell that it's not real! 

Carpet

If you worry about pets scratching the floor, then carpet is the best option.   On the other hand, carpet can be extremely difficult to keep clean with pets.  If you choose carpet, which is an extremely affordable choice, here are a few options to consider if you have a pet.  Always go with a darker color over something light.  Darker colors better hide dirt and stains.  Consider a fleck carpet, as those tend to make dirt disappear.  Many pets can snag and pull a loop carpet; for this reason we do not recommend Berber carpets for homes with pets.  The carpets made from the SmartStrand fiber are incredibly stain resistant. A solution dyed nylon is another extremely stain resistant option for pets.  These fibers will offer the best long term durability.  Solution dyed polyesters are also warranted for pet stains.  In fact, all

three of these fibers can be spot cleaned with a bleach and water solution.  You will want to upgrade to a pad with a plastic liner.  This will keep pet urine or other fluids from sinking into the pad, which will help minimize odors.  Magic Fresh is a carpet treatment that is available only on Beaulieu and Bliss carpets.   Magic Fresh is completely safe and natural, lasts for the life of your floor and is continuously working to rid your home of common household smells, like those from pets, cooking and smoking.  Consider using a good enzyme cleaner on pet accidents; these cleaners have enzymes that will "eat" whatever is on the carpet and will lessen odors and the chance of the carpet staining.  (Do make sure that the enzyme cleaner has been tested and approved by the carpet manufacturer for use on your particular carpet.)  A good vacuum is a must, especially with pets that shed heavily.  Vacuuming regularly keeps hair and dirt from being ground into the carpet.

Video of the Week

Click on the picture to view a great video from our website that shows the best way to spot clean your carpet.  If you have a looped carpet, you can also see how to trim a snag if your dog or cat pulls a loop.

                       

If You're Gonna Do It, Do It Right!

Spring is finally here:  flowers are blooming, birds are singing, and everything just feels better.  Spring is "out with the old, and in with the new."  And spring is also time for spring cleaning. 

Here are a few tips as you spring clean your home:

CARPET

Move your furniture so that you can vacuum under it.  Wipe down your baseboards and crevice vacuum while the furniture is moved.  Do not drag heavy furniture across the carpet; Berber carpet could snag and run; the heat and friction generated by the dragging of the heavy pieces can burnish the tips of all carpet fibers, leaving a permanent mark.

The warranties on most carpets require the carpet to be professionally steam cleaned (hot water extraction) every 18 months.  Many people do this in the spring to rid the home of all the winter grime that has been tracked in.  Make sure you are choosing a reputable carpet cleaner and save the receipt.  If you ever have to file a warranty claim, the manufacturer will require proof of regular professional cleanings.

TIP:  When you need to spot clean your carpet, first call the manufacturer of your carpet or the Carpet and Rug Institute to find out the appropriate product to use.

           

Mohawk Industries                         800-266-4295

            Shaw Industries                              800-441-7429

Beaulieu                                            800-918-6483

            Carpet and Rug Institute               706-278-3176

Many cleaning products can set in the stain, or worse, damage the carpet.  You will find that if you have a relatively new carpet most stains come up with just plain water.

Check your exterior door mats and replace as needed.

Also check for any wrinkles, buckles or ripples in your installed carpet.  Call to have the carpet restretched as soon as you begin to notice any ripples.

TIP:  Filtration soil is the dark or grayish lines on carpet along walls, stairways, or under doors.  Changing the filters regularly on you HVAC system and using vacuums with good filtration systems can help prevent this problem.

RUGS

Have your area rugs professionally cleaned, either at your home or at the cleaner's facility.  If you are having your rugs cleaned at your home, be sure they are moved onto your driveway, garage or deck for the cleaning so the floor underneath is not damaged.

GRANITE COUNTERTOPS

It is time to seal the granite.  First, clean your countertop thoroughly using a neutral cleaner.  Never clean with any product containing acid, lemon, or bleach.  Acids, even a light solution of vinegar and water, will eventually etch and damage the natural stone.  Do not use scouring powders or creams; these products contain abrasives that may scratch the surface.  Now apply the stone sealer.  Stone sealers will need to be reapplied as soon as you notice water no longer stands (beads up) on the surface.

TIP:  While dish soap will not hurt your granite, repeated and excessive use of soap will cause build-up and dull the shine.  Also, don't use bathroom, tub and tile, or window and mirror cleaners.  The powders and even the "soft" creams contain abrasives that will scratch and dull the surfaces.  Use only cleaners made specifically for granite and stone.

CERAMIC AND PORCELAIN TILE

Ceramic and porcelain are very easy to clean.  Sweep or vacuum as needed and mop with a mild detergent (like Spic-N-Span or Mr. Clean) or ceramic tile cleaner.  Don't use harsh abrasives.

Now it is time to seal your grout.  Sealing your grout will make the grout less porous and more resistant to discoloration.  Manufacturers recommend sealing your grout once a year to keep it looking its best.  You can purchase grout sealer at Enhance Floors and More.

Also check any caulking.  Caulking is used where the tile is exposed to water.  Caulking prevents expensive subsurface damage.  Recaulk wet areas as needed. 

TIP:  Don't use bleach or ammonia based cleaners, as these products can discolor your grout.

NATURAL STONE

Natural stone (travertine, marble, etc.) should be cleaned with neutral cleaners.  Never clean with any product containing acid, lemon, or bleach.  Acids, even a light solution of vinegar and water, will eventually etch and damage the natural stone.

At least once a year you need to seal the stone and the grout.  Some products are multi-purpose, meaning you can use the same product on the stone and the grout.  Others are just for either the stone or the grout; be sure to read the instructions well to make sure you are using the proper product.

TIP:  Don't use generic cleaning products such as bleach, glass cleaners or degreasers.  Don't use vinegar, ammonia, lemon or orange as cleaners.  These products that you buy at your local store contain acids, alkalis, and other chemicals that can etch marble and degrade the sealer, leaving the stone more vulnerable to staining.  Trying to save money by using these over-the-counter products only ensures that you'll be spending a lot more time and money in the long run.

  

Thinking About An Addition To Your Family?

Don and Elisabeth are now fostering a beautiful dog for Angels Among Us Pet Rescue until he finds his furever home.  Meet Ryelee.  He is a little over four years old and is a German Shepard mix.  He is great with kids and other dogs, and is doing just fine with the cats in the Stubbs household.  Ryelee walks well on a leash, does not pull at all, and is housebroken and knows how to use a doggie door.  If you or anyone you know is considering a new dog, please let us know and we will set up a meeting.  He is a sweetheart!

How Not To Ruin Your Floor

Spring is finally here, and for many of us, spring cleaning is on our "To Do" list.  There is a lot of incorrect information about cleaning and maintaining your floor coverings, especially on the internet.  If you are the one in charge of spring cleaning at your house, please take a few minutes to review what the major flooring manufacturers recommend. 

Please be aware that most of the maintenance products and cleaners that are needed to take care of your flooring investment are available at Enhance Floors and More.

HARDWOOD FLOORS

First, check the legs of all furniture to see if the floor protectors need to be replaced and replace them as needed. 

It is now time for a thorough sweeping or vacuuming of your floors.  Do not use a vacuum with a beater bar or hard head on hardwood floors.  The plastic and/or metal parts can scratch the floor.  The vacuum head should be brush or felt; a wand attachment is preferable.

Be careful as you move furniture and appliances.  Do not drag heavy pieces.  You may need to use large pieces of cardboard or something similar to move the heavier items onto to protect the floors underneath.  Many people move the refrigerator to clean behind and under it as part of their spring cleaning.  Do not merely roll the refrigerator out.  The weight of the refrigerator can easily indent the floor.  You need to move the refrigerator onto something so you are not rolling it directly on the floor.  Use a large piece of cardboard, a thin piece of plywood or a piece of carpet with the fiber side down.  Over the years we have seen many hardwood floors damaged from moving a refrigerator.

Damp mop as needed using a hardwood floor mop and approved hardwood floor cleaner.  Do not use oil, wax, or ammonia based cleaners as they will dull the finish and performance of your floor.  These products will also affect the ability to recoat your floor.

Since wood naturally expands when it is wet, never wet mop or use excessive water to clean your floor.  Large amounts of water can cause the wood to swell and may cause your floor to crack or splinter.

TIP:  Just because something says it is for hardwood floors does not mean it should be used on the floor.  Read the ingredients carefully.  We are amazed by what various internet sources state to clean wood floors with.  Do NOT use Orange Glo, Goof Off, bubble bath, steam mops, Windex, ammonia, dish soap, Pledge, vinegar, Pine Sol, Mr. Clean, Mop and Glo, Rejuvenate, tea, Simple Green or similar products.  Only use cleaners made by wood floor manufacturers like Armstrong, Mohawk or Bona.

Use good quality doormats at all of your exterior doors and replace them as needed.

Now is also a good time to look closely at your floors to determine if it is time for another coat of polyurethane.  Start with the areas that get the most foot traffic.  Are these areas duller than the wood in areas that do not get as much traffic?  Do you see light scratches in the finish?  If you can see superficial scratches and the traffic lanes are visible, it is time to recoat your wood floors.  Most floors are in need of another coat of polyurethane every five years or so; in some homes, another coat may be needed every 12-18 months.  If you wait too long, a screen and a coat will not be effective; the floors will need to be refinished.

LAMINATE

There is not much you need to do to a laminate floor as part of your spring cleaning.  Vacuum thoroughly and clean using the product recommended by the manufacturer of your floor.  Check the felt tips on the legs of your furniture and replace as needed.  Be sure to use a large piece of cardboard or something similar when moving large items, like the refrigerator.  Replace your exterior door mats if needed, and just enjoy how easy it is to maintain your laminate floor!

EXTERIOR DOORS

At least once a year, check your exterior doors for possible water penetration.  Check the weather stripping for tears and deterioration.  Check the sills and exterior thresholds for damage.  Is caulking needed?  Can you see daylight through the door?  If you can see light through the door, water can also get through, especially blowing rain.  Sometimes this water gets under your floors without you noticing until the damage is done.  Thousands of dollars in damage can be caused by water penetration. 

VINYL

Now is the time to vacuum and thoroughly clean the floors.  Be sure to use a product that is made by the manufacturer of the vinyl, and do not use a vacuum with a beater bar.

Many people move their refrigerator to clean behind it.  If you are doing this, lay down a piece of plywood and roll the refrigerator onto the plywood.  This keeps you from tearing or indenting the vinyl. 

We Encourage You To

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feedback---features you like, or don't like, suggestions for future topics, even questions you're seeking answers to.  Thank you for taking the time to read this.  Please make us aware of how we can better serve you!

This year winter has refused to go away.  We are all ready for spring!  These are some quick and inexpensive ways to freshen and update your home and banish the winter blahs!

~~~display vases of fruit (lemons, limes, tangerines) and fresh flowers

~~~add new pillows and throws in spring colors

~~~change out bedspreads and comforters for   lighter fabrics and colors

~~~how about a new set of dishes in fun colors

~~~new cushions for your patio furniture

~~~make an outdoor serving cart for impromptu entertaining

~~~small chiminea for your patio for the cool spring evenings

~~~a clean and stocked bird feeder

~~~add an outdoor rug

~~~wind chimes placed near windows that you normally have open

~~~a new wreath for your front door

~~~add accessories like candles and lanterns (indoors & outdoors) in fun new colors

~~~new shower curtain and accessories for your bathroom

 

We Are New Too

Have you noticed our new logo and the crisp clean design of our newsletter?  We were ready for a change too!  We have also launched an updated website.  Please check it out and let us know what you think.

How Much Does It Cost

We have had several clients recently having a hard time deciding what type of product is best.  Wood for the kitchen or tile?  Carpet for the stairs and hall or hardwood?  Laminate for the sunroom or luxury vinyl?  Each type of flooring has a unique look and feel, and each has its' own list of pros and cons.  Plus the costs are usually very different.  For some of us, just knowing the approximate cost helps us know which direction we need to go. 

Here is a grid of approximate prices for a typical 300 square foot family room.  All of these floors will look great in a family room.  These prices are fully installed.  As you can see, there is a wide range, based on the quality you choose.

                                 "GOOD"          "BETTER"          "BEST"

Carpet                       $750                  $1200               $1800

Hardwood                 $2000               $2600               $3500

Laminate                   $1400               $1800               $2400

Tile                             $2400               $3000              $5000

Luxury Vinyl            $1400                $1800              $2800

Meet with an Enhance Design Consultant and we will show you all of your options and assist you in making the best choice for your lifestyle and budget.  We're here to help!

How Do I Pay For It?

If you have been reading our newsletters for a while, you know that many of our most popular home improvement projects are costly.  Your entire house in hardwood floors, kitchen and bathroom remodels, and even top-of-the-line new carpet for really large homes:  the price tags can be in the tens of thousands.  Many have planned ahead for these updates and have the cash set aside.  In fact, one of the most commonly used payment methods our clients use is American Express, because they have the cash and want the points.   Other clients take advantage of 18 and 24 month interest free financing during the time periods that we have these options available.  But for some of us, even 24 month financing is not enough to comfortably fit within our budget. 

  

If this describes you, great news!  As the real estate market and economy has improved, so has the availability of long-term financing options with great rates.  We recently discussed some options with Todd Shepard, 

Senior Mortgage Banker with Fidelity Bank, and he made us aware of several programs that may be exactly what you have been looking for.  Todd tell us that there are essentially three ways to finance a remodeling project:

-a cash-out refinance

-an equity line

-a renovation loan

  

The first two options can work well if you have a lot of equity in your home today.  Renovation loans work well in all situations because the amount you can borrow is based on how much your home will be worth after you make the improvements.

  

Let's take a look at the cash-out refinance and equity line options together, because they work very similarly.  When you apply for one of these loans, your bank will order an appraisal to determine your home's current value.  The bank will then lend you as much as 85 percent of that value for the cash-out refinance and typically 90 percent for the equity line.  From that amount, you subtract your current mortgage balance to determine the amount you net for your project.

  

Again, these options work well if you have a lot of equity in your home.  But what if your current loan balance is at or above 80 percent of your current value?  What if you need more than $10,000 to $20,000 for your project?  This is where the renovation loan saunters in to save the day.

  

The renovation loan was designed with you and your project in mind.  It has two huge advantages that make it an extremely useful financing tool.  The first is that the bank bases the amount they will lend you on the after-improved value of the home, so you get credit for the upgrades and additions.  The second advantage is that if you meet credit requirements, the bank will lend you as much as 95 percent of the after-improved value if needed.  By the way, this product can also be used to purchase a fixer upper and finance the improvements into the same loan.

  

Let's look at an example to see how these advantages can work for you.  Assume that you have a project in mind that will increase your home's value from $300,000 to $350,000, and your current mortgage balance is $250,000.  Because renovation loans use the after-improved value, that means you could borrow as much as $332,000($350,000 multiplied by 95 percent) which would net you roughly $82,500 for your project after you pay off your current mortgage.  Using these same figures you would only net $5,000 on a cash-out refinance and $20,000 using an equity line.  You've priced out maple hardwood floors and top of the line refrigerators---would that extra $62,500 to $77,500 come in handy for your project?

  

This renovation loan program is also ideal for a home buyer looking at houses that need a lot of cosmetic updating but not necessarily major repairs. 

  

The great news is that there are now options available, because for the past several years it was extremely hard to get a mortgage, much less a home improvement loan!  Contact a Mortgage Banker/Broker to find out more about these programs.

What's New At Enhance

It's that time of year that almost every day new products are arriving at the Enhance Design Center.  We just received a shipment of new Shaw area rugs.  Some are suitable to go outside: just what you need to freshen up your deck or porch. 

We have new carpet styles from

Mohawk, Perfection by Bliss, and Tuftex. 

 

If tile is your style, be sure to see the newest selections from 

Interceramic and Happy Floors. 

 

New countertops are a one-day dramatic update to your kitchen, 

and we have new stones in granite and quartz to show you.  

Are You Over Your Kitchen?

Kitchens are one of our specialties. A kitchen makeover can be as easy and affordable as painting your existing cabinets, updating your cabinet hardware (knobs and pulls), and adding new flooring, countertops, and a custom backsplash. Other clients want a complete remodel: new design, cabinets, appliances . . . .a brand new kitchen! We can assist you with either scenario. To help you get started, here are a few of the most common questions our clients ask about Kitchen Makeovers.

Will a kitchen remodel add value to my home?

Breathing new life into an outdated or inefficient kitchen can be the smartest money a homeowner spends. Kitchen remodels deliver more bang for the buck than any other home project, offering 80-85 percent return on investment. When planning your kitchen redo, the first step is setting a budget.

What is the average cost of a kitchen remodel?

Every remodeling project is unique, and costs vary depending on the homeowner's budget, tastes, and priorities (a minor redo can be $5,000, while an upscale overhaul can top $100,000). In general, however, materials account for 80 percent of the budget, while labor costs represent 20 percent. According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), the largest expense in a kitchen remodel is cabinetry, which can account for about 30 percent. After labor, appliances are the next biggest expense, eating up about 15 percent of the budget. Countertops are about 10 percent, and flooring makes up 7 percent. The smallest expenses, at about 5 percent each, are lighting, plumbing fixtures, doors and windows, and walls and ceilings.

One of the biggest cost drivers for a kitchen remodel are structural issues. Changing the footprint of your kitchen in any way will bump up your budget. Moving the kitchen or building an addition involves major construction as well as new electrical, plumbing and flooring. Opening up to another room could require structural work and unforeseen costs if you don't have a load-bearing wall. Even relocating the sink or range would mean moving the plumbing or gas lines.

Understanding that there are no standard costs for a remodel -- every home is unique because of its age, layout and construction type -- will help you be more realistic about the potential costs of your project

How long should it take from showroom visit to finished kitchen?

It can take several months, even after the design is finalized. Custom cabinets usually take around four to six weeks for delivery. The extent of the job, the contractor's workload and the availability of materials also have an effect. Once the materials have been delivered, installation can often be completed in as little as two to four weeks.

What makes a kitchen remodel more or less expensive?

Structural changes can be minimal or extensive. Cabinets account for about one-third to one-half the total cost of a typical project and range in price considerably based on quality, the type of material they are made of, and whether they are stock (ready made in specific sizes) or custom (produced specifically for your kitchen in whatever sizes and finishes are needed).

The material you choose for surfaces including counters, backsplashes and floors can also account for variations in price.

Other key elements that factor in to the equation are talent and workmanship. In the remodeling business, you tend to get what you pay for. An accomplished designer, skilled tradesmen and expert installation crew will cost more. But you'll appreciate their ability every time you use your kitchen.

Where do I start? What do I need to be thinking about?

Start by putting together a detailed wish list indicating your goals for remodeling. Do you want more space? More storage? More style? A built-in dog bed? Organize it by priority, from the "must-haves" to the "in our dreams." Use websites like Pinterest and Houzz to view and collect pictures of rooms, products, materials, and architectural details that appeal to you. Visit model homes and vendor showrooms and make pictures of what appeals to you. Make notes on what you like about friends' kitchens (and hate about your own) and general concepts translated from other areas of your life. For example, glass-front cabinets and open shelving are very popular, but if you are not a cleaning fanatic you may be happier with solid doors that conceal clutter.

 

What are some trends in kitchen design?

~Social kitchens with adequate and comfortable seating

~Open floor plans, kitchens that are open to the family room

~Cabinets installed all the way up to the ceiling

~Built-in and concealed appliances, cabinets that look like furniture

~Clean lines and simple designs

~Touch activated faucets, pull-out faucets

~Gray color schemes (white and off-white are still the most popular)

~Light colored cabinets (in 2013 67% were painted white)

~Under cabinet lighting, task lighting

~"Warm" metal hardware like brass, aged gold, and black

~Smart storage solutions like lazy Susans to make potentially wasted corners fully functional, pull-out drawers, customized drawers and cabinets

~Large sinks with deep bowls

~Banquette seating area

~Barrier-free design and products: they make life easier for children, pregnant women, and seniors as well as individuals with disabilities

What is a CKD?

A Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD) is a professional, qualified by education and experience to research, design, plan and supervise the installation of residential kitchens. Only after a rigid examination conducted by the National Kitchen and Bath Association, has he or she been awarded the CKD title. A Kitchen Designer will meet with you and survey your existing kitchen to develop the design plan for your new kitchen. There is a fee for this service, however, if you are changing the footprint of your kitchen, it is well worth the nominal charge to meet with a true kitchen expert.

What is the kitchen "work triangle" and why is it important?

The "work triangle" is the kitchen area from the refrigerator to the main cooking area to the main sink. Connect the three and it should form a triangle (unless you have a 'one-wall' kitchen). It's important because at or immediately adjacent to the triangle's points, all the key kitchen activities - food preparation, cooking and clean up - take place. The work triangle helps to ensure that your kitchen will be functional. It keeps cooking activities centered in one area, with all the necessities close at hand. Whatever your plan, the sink should take central position if at all possible, as it's used more often than either the refrigerator or the stove. If you locate the sink on the same wall as the stove, with the main work area in the middle, you won't drip water on the floor when you go from the sink to the cooktop. When placing the refrigerator, make sure the single-door model, when open, faces into the work triangle, not out of it.

What types of kitchen counter tops are best?

Replacing counter tops is a great way to update your kitchen. Hard surface counters such as granite and quartz are the most widely used surface at this time. Their price varies depending on your stone selection. Granite will have more veining and movement in its look. Quartz counter tops have more of a uniform pattern and color. Quartz holds up as well or better than granite, never needs sealing, and costs a little more than granite.

Can I have wood floors installed in my kitchen?

We install beautiful wood floors in many kitchens with excellent results. Standing water can be an issue but normal kitchen activity is no problem. There are also automated water shut off valves that can be installed in your kitchen and laundry room that will shut off the offending water supply in the case of a leak in an appliance such as a dishwasher.

What are pull-outs? pot drawers? appliance garages?

These are just a few of the specialty features that increase the functionality of your cabinets. If you have not looked at new cabinets recently, you will be amazed at the options that are now available. A pull-out is a shelf that can be independently extended from the cabinet for easier surveying and retrieval like a drawer. Waste cans are now often on pull-outs. Pot drawers are an upgrade from shelves that pull out. 

They lend themselves nicely to storing all types of kitchen cooking and storage necessities. As they are full extension drawers, you will have maximum storage and complete access to items in the back of them with no digging to the back of your kitchen cabinets. An appliance garage is a general term used to reference any number of customized countertop compartments that are specifically designed to house and conceal large kitchen appliances. The appliance garage will usually be on the countertop and will match the facade of the existing top cabinetry. Within the compartment, there is typically a dedicated electrical outlet for the assigned appliance. Appliance garages will usually house appliances like coffee pots, microwaves or other large movable kitchen machines.

How many electrical outlets does my kitchen need?

A guide is outlets every four feet along your kitchen counter tops and at least one on the side of a kitchen island or peninsula. You will also need outlets for your stove, microwave, garbage disposal and dish washer. If you want less clutter on your walls above your kitchen counters, power strips can be installed under the wall cabinets. The strips will create convenient locations to plug in your kitchen appliances without the clutter of wall outlets.

Do all my new kitchen cabinets need to be the same style and color?

This is personal preference. Depending on your taste, your new kitchen can be designed with contrasting cabinets. Unique looks can be achieved by contrasting the kitchen island cabinets from the wall mounted upper and lower cabinets. Contrasting upper cabinets from the lower cabinets will create a custom look.

Contrasting counter tops is another design tool used to customize kitchens and create unique looks.

What is the process?

An Enhance Design Consultant will meet with you in the showroom to discuss the scope of your project. We will assist you in our Design Center with the preliminary selection of cabinets, countertops, backsplash and flooring. We will schedule appointments for you to meet with our Kitchen Designer and to visit our vendor partners for fixture and appliance selection. Remember, the best-case timeline for a kitchen remodel is three to four months start to finish, so if there is a deadline for your new kitchen, be sure to begin the process well in advance.