1. How do I get started to plan my kitchen/bath project with Plaistow Cabinet?
•Create a rough diagram of the room wall shape, including windows and doorways. Note the dimensions of each wall length, locations of doors/windows, including the finished floor to ceiling height where the cabinetry will be installed.
•If you are working with a builder or contractor, ask them for a copy of the construction plans.
•Take a few photos of the room from different angles.
•Gather any notes and pictures (digital media or taken from a magazine) that you have saved of what inspires you.
•Determine your investment budget and time frame for the project.
•Call us to schedule an appointment to meet with a Designer review your materials, discuss your goals, learn about our products and services and tour our fabulous showroom.
2. How can I get inspired and learn about trends in kitchens?
•Come visit us at our showroom for a personalized tour to see the latest in cabinetry colors, wood species and countertop materials.
•Peruse current magazines or online internet photo searches
3. What products and services are available?
Regardless if your project is to remodel or new construction plans, we offer several brands of cabinetry for every room of your home, for any budget. We also offer countertops, hardware, storage solutions professional design, and installation services.
4. Do you charge a fee to design a kitchen?
We offer complimentary design services when working with our professional designers, to purchase cabinetry, countertop, etc. from Plaistow Cabinet. We will work with you and/or your carpenter/builder to provide a design you will be thrilled with, that represents your needs, style and budget!
You will be provided with the opportunity to see your design, in advance, as "photo-realistic" computer renderings to approve, before purchasing your products and services from us. You will also be provided with a Proposal of all associated costs for your project. We reserve the right to request a retainer fee, if "multiple" design/layout revisions are requested. The retainer fee will be applied to your payment schedule in your Proposal for your purchase, however, it is non-refundable if you cancel your goals with us.
5. Do I need to have an appointment to visit the showroom or meet with a Designer?
You are welcome to, visit our showroom during business hours without an appointment. However, we encourage calling in advance to ensure a designer is scheduled to provide you with a personalized tour while you're here, discuss your project goals and answer any questions you might have.
6. What is helpful for me to bring to my first appointment with a designer?
•Rough measurements of your existing space or building plans for your new construction project.
•Photos of your existing space
•Your notes and references to what you have seen online or in someone else's home that you like.
•Anything you "dislike" about your current or past kitchen layout and storage needs.
•Your enthusiasm and an open mind to endless possibilities that our professional Designers will share with you to achieve your goals. •Your budget and timeline goals.
7. Does Plaistow Cabinet offer custom cabinetry?
All of our cabinetry is "made to order" from several different high-quality cabinet manufacturers, made in the U.S.A. We create the unique layouts/designs for your space and order your products and materials to be shipped direct to our warehouse in Plaistow, NH. Once we receive the cabinetry, it is available for pickup or delivery to your jobsite. We also offer installation services!
8. What is the lead time for new cabinetry?
The average lead time for our special-order cabinetry is 4-6 weeks. However, we also have a brand of cabinetry that has a 1-week lead time in select sizes, door styles and colors. We offer several brands and quality for every budget.
9. How long does it take or the timeline to "remodel" a kitchen?
Once you are ready to make the investment in your home to remodel, much of time is spent up front in the planning and design phase with one of our Designers to prepare the layout to your goals and functionality needs of the space. We will take the time to assist you in this important decision-making process. Naturally, if you decide to partner with us to provide installation services, that also affects the timeline. We work very closely with our installers and can assure you that it will be completed in a timely manner.
•Design phase to final plans is dependent upon your "readiness" and availability to work with one of our Designers.
•Cabinetry manufacturer lead time with us is 4--6 weeks.
•Cabinetry installation time by us depends upon size and complexity of the layout and could be a few days to 1 week. Once your cabinets are ordered, your installation will be determined and pre-scheduled.
•Countertop lead time from template to installation is 1-2 weeks. Plumbing services are not provided, so you must arrange disconnect and reconnect services from your own plumber.
10. I'm working with a builder/architect, can you design my kitchen and bathroom cabinetry and countertops?
Yes! We offer free design services with one of our professional designers. Start by calling us to schedule an appointment or drop by our showroom. Bring along your building plans and any appliance information you might have. Our large showroom contains many displays and countertops to inspire you! Ultimately, you will be provided with the opportunity to see your design in "photo-realistic" computer renderings for approval, before purchasing your products. We reserve the right to request a retainer fee, if "multiple" design revisions are requested. The retainer fee will be applied to your payment schedule for your cabinetry, however, it is non-refundable if you cancel your goals with us.
11. Do I need to have my appliances selected or purchased before I order my cabinetry?
The cabinetry layout/plan is designed around your appliances, and their locations. Therefore, you will need to have a good idea of your appliance needs for the preliminary design phase with the Designer. However, you will need to have your appliance models finalized and confirmed from your retailer before the cabinetry is ordered by us. Cabinetry is "made to order" and non-refundable, so finalizing all appliances before ordering cabinetry is required. If we are also providing cabinetry installation services, we do not install or make final connections for appliances.
12. How much does a new kitchen cost?
It depends upon each unique kitchen design, the customer's product needs, installation services and the overall scope of a project. No two kitchens are the same. We offer several brands of cabinetry that vary in level of construction specifications, offerings and quality. In addition, there are many different types of countertop materials, hardware and accessories to choose from for a new kitchen.
We have something for every budget! We work closely with our customers, contractors and builders to provide guidance and make recommendations how to keep their cost within "their" budget. We provide complimentary design services, computerized renderings and a written Proposal outlining all associated costs.
13. What's the difference between granite, quartz, marble and soapstone countertops?
Granite , Marble and Soapstone are natural products created in the earth and removed from quarries in large blocks, which are further cut into large slabs and shipped to distributors around the world. No two slabs will be the same, even from the same block. They vary in porosity and the surface must be sealed or treated to prevent permanent staining prior to installation. Quartz category of countertop products are manufactured slabs of varying colors, pattens and textures which are fabricated in facilities around the world and shipped to distributors. They are sold under many different brand names (Cambria, Silestone, Dexton, Viatera, Curava, Caesarstone). Quartz slabs are made up of ground up quartz, pigments, and resins under high temperature compression and permanently sealed for a "maintenance-free" surface.
14. Can I cut directly on granite or quartz? Put a hot pan on it?
Granite and quartz countertop materials are very durable surfaces. However, the amount of veining and density properties varies with granite, and no two slabs are the same. They also come with their own unique care and maintenance recommendations. Contact your retailer for guidelines as to the "care and maintenance" of your countertop. Heat from a hot pan when placed on a surface creates expansion of molecules, which could negatively impact your granite, especially if it has veining, large particulates and not very dense. Granite and quartz are both heat resistant, but not heat proof. Kitchen professionals continue to strongly encourage using cutting boards and trivets to protect the sealant and materials of any countertop surface.
15. How do I properly maintain my new granite or quartz countertop?
For granite, you will want to ensure it has a sealant applied at installation and maintained throughout its usage as a surface. Even if your sealant has a warrantee, you will want to periodically check high use prep areas of your countertop to ensure the sealant has not worn off.
Water/liquids should remain beaded up on the surface and not settle down into the fissures of the stone. If the sealant has worn off, you will want to contact the retailer to determine the steps you will need to take for resealing your granite.
16. How do I know if I need to re-seal my granite?
Are liquids seeping down into your granite surface and not staying on top of the sealant? Do you see stains that you can't get out, that have traveled down into the fissures and porosity of the stone? Are there rings appearing from wet beverages placed on your countertop? First, if you have the information, contact the retailer that you purchased your granite from. Inquire if a sealant was applied at installation and if it has a warrantee? Some vendors apply a sealant that has a warrantee for a certain number of years. If you are noticing staining in your granite that you can't clean up, it's likely you have an area of the sealant that is worn off or sealant wasn't applied at installation. Therefore, a good habit to get into periodically, especially in high use prep areas of your granite...is to sprinkle droplets of clean water onto the surface. The water droplets should remain up on the surface and not settle down into the granite. (Similar to the beads of water on a freshly waxed auto). If your countertop sealant is not under warrantee, then contact your granite countertop supplier or home improvement store and inquire about granite countertop sealant. It is a relatively easy process for "DIY". Just follow the manufactures instructions on the bottle.
17. What is your payment policy?
You will be provided with a Proposal in advance of your order. It will contain the details of your project and the payment schedule outlined specifically for your order. We accept all major credit cards, checks and cash.
18. What are your warranties?
Each product manufacturer offers limited warranties on their products under normal residential use. Even our countertop vendors have warranties on their materials including the sealant that is applied to granite countertops. Our Designers will be able to provide you with the warrantees specific to your cabinetry brand and product selections for your project. Our cabinetry installation labor services are also warrantied for 1-year from the date of installation.
19. How do I take care of my new cabinets?
When soiled under normal wear and tear conditions, manufacturers recommend cleaning "as soon as possible" and with regular maintenance by using a soft cloth with warm water and mild dishwashing detergent. Then rinse with warm water and dry with a soft cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaners on the market, as this will potentially negatively affect the topcoats of the factory applied finish. There are several cleaning and polishing products on the market specifically for cleaning wood stained cabinetry. Should you happen to accidentally nick or dent your cabinetry, there are specific color matched touch-up kits available from the cabinet manufacturers for painted and stained finishes. Please speak with your kitchen designer for assistance.