Here are a few pictures of a kitchen remodel completed in July 2009. Keep in mind that these are not the ‘staged’ pictures, but pictures we took while waiting for the electrical and plumbing inspection to be completed. It should take the homeowner a week or so to put her kitchen back together and start enjoying her new conveniences like the corner lazy susan and full extension drawers with the non-slam hydraulic.

Project Description: We provided entire kitchen design and cabinet layout, wall removal, hardwood floor repair and refinish, cabinet installation, electrical, plumbing, general carpentry, designed a new lighting plan, and helped homeowner select all material such as cabinets, countertops, appliances, plumbing fixtures, and tile.

Cabinets: Omega cabinets in Cherry wood with autumn stain on the Madrid door style.

Appliances: GE

All tile, lighting fixtures, and hardware were provided by homeowner.

Here are the before pictures-

During pictures-

Many things happened during these stages. One major wall was removed to open the space; a pantry/closet area was removed, along with all the soffits in the room. You can see by the photos below that we had to patch into their existing oak floor where the wall was removed. We also ran into lots of water damage along the window wall caused by a leaky exterior window. We had to reframe that entire wall and replace the window and casing.

Pictures of the kitchen as of today-

Granite Countertop color: Black Mosaic

Here are pictures of recent kitchen remodels by Dennis Wieckert.

Hansson Kitchen Remodel. The perimeter cabinets are by Dynasty Omega in the Plainfield Door style with an Oyster finish. The island cabinets are by Shiloh in the Square Raised Panel door style with a distressed black finish.

Fitzpatrick Kitchen Remodel. All cabinets are by Dynasty Omega. The perimeter cabinets are in the Anson door style with an Oyster finish and Amaretto glaze. The island cabinets are in a cherry wood with a Nutmeg stain and Java glaze.

What is a ‘Green Home?’ 

A green home is one that meets high levels of energy efficiency and water efficiency, and its design has been reviewed against criteria which range from site utilization and landscaping to the selection of materials, finishes, appliances and lighting.  Most standards focus on new homes, but renovated homes can qualify as well.

Why would someone want a ‘Green Home?’ 

• Lower operational costs resulting from the energy and water efficiency aspects of the design.
• Tax incentives and rebates offered by electrical utility companies, government agencies and other organizations.
• Increased health and comfort from the features that control humidity, reduce chemical exposures and improve air exchange and filtration.
• Recognition that the home has been reviewed and meets specific criteria.
• Higher re-sale value.

What are the basic criteria for a ‘Green Home’?

The Criteria vary slightly from program to program but the key areas include:

• Lot design, preparation and development
• Resource efficiency
• Energy efficiency
• Water efficiency
• Indoor air quality
• Operation, maintenance and homeowner education

Environmental Programs

Environmental Stewardship Program (ESP) is a voluntary program for kitchen cabinet manufactures to demonstrate that their products and manufacturing processes are based on practices and materials that benefit both the environment and the well being of society. 

California Air Resources Board (CARB) Rule on Composite Wood Panels is an air quality regulation which seeks to control the emissions of formaldehyde from composite wood panels and products with such panels sold in the State of California.  It covers plywood, particleboard & MDF.  The rule is effective 1/1/2009, but phases all the various board products in a 4 year time frame.

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and NAHB Green Home Building Guidelines are voluntary programs which sets out criteria defining what a ‘green home’ is.  Builders submit their design for review, and if it earns a certain level of qualifying points it is awarded a certification plaque for display.

What role do cabinets play in a green home?

Although cabinetry isn’t a primary source for earning points under most environmental programs, your cabinet manufacturer should focus on doing the right thing for the environment.  In the overall qualification program, cabinets play a very minor roll in determining a home’s ‘green’ status.  The primary aspects that cabinets can help earn points on are in terms of construction materials and impact on indoor air quality.

Stock cabinets are constructed prior to purchase. The manufacturer does not build them to your unique specifications, so all sizes meet industry standards. Stock cabinetry widths begin at 9 inches and increase in 3" increments to 48".

Formerly known basic cabinetry, stock cabinets no longer offer only the bare minimum. While prices largely remain tailored for the budget-conscious, stock manufacturers now provide luxurious options previously exclusive to custom cabinets.

About HomeCrest Cabinetry

For over three decades, HomeCrest has manufactured quality cabinetry at affordable prices. Their main production facility is located in north central Indiana. Their selection of cabinetry styles, wood species, finishes, decorative glazes and hardware is among the widest in the industry. In fact, they offer over 300 style and finish combinations.

Custom Choice Cabinetry. Unlike other manufacturers, HomeCrest doesn't limit you to "off the rack" cabinetry styles. Their Custom Choice options let you modify existing some cabinets to fit many non-standard applications. You can even create unique, one-of-a-kind cabinets and accessories all your own - without the cost of custom cabinets! HomeCrest cabinets are usually available within four weeks of being ordered.

Woods offered by HomeCrest are cherry, maple, hickory, and oak. Another offering by HomeCrest are Thermofoils and melamines. They are materials made of natural wood fibers permanently pressure-bonded to rugged vinyl overlays, are an attractive, low-maintenance alternative to hardwoods. Bright, cheerful and resistant to stains and scratches, thermofoils and melamines combine practical everyday durability with smart elegance.

Drawer & Cabinet Construction

HomeCrest hardwood door frames are made from solid 3/4" - thick wood with door stiles and mortise-and-tenon rails. Raised panel doors use 1/2" - or 9/16" - thick solid wood center panels, while veneered doors use 3/16" - or 7/16" - thick veneered center panels.

3/8" Sta-Beam, 1/2" Plywood
End Panels

1/2" & 3/8" Reinforced
Plywood Toe Kick, 3/8" Plywood
Hanging Rail

3/4" Plywood Shelf, 1/2" & 3/8" Plywood
Back/Top/Bottom Panel

Drawer Boxes are rated at 100 lbs. capacity. Choose from maintenance-free 1/2" laminated drawers; or 3/4" dovetailed solid wood deluxe drawers with SofTouch™ full-access under-mount drawer guides.

1/2" Laminated

3/4" Deluxe

3/4" Deluxe SofTouch™

Base Cabinets Shelves and trays are available in laminated wood. Trays, available in optional solid wood with deluxe drawers, glide smoothly on epoxy-coated guides.

Adjustable Shelf

Adj. Shelf and
Sliding Tray

Two Sliding Trays

End Panels consist of unfinished plywood, finished plywood or decorative end panels for cabinets. HomeCrest end panels are designed to resist moisture and damage from household chemicals.

Laminated

Plywood Unfinished

Plywood Finished

Decorative

Toe Boards Choose from laminated or wood veneer overlays.

Laminated

Wood

Another great option offered by HomeCrest is having an ‘all wood box’.

To view all of your cabinet options, please visit; http://www.homecrestcab.com/products/options/