FAQs
1. What painting products do you prefer to use?
We will use whatever product the client wishes. We will advise them that it will be the top of the line in their selection and we will only purchase that product from a company store. We have spent many years developing relationships with these professional people. Each store has that special person who can match paint better than anyone else. If there are new products on the market, these are the people who keep us informed. The professional paint store will always stand behind their product.
2. What is the different paint finishes and how would they commonly be used?
Flat is normally used on the ceiling and walls. A flat finish shows the least imperfections. It however, can not be cleaned easily and we do not recommend it in high traffic areas.
Eggshell or Satin is used on walls and trim. It has a slight sheen and can be cleaned. We would use this on our custom cabinets also.
Semi-gloss has more sheen and is commonly used on trim and on bathroom walls. Smudges wash off nicely.
Gloss is the shiniest of the finishes and it can be used on trim.
3. What do you consider interior trim?
Trim is the wood that accents the windows and doors. It is also the crown molding, the chair molding and the base. Trim is normally painted a different color than the walls.4. What kind of preparation is required for a paint job?
For the exterior, a good pressure wash is always necessary for a whole house paint job. You never want to apply paint over a dirty surface. For the interior, you must always protect the furnishings and the floors. This is done through the use of plastic by covering the furniture and drop clothes on the floors. To prepare the surfaces for either job, scraping, sanding, caulking and priming are required for a good adhesion of the paint.
5. I’m confused about color. How can you help me select just the right color?
Since Berni has a degree in Interior Design, we have the unique opportunity to have a professional to guide you with that selection.
6. What is NARI?
NARI stands for the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. Each member has pledged to observe high standards of honesty, integrity and responsibility in the conduct of business. Their core purpose is to advance and promote the remodeling industry’s professionalism, product and vital public purpose. It is their goal that all remodelers will want to be a part of NARI and customers will insist on contracting with only those remodelers that are members of NARI.
7. What are the requirements to be a NARI Certified Kitchen and Bath Remodeler?
To become NARI Certified in Kitchen and Bath Remodeling you must work in the kitchen and bath industry, adhere to NARI’s Standard of Practices and Code of Ethics, have a minimum of five years experience in the remodeling industry, have completed four kitchen and baths per year, completed 10 hours of continuing education, successfully complete a comprehensive application that details their background and experience, successfully complete a one-day written exam on business, construction, and remodeling practices related to kitchen and baths, and submit a plan for a remodeled kitchen or bath using a CAD program. Each year a CKBR is required to complete 10 hours of continuing education and do service work.
8. What is the minimum work aisle for a one – cook kitchen?
It should be a minimum of 42” and passageways should be at least 36”. If there is more than one cook in the kitchen the space should be increased to 48” – 60”.
9. What are the four primary work centers in a kitchen?
The work centers are sink center, the food preparation center, the refrigerator center and the cooking center. All of these centers have minimum counter requirements to function properly.
10. What is a work triangle in a kitchen?
A work triangle evaluates the efficiency of a kitchen. It is formed by a line which connects the center of the sink to the center of the cooking surface, to the center of the refrigerator and then back to the sink. There may be more than one triangle in the kitchen but they should never overlap.
11. How do bathroom vanity cabinets differ from kitchen cabinets?
The depth of a normal base kitchen cabinet is 24” whereas the bathroom vanity is usually 21”. The height of a kitchen cabinet is 36” and the standard height of the bathroom cabinet is 30”. However, more people prefer a 36” H vanity cabinet and they now can be purchased that way. Most kitchen cabinet manufacturers also offer a standardized bathroom vanity line.
12. Remodeling projects are expensive. Will I be able to recoup my money if I sell?
According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2007 Cost vs. Value Report for the South Atlantic region, most major upscale kitchen remodels and bath remodels will recoup an average of 80% of the cost. Wood decks and basement remodels fell into the same percentage. You can go to http://www.remodeling.hw.net/facts-and-figures/cost-vs.-value-report/ for all the facts and figures.
