Clean sweep

Adding a new kitchen to your home need not be a major exercise that takes the kitchen out of commission for weeks, makes a lot of mess and costs large sums of money.

The owner of the home featured here had a kitchen that was functional, but which didn't really reflect her personality or interest in colorful glass art. To create a smarter, more upmarket look without blowing the owner's budget, Imperial Kitchens and Baths Inc suggested that the cabinetry be refaced rather than completely replaced.

Imperial Kitchens and Baths owner Larry Rych says recovering or refacing cabinetry has been one of the company's specialties for the past 40 years.

"With recovery, new doors are installed on old cabinets that have been wrapped in wood veneer or laminate to match the new doors. Recovering can be about half the cost of new cabinetry, can speed up the kitchen project and minimize dust. It also has ecological benefits, as far less material has to go to landfills," says Rych.

In this kitchen, Imperial recovered the majority of the client's cabinetry. A few upper cupboards were replaced by custom cabinets built by the in-house craftsmen to accommodate new appliances, and a desk, previously a dumping ground for papers, was replaced with a custom-built buffet with storage below and a glass showcase above.

Imperial Kitchens and Baths is a turnkey design and build company, employing designers and artisans. So that every project runs smoothly, and to keep homeowners up to date with progress, a lead carpenter is assigned to each project. In addition, a project supervisor oversees each project on a daily basis. To maintain quality control, as much of each project is done in-house as possible.

"With direct control, there is less opportunity for miscommunication, which can lead to errors, and extend construction time," says Rych.

"With a combination of good preparation and follow-through, we can keep our customers happy. In fact, in the last few years, more than half of our projects are for returning clients," he says.

Imperial Kitchens and Baths is a registered National Kitchen and Bathroom Association showroom, and an NKBA-certified designer is on hand to advise homeowners.

For information, call Imperial Kitchens and Baths, Inc, 8918 W Ogden Ave, Brookfield, IL 60513, phone (708) 485 0020, fax (708) 485 2880. Email: information@imperialkitchensandbaths.com. Website: www.imperialkitchensandbaths.com.

Story by: Trendsideas