Contractor

DIY Kitchen RemodelingBeen There - Done ThatHaving remodeled two kitchens in the last 5 years, here's some advice for Do-It-Yourself kitchen remodels. Don't.Seriously, unless you're an electrician, a plumber, a painter, and a carpenter, who can lay tile, and install cabinets, and granite countertops you're going to need help. In my case, I wasn't any of these. For my first kitchen remodel I hooked up with a designer. She saved me a lot of money with some great ideas and connected me with a general contractor. He took care of the trades while I took care of the materials with an assist or two from the designer.I later sold that house, and moved into a small older home that was perfect for us, but needed a complete update. In this case, I didn't use a designer. We did a complete gut job, but there was not much design work - just remove and replace. New floors, new paint, etc. In the kitchen we replaced everything, but kept the basic layout. If you choose to go this way, get ready for a very long process. In hindsight, I would have done everything the same, except I'd have hired a project manager to inspect the work in process and keep the job moving forward in a more timely fashion. If you decide to manage your own remodel, I'd recommend at a minimum that you stick with professionals for the work you can't handle yourself. I had a handyman scrape the popcorn ceilings,

Services for Builders and Designers at UAKC For Appliances and Plumbing Fixtures Designers and Builders Choose Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center (UAKC) is fully equipped to handle the special needs and requirements of the design and contractor communities. It starts with industry leading large showrooms that have extensive live displays such as the Wolf Sub Zero Living Kitchen that allows you to see how everything works. UAKC sponsors showroom events and has culinary experts demonstrating in their kitchens on a regular basis. Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center has their own trained experts on hand at all times in their showrooms to answer questions about the many appliance and plumbing choices available. The staff at UAKC are trained on-site at manufacturer headquarters and training facilities across the country and even in Europe. They have many years of experience in the industry, and can tackle even the most difficult and demanding projects. In addition, Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center prides itself on its efficient factory certified delivery and installation crews. But top notch sales associates and installers are not enough. The warehouse, logistics, scheduling, and back office needed to make sure that the customer is taken care of are also among the best in the industry. They all have one common goal, and that is expressed by the UAKC President and CEO, Igor Royz. "We really want to make our customers satisfied. That's what matters to us." But don't take our word for it. Here's what just

Appliance and Plumbing Fixtures in Live Showrooms Selection Makes a Difference at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center During a recent celebrity cooking event at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center (UAKC), comments from guests and others made it abundently clear that having a spacious showroom with great selection and live kitchens made ALL the difference. As UAKC President and CEO, Igor Royz said, "We have live kitchens in our showrooms. You can come to the showrooms. You can test drive the appliances that we sell." "To walk into an appliance store that actually has equipment that we would use in our Professional Kitchen is pretty cool...This is by far the best demo kitchen we've ever worked in." Michael Voltaggio, Celebrity Chef owner of Ink Restaurant, and Top Chef Winner. "The best kind of equipment you want - refrigerators, stoves, bathroom fixtures, kitchen plumbing fixtures. They've got it all right here under one roof, and top stuff - quality and selection." Ed Begley, Jr., Actor Speaking of the live Jenn-Air wall oven with a built-in culinary center, Celebrity Chef Michael Voltaggio said, "I came across that oven and it was like I'd just seen a Ferrari or something, I was all "WOW, look at this oven!" Designer Sarah Akbary, of Akbary Interiors... says "There's such beautiful selection to choose from that you never need to open up a catalogue and say, "This is the one I'm talking about". It's right here - installed for you to see." Akbary, added, "I think what's

Kitchen Remodeling is a major undertaking. Before committing to spending thousands of dollars for your new kitchen, here are some important guidelines to follow: 1. Research for a good contractor. Don't merely rely on ads or Yellow Pages. Get recommendations from friends and neighbors. Check Angie's List and the BBB. 2. Use only licensed and bonded contractors. Ask them for references, and check the references. If you can, visit previous jobs. 3. Get at least three estimates. Don't automatically take the low bid. You can learn a lot from an estimate. Is it well prepared and professional? Is the scope of work clearly defined with completion dates, and cost breakdowns? Don't simply accept the bid as final. It's OK to negotiate. Clarify anything you don't understand. 4. Do not pay for everything in advance. Customs vary, but the payment schedule should leave a substantial amount due upon satisfactory completion. Follow these four recommendations and make sure that you get your appliances from a reliable source: Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center 12025 Ventura Blvd. Ste B-105 Studio City, CA 91604 PH 877 696-2987