Your project is broken down into several stages.  The following will give you a general sense of the entire process.

The Get Acquainted Phase
This Phase begins with a visit to our showroom.  Feel free to come in anytime to browse around and have a cup of coffee, ask questions and collect some product brochures.  Take a few minutes to get acquainted with Darryl,  Jim and Megan and see what we are all about.  When you are ready to begin the design process, we will need to set up an appointment at our showroom. 

The Planning Phase

• As owners of the business, Jim and Darryl have a very personal interest in working with you to design a kitchen that will be both beautiful and functional for many years to come. At your first appointment either Jim or Darryl will guide you through our showroom and design studio.
• This planning phase begins with selecting the appearance and the style that reflects the way you live.  We ask a lot of questions so we can get to know you and understand not only your needs, but your tastes as well.
• We will work with you to identify door styles, wood species, and colors of cabinetry that appeal to you.
• We will talk about the type and style of the appliances you have in mind.  It is very helpful to have appliance and plumbing fixture selections and specifications at this time.
• We will look at counter top materials and colors. You will be educated on the latest advances in counter top substances. Learn the individual characteristics of laminates, granite, Corian, Wilsonart Solid Surface and engineered stone and quartz such as Zodiaq and Cambria.
• We will take a look at Cabinet Hardware, as individual as you are!
• During the Planning Phase, Spence and Vaughn will also assist you in putting your budget together.  Let us know what your budget expectations are and we will give suggestions to stay within your budget.  We suggest doing some research to prevent “sticker shock” when you look over the preliminary budget.  Price out items such as appliances and flooring and ask friends who have remodeled about their costs.  Home magazines can also be a great resource to help prepare.  Spence and Vaughn also has financing available. 
• Jim Spence or Darryl Vaughn will conduct an on-site evaluation and measure to insure that your new cabinetry and design will be a perfect fit for your home. Jim or Darryl will personally oversee your project from start to finish. 

The Design Phase

• It’s time to design.  Based on your input, requirements and desires, our designers will create detailed drawings of your new kitchen or bath that combines form and beauty with function.  It must reflect your lifestyle. Our goal is to create the kitchen or bath design that will please you.  We may suggest features, but we will never force our own opinions.
• When the design is completed, we will have you visit the showroom again for a comprehensive design consultation with specifications of each cabinet, its location, as well as identify all accessories and any molding treatments.  We think of this as a review of our first conversation.  We will show you what we have come up with and you will begin to see the project come to life.  With this design in hand, you will probably make some new suggestions.  We will refine the details and finish the design.
• Proposal review with a description of the products you have chosen. You will be provided with a price based on your design.  Special options, along with installation, will be separately priced for your convenience.  Once the design has been finalized and you are ready to begin your project, we will have you sign a contract with the final estimate, payment schedule and specifications agreement listing the full scope of services.

Construction Phase (the hard part!)

• If we are doing any remodeling work for you, or overseeing more extensive construction work before the cabinets are installed, we will schedule this work to be completed just prior to the delivery of the new cabinets.  We like to avoid down days where nothing happens on the job, although some down time is inevitable. 
• Before construction begins Spence and Vaughn will give you a timeline of your project.  You may need to be present at various times during construction and we will help you plan accordingly.  A typical schedule usually starts with a tear-out of old cabinetry, countertops, flooring, etc. followed by structural, plumbing and electrical modifications, drywall, painting, cabinet installation, appliance installation, countertop template, flooring installation, plumbing and electrical trim out, countertop installation and final touch up and adjustments.  We can estimate the time your job will take based on how much work your job entails.  As an example, if you are replacing floors, moving a wall and updating some electrical the schedule will look something like this:

Day 1- Tear out and haul away of old cabinets, appliances and debris
Day 2- Electrical and carpentry
Day 3- more electrical and carpentry
Day 4- flooring starts. 
Day 5, 6- flooring completed
Day 7- Cabinet installation begins.  This lasts 2 to 6 days depending on size and
complexity of the design.
Day 10- Countertop template (tops take up to 12 business days from template)
Day 11- temporary sink and tops installed (if applicable)
Day 21-Appliances installed
Day 22 or so…-Countertops installed
Day 23-Electrical and plumbing hook up and trim out
Day23- Final walk through, touch up

This is just an example, but you can see from this that a remodel project takes a good amount of time.  It helps to get a good understanding of this before this giant disruption of your normal everyday life begins.  Having a realistic goal in sight helps most of us to get through with less stress and frustration.  But believe us…when the job is finished and you are back to your normal life in your beautiful new kitchen, you will love it!

All of this work is performed by professional subcontractors with whom we have a good working relationship.  They are all licensed and insured.  We will never send someone that we do not know.   We will  meet on site with our subcontractors to make sure they fully understand what work is to be performed.  We do our best to communicate clearly to avoid mistakes or delays. 

Before the Construction Begins

You will need to make some preparations before tear-out begins:   

1. Remove all items from your cabinets and countertops and dishwasher.  Pack and store the items that will not be used during the remodel.  Also remove all wall decorations and furniture from the room being renovated.  The kitchen space needs to be completely empty.  (No stacks of old drawers or small appliances in the way please!)
2. Be prepared for dust.  We will clean up as we go along and try to keep it as contained as possible.  However it is a good idea to expect a lot of dust during construction. 
3. Set up a temporary kitchen with either your old refrigerator or a mini-fridge in a convenient space away from the construction.  Add a microwave, coffee maker and possibly a toaster to this area as well.  You may not have access to the kitchen sink for awhile so plan to do dishes in a bathroom or laundry sink or stock up on disposable plates and utensils.  After the cabinets are installed and the countertop template is done, we offer, for a very reasonable fee, to install a temporary sink and a section of plywood countertop to help you survive the next ten days or so while retaining a bit of your sanity!
4. You also may want to stock up on microwave meals, soups, meals cooked in advanced and then frozen, cereal and other non-perishable items.  A few restaurant coupons might come in handy  when you need a break.  We can also refer you to a local personal chef/caterer that can prepare and deliver a fresh home-cooked meal to your home.
5. Although we try to foresee possible snags it is best to be mentally prepared for the unexpected.  Sometimes issues such as old leaky plumbing in the walls or structural problems may not become visible until construction begins.   We are in constant communication with our clients and subcontractors to resolve issues as they arise.  We understand that this is a very stressful time and Spence and Vaughn strives to make the process run as smoothly as possible. 

Installation

• We will contact you to schedule cabinet delivery. Your delivery will be coordinated with one of our installers. Upon delivery, the second payment is due.  We cannot leave the cabinetry at the house without receiving this payment. Our goal is to begin and complete the project as soon as possible in order to minimize the disruption to your family.
• Your new cabinetry is delivered in a professional moving truck and placed directly into your home. It is given the care and attention it deserves.
• Installation is conducted by our cabinet technicians who have meticulously reviewed your plans with the designer and project supervisor. With years of experience they will exceed your every expectation.  Our installers are wonderful craftsmen, very pleasant to work with and you will enjoy having them in your home. 
• Either Jim Spence or Darryl Vaughn will do a final walk thru and inspection, noting any items that need attention. A demonstration of all specialty cabinets will be conducted. Proper care and maintenance will be described along with a review of manufacturer’s warranty.
• We are confident that your new cabinetry will provide many years of enjoyment for your family, improve the quality of your life, and increase the value of your home.
• All the employees of Spence and Vaughn thank you for your consideration. Our entire company is dedicated to your total satisfaction.