Home remodeling is an investment and with everything that involves money and resources, keeping every transaction recorded protects both the homeowner and contractor as well as helps solve arising problems faster. Whether the renovation is relatively small or a major kitchen remodeling, a detailed written contract or signed and accepted proposal should be drafted and should define:

• Scope of the work
• Itemized costs and payment terms
• Timeframe – when the work starts and finishes
• Blueprints (if any)
• Specified building materials
• Responsible party for procurring required permits
• An agreement that the contractor adheres to local codes, workplace safety and building regulations
• Contractor work warranties
• Statements of cancellation rights
• Performance bond to protect you from potential financial loss in case the home remodeling project is not completed as scheduled

For peace of mind and protection from risks and liabilities, ensure that all these items are covered in the contract. Even if you personally know the contractor, hand shake agreements will never suffice. If all requirements are understood by everybody involved in the project and are formalized through a written agreement, then unnecessary disputes, frustrations and possible lawsuits can be avoided.

Another essential part of home remodeling projects that you need to understand is holdbacks and how they work to protect you. A holdback is the last 10% of the contract’s total value that homeowners “hold back” from contractors upon substantial completion of the project. The holdback is there to protect you from lien againts your property, claimed by the contractor or his sub-trades. When dealing with a renovation, there are three types of holdbacks:

1. Builders Lien Holdback. This type protects subcontractors or suppliers by securing payment for work performed or materials provided. There are times when a contractor has already satisfied the terms of the contract but fail to pay his subtrades for services rendered or products delivered. The holdback will then give the general contractor specified time to arrange for the payments, avoiding the liability of having to pay the liens out of your own pocket.
2. Substantial Completion. A holdback should be a part of every home remodeling agreement. Once the renovation is substantially done or 97% complete, the contractor asks the homeowner to sign a certificate of substantial completion which may or may not be signed depending on how happy you are with the result.
3. Seasonal or Delivery Holdback. There are certain jobs that cannot be done at specific times of the year, such as exterior painting and landscaping on winter or a rainy season. In these cases, the amount equaling the cost of the job to be completed is held back.

The Benefits

There are various reasons to choose white cabinetry over other options:

1. Mess and disarray is common in busy kitchens especially during food preparation and cooking. White kitchen cabinets help create a clean and uncluttered aura to the area that lightens the mood of the household and guests.
2. White cabinetry is plain stylish and can easily create a design statement. The entire collection will create a striking overall effect that is never overwhelming. And just the same, its neutrality can help the cabinet units blend in beautifully with the rest of the décor.
3. Because of the light neutral color, homeowners are allowed more versatility when it comes to implementing color schemes and designs. A white cabinet collection can complement with whatever other colors as well as materials and surfaces such as hardwood, natural stone, quartz, stainless steel, and others. So you can get as simple or as funky as you want with this choice.
4. The color creates an illusion of more space thus white kitchen cabinets are ideal for remodeling small and medium-sized kitchens. This will also prove to be a great choice if you want to achieve an airy look to the room.

Choosing Kitchen Cabinets

Keep in mind, not all white cabinetry collection are created equal. Though vinyl foil and laminate cabinet units may fool you at first glance, the core material that the foil and laminate protects will swell, warp and disintegrate even with the smallest amount of moisture. The best deal that you can get to take advantage not only of timeless beauty but also time-tested durability is buying all-wood construction. All wood construction features solid wood doors, drawer fronts and face frame; as well as high grade plywood for interior divisions for maximized strength.

White kitchen cabinets come available in a wide selection of premium collections. Aside from the different door and drawer front profiles that you can choose from to match various kitchen design, white cabinetry also comes in various tones. The cabinet lines do not have to be all stark, to add a luxurious touch of exquisiteness; the white finishes are tainted lightly with other hues. You can choose from Cream Maple, Creamy White Rope, Classic Rope, White Shaker  and other finishes.

To add more personality into white kitchen cabinets, you can add matching cabinet accessories into your order. Accessories such as moldings, panels and decorative doors, valances, roll-out trays, fillers, and other upgrade options can add more style and functionality to your cabinetry and helps set your collection apart from others.

Door styles are among the first and primary considerations to take, here are some of the most common options:

1. Raised Panel – has details that go up and down on the sides, and showcases rails that go across making for an ornate look. This is common in traditional kitchens with some of the most popular styles including Queen Anne, Colonial or Continental styles.
2. Flat Panel – this feature, on the other hand, gives an inset look with the face flush in sight together with the groove in the frame.
3. Glass Doors – this is among the kitchen cabinet styles that not only boosts aesthetics but also gives a whole new purpose to cabinets by creating display areas out of them. You can choose to have the door as a plain glass frame or have them with mullions.
4. Mitered Doors – this features perfectly square jamb corners decorating the surface of a raised front or flat panel door. This option gives kitchens a touch of added dimensions.
5. Shaker Style – this is among the most popular door profiles that homeowners choose because of the style flexibility that it offers. Shaker style doors are made distinct by the simple lines that make them perfect for whatever kitchen design from classic, traditional, casual, cottage, to sleek contemporary.

Wood and Finish

When it comes to wood choices, three of the most popular for manufacturing and building cabinets are maple, oak, and cherry. Because each holds a unique character to their grains as well as natural tone, it is important to consider which set of natural attributes would work great in your planned design from the smooth and fine grains of maple, dark richness of cherry, or the dramatic grains of oak. These then are made more interesting by the different finishes used to further polish the surface; and create and add exquisite appeal to kitchen cabinet styles.

Though high in ROI, kitchen remodeling also ranks among the most expensive home improvement projects. And this is where RTA cabinets will be most helpful. They allow you to considerably cutback on the expenses in many different ways and help stretch your budget. Aside from being priced just a fraction of traditional custom cabinet pieces, ready to assemble cabinetry is very easy to put together. This saves you the time, effort and money you have to spend on looking for and hiring a contractor that specialize in cabinet carpentry.

Be smart when looking for RTA cabinets. Take the time to look for a reliable cabinet supplier to get your cabinet collection from. Also, take advantage of promotions such as bulk discounts and free shipping on minimum orders.

All Wood Construction

All wood RTA cabinets are manufactured from the most popular hardwoods and high-grade plywood that lends kitchens the exquisite natural look combined with the durability needed for your cabinetry collection to last. The common conditions in busy kitchens can easily damage particleboard and laminate RTA cabinet products. But the all wood construction feature will make your new set of gorgeous cabinets efficiently stand through the wear and use, as well as the harsh and constantly changing conditions common in busy kitchens. With this feature, you get the best value for your kitchen remodeling.

Extensive Selection

Gone are the days when unique kitchen remodeling requirements stop homeowners from opting for RTA cabinets. Today, the selection has become extensive where you can choose from a wide array of practical types such as wall end shelf cabinet, diagonal corner cabinet, end corner angle cabinet, sink base cabinet, bridge wall cabinets, horizontal drawers, and appliance garage. Depending on your taste and the current style of your kitchen, there are many finishes and designs to consider. And for the ultimate personalization, order additional accessories for that decorative flair.

Fast Shipping

Flat-packed, RTA cabinets are easier to transport and thus, faster to ship. In as little wait as two weeks, you can already start on your kitchen remodeling and soon enjoy the fruits of your labor.

RTA cabinets are manufactured in various materials such as laminate and particleboard, plywood, as well as all-wood construction. Depending on your budget and preference you can choose either of these materials. To lavish at the natural exquisiteness and sturdiness that hardwood offers, take advantage of the all-wood construction which also lasts for many practical years.

The Cost
This is the factor that considerably differentiates RTA cabinets Vs traditional cabinets. Ready to assemble cabinetry has been made popular by the low initial cost that products come in and this remains the reason why many homeowners still opt for this choice. Aside from the delightful low-figure price tags, the assembly can be done easily by yourself cutting back on contractor labor cost. Traditional cabinet pieces, however, are built by skilled contractors that specialize in woodworking. And as we know, labor is among the areas where a huge portion of the remodeling budget goes to.

Selection

Because traditional cabinets are entirely customized according to your remodeling needs and personal preference, the possibilities are limitless. On the other hand, RTA cabinets are now available in an extensive range of choices from different finishes to types. Ready to assemble cabinetry now comes in innovative designs that are beyond the standard selection allowing more flexibility when it comes to creating a layout for your bathroom or kitchen cabinet design. Some options to consider include diagonal corner cabinet, wall end shelf cabinet, end corner angle cabinet, sink base cabinet, appliance garage, horizontal drawers, and bridge wall cabinets.

Both choices can be very beneficial but some bathroom or kitchen design can be impossible to work with and this is when traditional cabinetry works best. But if an efficient layout can be set up with your ready to assemble cabinetry selection, then take advantage of the furniture-grade quality that all-wood RTA cabinets offer minus the hefty price.

RTA cabinets also showcase various door styles to complement with different interior designs from classic, traditional, to contemporary; and anywhere in between. This comes with matching drawer fronts and dovetail drawer construction for added durability. Popular choices include Ginger Shaker, Cream Maple, Classic Rope, Mocha Shaker, Honey Maple, and Oakland Auburn.

The all-wood construction feature also makes RTA kitchen cabinets an ideal addition to your remodeling project if you have functionality in mind. Hardwoods lend that furniture grade quality to ready to assemble cabinetry that allows your collection to efficiently stand up to the always changing temperature and moisture levels, as well as the mess, spills and bumps common in busy kitchens. The inherent strength of hardwood is polished further by advanced manufacturing methods and innovative product engineering that makes for stability to last for many practical years.

Today, you do not have to opt for traditional customized cabinetry to fill in corners and other spaces because the RTA selection has become more extensive. Ready to assemble kitchen cabinets are available in units like pantry, oven cabinet, sink base cabinet, corner cabinet, wall end angle and shelf cabinet, bridge wall cabinet, drawer base cabinet, and base blind corner cabinet.

To infuse a personalized touch into the design, take advantage of upgradeable features and cabinet accessories. Fillers are installed to create a more fluid look to the cabinet surface by filling in the gaps in between. Moldings work great at adding an ornate touch to your cabinetry collection. Valances are a stylish way to create continuity between separate cabinet units. Glass doors are beautiful and extend the use of cabinet units from simple storage to display areas. To maximize storage and functionality of your RTA kitchen cabinets, choices include Lazy Susan, roll-out trays, pull-out bins, and soft closing hinges.

In the past, the problem with opting for RTA is the limited number of choices. Today, ready to assemble vanities are available in a wide selection of sizes and types including single or double bowl base cabinets, curved door cabinets, linen cabinets, vanity tall cabinets, drawer base cabinets, and vanity combo that feature different combination of doors and drawers. To complete the look, you can order matching Curved Ball Foot Toe Kick and Mirror.

When shopping for the perfect bathroom vanity for your remodeling project, it is important to take note of all the details needed from the ideal size that would fit into the available space, to the bathroom design and color scheme, and to your personal preferences. Consider ready to assemble bathroom vanities and be a step closer to realizing the dream bathroom.

Take time to look into your options is crucial to the success of your remodeling project. Aside from aesthetics, another major element to focus on is efficient storage. Make sure to choose cabinet types and sizes that will enhance functionality in the area and take note of the ideal options to choose from for your different remodeling needs.

Craftsmen Network showcases a selection of cabinet units that go beyond standard dimensions. For general storage needs, pantries are ideal and you can choose from the different sizes and constructions available to fit into your kitchen layout. Browse through our offering of wall mounted and base cabinet choices that feature single or double doors, as well as other innovative constructions such as sink base cabinets, corner cabinets, wall end angle and shelf cabinets, bridge wall cabinets, and others.

For added style and functionality, our cabinetry collections offer upgradeable features and our product line includes cabinet accessories like moldings, valances, and panels that you can order along with your choice of cabinet set.

• Ultimate DIY. With the advancements in product design and production methods, ready to assemble cabinetry of today has gone a long way when it comes to engineering. Construction is as easy as 1-2-3… literally. In fact all you need to have is a single screw driver. Follow the comprehensive set of instructions and you are a leap closer to your dream bathroom.
• Minus Labor Costs. The easiest DIY products out in the market, RTA bathroom cabinets allow homeowners to lessen the burden of contractor fees. Labor is known to be among the major factors that add considerably to the overall expense of remodeling bathrooms. Without needing to pay for contractor services, you can maximize your renovation budget for a more productive project.
• Valuable Quality. Contrary to popular beliefs, with all-wood RTA bathroom cabinets, quality now comes in a low price. Lavish at all the advantages of wood from its natural strength, to the distinctive exquisiteness of the surface that is further polished by the luxurious finishes. With some of the most popular hardwoods for the doors, cabinet fronts, and the frame; as well as quality plywood for the interior; your collection of ready to assemble cabinetry would efficiently stand the test of time.
• More Options. Ready to assemble cabinetry comes in a very wide variety of options to choose from allowing homeowners to pick the perfect collection whether their baths are designed in classic traditional, modern contemporary, and anywhere in between. Indulge your sight with the rich offering of the most popular finishes. And when it comes to sizes and constructions, the choices now range from the basics and beyond standards that can perfectly fit into various layouts when remodeling bathrooms.
• Time Efficiency. Flat-packed, RTA bathroom cabinets are cheaper, easier and so much faster to ship. In less than two weeks, your collection of cabinet units will be delivered to you and you can start and complete the assembly as soon as you want.

All Wood Cabinetry

With ready to assemble options, made from the most popular hardwood species and high grade plywood, quality renovation results need not be bank-breaking. Aside from the inherent exquisiteness that they bring, creating a more luxurious look to kitchen remodeling, these choices are also durable.

Cabinet Doors

How will your kitchen cabinets be used? Storage cabinet units such as pantries are often placed out of the way. Because the contents are often mixed and are not meant to be seen, storage cabinet units are ideally paired with solid doors. For your base and wall cabinets, you can choose to accentuate them with glass doors to create interest in the design as well as showcase the contents of your cabinet units commonly stylish dinnerware, silverware and other items that you want to display. And for an airier look, you can also opt for open shelves.

Finish and Design

Though looks is not everything when it comes to kitchen remodeling, the finish and design that you choose for your kitchen cabinets will carry a lot of weight when it comes to the overall ambiance you want kitchens to emanate with. Choose a finish and design that will beautifully complement with the current style and color scheme that you are working with in your renovation project. Shaker style is a flexible choice that can work perfectly whether for traditional or modern kitchens. Some of the most popular finishes include cream, antique white, honey, espresso, chocolate, cinnamon, cherry, and mahogany.

Cabinet Layout

When it comes to planning the layout of your kitchen cabinets, it is important to take note of the available space you have as well as what items each cabinet will hold. Taller and slimmer cabinetry is best used to maximize floor space and is a great solution for smaller kitchens. There are types of constructions that are designed especially for specific use such as appliance, drawer, bridge wall or corner cabinets. For storage, wall end as well as front and center base cabinet units are commonly used. But even if you choose to use various sets of cabinets differently, what is important is that they are arranged in the most practical way for your cooking needs.