Top Design-Build Questions Answered

Paul DeFeis | October 5, 2009

Many people these days are considering using a design-build (D&B) company for all their renovation needs, as opposed to hiring a general contractor. Here, Paul DeFeis, senior managing partner at Trade Mark Design & Build based in Hawthorne, New Jersey, answers the top 10 questions potential customers have:

1. Q: Do you charge a fee for the first visit or design?
   A: No, the first visit and design are complimentary.
2. Q: Where does the appointment take place?
   A: An onsite survey of the space is recommended for all remodeling projects. New construction projects will take place in our showroom.
3. Q: How long does it take to get the first design back?
   A: The initial design and budget are usually completed within a week.
4. Q: Can a general price range be given prior to a design?
   A: Yes, we can provide you with some budgetary numbers based on previous projects that are similar to yours.
5. Q: This is our first remodeling project; can you help us with the process?
   A: Yes, please visit the “Our Services” page of our web site for a complete look at the Design & Build process. Any additional questions can be answered by contacting our office.
6. Q: What type of projects does your company normally handle?
   A: Our most common projects include; kitchens, baths, home theaters, wine rooms, home bars & libraries along with any renovation, remodel or addition that may be necessary to complete the space.
7. Q: What if our project requires an architect or engineer?
   A: Trade Mark works directly with various architects and engineers that will assist in the planning process.
8. Q: Who is responsible for obtaining permits?
   A: Trade Mark will apply and obtain all necessary permits for your project.
9. Q: Who will run the project?
   A: After the design process is complete, a project coordinator will be appointed to your project.
10. Q: Will someone be able to assist me with all the product selections?
    A: Yes, your project designer and coordinator will assist you with all your product selections.

Hiring a Design & Build firm such as Trade Mark Design & Build can be the answer to all your remodeling needs, no matter how big or small your project is. It’s definitely something worth considering if you plan to do any home renovation work in the near future. You won’t be disappointed with the results.

What to Look For When Choosing Cabinets

Choosing a decent kitchen cabinet isn’t child’s play, and nobody knows that better than Paul DeFeis, senior managing partner at Trade Mark Design & Build, based in Hawthorne New Jersey. With over 15 years’ experience in residential design, he is well-equipped to advise people about what to look for in a cabinet. Here, he spills all:

A lot more is going on than meets the eye when people choose kitchen cabinets. They think they’re comparing apples to apples, but that’s not the case. To make this point even clearer, I like to use the fast food outlet vs restaurant hamburger analogy.

Both are hamburgers but they are made from very different ingredients, which result in a very different end product. For example, quality ingredients go into the restaurant hamburger, top choice and so on. A fast food hamburger has less quality ingredients and the end result is a poor quality product.

Okay, in the end they’re both hamburgers. But the reason we use that analogy at Trade Mark Design & Build is because people to understand it’s still a hamburger – but with very different ingredients in each – and a very different taste. The same applies to cabinetry.

Different Grades of Wood

It starts with the wood type. There is Grade A wood, not Grade A wood. There are differences in plywood structure as far as how many layers there are, how many pounds of pressure were put on it, and what type of adhesives were put on it. All translates into what the end product will be.

Some homeowners, however, will have a difficult time distinguishing between the fast food hamburger cabinet and the restaurant hamburger cabinet. Some indicators are listed below. So ask the following questions when choosing a kitchen cabinet:

1. Is it domestic or foreign plywood? Usually domestic is better.
2. Are the fronts made from solid wood or are they veneers?
3. What type of hardwood does the cabinet manufacturer use?
4. What is the warranty? Believe it or not, warranties are usually a good indicator of how thorough the product has been made. The cheaper lines have one year or no warranty at all, whereas the higher quality lines often carry a lifetime guarantee.
5. What type of finish is on the cabinet?
6. What is the drawer box construction made from – and how is it made?

Homeowners should not stint on cabinet quality. You may think you’re saving money but in the long-term you are actually doing yourself – and your home – a disservice. Look at what the purpose you are investing in kitchen cabinets is. Are you doing over your kitchen short- term to turn your house over, or is it long-term for you enjoyment over several years, say five, seven or more? Then you will realize how good quality can benefit both your lifestyle and your wallet.

We usually ask people, if you buy cheap silverware, how many times have you replaced it? But you probably still have the quality set that was on your wedding registry. It’s a good way way to see how things can last over time. Unfortunately, however, people have a hard time understanding that, or justifying that sort of cost compared to a cheaper model. But later on it comes back to bite them.

Residential Bars | Custom Home Bars | Wine Rooms | Wine Cellars | Wine Room Design| Custom Home Libraries | Built In Furniture | Media Rooms |Custom Cabinetry | NJ

Custom Residential Bar

Why choose Trade Mark Design & Build for your Custom Cabinetry?

We Design & Build your Project – Every step of the way we’re there to assist you with the choices – Our goal is to find items that are aesthetically pleasing and function well in your space. This process will give you peace of mind knowing all of your selections will look & work great!

We deliver your project on time & within budget – period. That is the #1 benefit of a Design Build Contract – Visit our Design Build Page to learn more.

We do not charge for our initial Designs or Meetings – We will conduct a survey to identify your needs – Translate them into simple drawings to convey solutions and proposed ideas – Create project budget analysis all free of charge.

 Visit our website at www.trademarkinteriors.com to learn more!

Trade Mark Design & Build – A full service firm located in Hawthorne, NJ – Kitchen & Bath Design, Home Theaters, Custom Cabinetry, Renovation and Remodeling Services, Project Management. Let Us Manage Your Expectations!

Home Automation | Smart Homes | NJ

Why choose Trade Mark Design & Build for your Home Automation?

We Design & Build your Project – Every step of the way we’re there to assist you with the choices – Our goal is to find items that are aesthetically pleasing and function well in your space. This process will give you peace of mind knowing all of your selections will look & work great!

We deliver your project on time & within budget – period. That is the #1 benefit of a Design Build Contract – Visit our Design Build Page to learn more.

We do not charge for our initial Designs or Meetings – We will conduct a survey to identify your needs – Translate them into simple drawings to convey solutions and proposed ideas – Create project budget analysis all free of charge.

Visit our website at www.trademarkinteriors.com to learn more!

Trade Mark Design & Build – A full service firm located in Hawthorne, NJ – Kitchen & Bath Design, Home Theaters, Custom Cabinetry, Renovation and Remodeling Services, Project Management. Let Us Manage Your Expectations!

Home Additions | Kitchen Additions | Room Additions | Builders | NJ

Why choose Trade Mark Design & Build for your Home Addition?

We Design & Build your Project – Every step of the way we’re there to assist you with the choices – Our goal is to find items that are aesthetically pleasing and function well in your space. This process will give you peace of mind knowing all of your selections will look & work great!

We deliver your project on time & within budget – period. That is the #1 benefit of a Design Build Contract – Visit our Design Build Page to learn more.

We do not charge for our initial Designs or Meetings – We will conduct a survey to identify your needs – Translate them into simple drawings to convey solutions and proposed ideas – Create project budget analysis all free of charge.

Visit our website at www.trademarkinteriors.com to learn more!

Trade Mark Design & Build – A full service firm located in Hawthorne, NJ – Kitchen & Bath Design, Home Theaters, Custom Cabinetry, Renovation and Remodeling Services, Project Management. Let Us Manage Your Expectations!

Bathroom Design | Bathroom Remodeling & Renovation Contractor | NJ

Steam Shower

Why choose Trade Mark Design & Build for your Bathroom Remodel?

We Design & Build your Project – Every step of the way we’re there to assist you with the choices – Our goal is to find items that are aesthetically pleasing and function well in your space. This process will give you peace of mind knowing all of your selections will look & work great!

We deliver your project on time & within budget – period. That is the #1 benefit of a Design Build Contract – Visit our Design Build Page to learn more.

We do not charge for our initial Designs or Meetings – We will conduct a survey to identify your needs – Translate them into simple drawings to convey solutions and proposed ideas – Create project budget analysis all free of charge.

Visit our website at www.trademarkinteriors.com to learn more!

Trade Mark Design & Build – A full service firm located in Hawthorne, NJ – Kitchen & Bath Design, Home Theaters, Custom Cabinetry, Renovation and Remodeling Services, Project Management. Let Us Manage Your Expectations!

Home Theater Design | Home Theater Installation | NJ

Custom Home Theater

Why choose Trade Mark Design & Build for your Home Theater?

We Design & Build your Project – Every step of the way we’re there to assist you with the choices – Our goal is to find items that are aesthetically pleasing and function well in your space. This process will give you peace of mind knowing all of your selections will look & work great!

We deliver your project on time & within budget – period. That is the #1 benefit of a Design Build Contract – Visit our Design Build Page to learn more.

We do not charge for our initial Designs or Meetings – We will conduct a survey to identify your needs – Translate them into simple drawings to convey solutions and proposed ideas – Create project budget analysis all free of charge.

Visit our website at www.trademarkinteriors.com to learn more!

Trade Mark Design & Build – A full service firm located in Hawthorne, NJ – Kitchen & Bath Design, Home Theaters, Custom Cabinetry, Renovation and Remodeling Services, Project Management. Let Us Manage Your Expectations!

Kitchen Design | Kitchen Remodeling & Renovation Contractor | NJ

Custom Kitchen

Why choose Trade Mark Design & Build for your Kitchen Remodel?

We Design & Build your Project – Every step of the way we’re there to assist you with the choices – Our goal is to find items that are aesthetically pleasing and function well in your space. This process will give you peace of mind knowing all of your selections will look & work great!

We deliver your project on time & within budget – period. That is the #1 benefit of a Design Build Contract – Visit our Design Build Page to learn more.

We do not charge for our initial Designs or Meetings – We will conduct a survey to identify your needs – Translate them into simple drawings to convey solutions and proposed ideas – Create project budget analysis all free of charge.

Visit our website at www.trademarkinteriors.com to learn more!

Trade Mark Design & Build – A full service firm located in Hawthorne, NJ – Kitchen & Bath Design, Home Theaters, Custom Cabinetry, Renovation and Remodeling Services, Project Management. Let Us Manage Your Expectations!

What’s new in the Kitchen & Bath Industry

This is a bottom mounted soft close trash unit that resolves the problem of the trash can being the only item in the kitchen that cannot self close. In addition to being the first bottom mounted soft self closing unit carried by Hafele it comes in the popular Arena Champagne finish. We are very happy with this products look and preformance. For more information on this or our other products please visit our website at www.trademarkinteriors.com

 

 

Trade Mark Design & Build – A full service firm located in Hawthorne, NJ – Kitchen & Bath Design, Home Theaters, Custom Cabinetry, Renovation and Remodeling Services, Project Management. Let Us Manage Your Expectations!