• Budget – what can I afford?
  
• Inspiration source such as a picture from a magazine or web site that fits your vision.
• When can I begin and how long will it take to assemble all my components.
• Know what you are getting into or hire a reliable and competent installer.
• If you are a “do-it –yourselfer” make sure you are aware of all the aspects of the installation and that you or someone you know can “do the job right”.  Some skills are more critical than others. mistakes in electrical and plumbing can be much more expensive than hiring a professional.
• How much is your time worth?  You may wind up spending too much time trying to do the job of a general contractor or remodeler only to find out you would have been better off leaving it to the experienced professionals.
• Have a plan before you start, this will be invaluable before you tear out or install anything.
• Ask how long things take to order since some items could take as long as 4 to 8 weeks for delivery or more in some instances.
• Don’t take the delivery unless your room is prepared and you’re ready to install, and you have a secure place to collect all your components.

2. What options in cabinet construction, drawer box, and storage conveniences do you “have to have”.
3. Choose from a wide array of moldings to enhance the design.
4. Counter top surfaces and colors are numerous:

granite, crushed quartz, concrete, glass, tile
Corian, Meganite, Swanstone, butcherblock
plastic laminate &  high definition laminates
All have various edge treatments.

5. If you go overboard on your budget-prioritize, what can you delete to get the price down.

BATHS:
While just about everything we mentioned in kichens applies to baths with the following specifics

1. Plumbing fixtures are selected first as well as their placement, style and color.
2. Lavatory sink or sinks are generally determined by the space of the room which determines the size of the vanity base.
3. There are varying heights for vanity cabinets with kitchen height (34 ½”) being the more comfortable elevation requiring less bending but more money.  The standard height is between 30 & 32 ½”.
4. Counter surfaces include:

 cultured marble, granite, marble, tile,
wood, Swanstne, Corian, plastic laminate.

Butler’s Pantries:
Even though most of us don’t have an Alfred living with us we can tailor this space in many ways to suit our needs.

1. Extra storage popularly shown with glass doors.
2. Sometimes having an extra sink or coffee station.
3. Staging area between the kitchen and dining room.

1. Washers and dryers today come in different shapes and sizes and again are placed first.
2. A folding area and utility sink are great if you have the room .
3. Cabinetry for storage is ideal as well as a place to hang up your permanent press.

Wet Bar:

1. Appliances such as a wine captain, beverage center, beer meister or ice maker need to be selected first.
2. “wet” means bar sink usually half the size of a standard single bowl kitchen sink.
3. this is usually located near the kitchen and against a wall

so you walk up to it and serve yourself.

4. Lattice wine rack or wine cubbies are ways of displaying your red wine stock.

Basement Bar:

1. Much different yet similar to the wet bar, same appliances, and sink or sinks.
2. Bar wall at 42” height usually seperates the guests from the bartender and has cabinetry below the serving area and cabinetry against a wall behind the server for display and storage.
3. Design elevations are different with varying heights to accommodate mixing, blending and pouring. 
4. Custom features as a Chicago rail, brass rail, spill trays and wainscot paneled bar walls are very popular.

Library, Study Rooms:
If this is your home office what do you need to operate efficiently?     

• Computer PC or laptop, monitor, printer. fax machine, phone, TV, speakers etc.
• Desk can be custom made or a stand alone unit.
• Storage can include book cases, file cabinets, keyboard drawers and many other options depending on your specific occupation or hobby.