Pro to Pro

Discussion forum for kitchen & both professionals

* Broken or abandoned china: Even if it is no longer of service on the table, china can become a serviceable and spunky mosaic backsplash.-MCRThere seems to be little room to mark up tile given the small discounts offered by most high-end manufacturers. Right now, if someone contracts for cabinets, I will do a backsplash design and mark up the tile to list price. Even then, there is so much room for error and little profit potential at the same time. Does anyone have any ideas in regard to this situation?Also, concrete is porous, so if you choose a concrete countertop or floor, make sure you have the right sealant to discourage stains. Concrete floors can also be cold and must be insulated so as not to transfer the cold from the ground into the slab. An ideal solution is to install radiant heat, where you bury pipes or cables (depending on whether it is an electric or hydronic system) in the floor to heat it.RESPONSE 3Usually we ballpark backsplash costing to about $2,500 depending on the cost of the tile and pattern (including installation). They can often sell for $2,200-$6,000 depending on the complexity of the work. We [get around it] by funneling our customers to our tile distributors' showrooms. The tile designers there are usually fabulous - not only at layout but also at upselling highly priced trim and other decorative stuff.7. ABCs of Appliances6. Cabinets - Replace or RefaceWith the launch of these two exclusive Web series, HGTV KitchenDesign (http://design.hgtv.com/kitchen/) is further cemented as one of the deepest, richest broadband resources in the lifestyle category today. In addition to more than 450 videos, the site features a comprehensive suite of interactive tools such as an online designer that helps create floor plans and set up appliances.I think with ceramic tile, you have to mark it up to make any profit on the job at all. Designs can be quite time consuming, and you need to be paid for the work you are putting in!8 Fresh Ideas for Kitchen Backsplashes-crazycabsKNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- In honor of Kitchen and Bath Month this October, broadband channel HGTV KitchenDesign announces the launch of its first two exclusive Web video series devoted to the kitchen - "8 Fresh Ideas for Kitchen Backsplashes" and "Getting Started - 10 Steps to a New Kitchen." Both video series will be available in their entirety at HGTV KitchenDesign (http://design.hgtv.com/kitchen/) beginning the week of October 16, 2006.Today, contractors can transform this typically utilitarian building material into whatever you can imagine. They can make concrete any color you want and make it resemble any pattern you want -- from stone to slate to wood.Most concrete countertops are custom made and can cost anywhere from $45 to $225 per square foot. Although it is more expensive than other options, such as granite or tile, decorative concrete can be a beautiful option for your home whether applied inside or out.What is the best way to advertise and sell a showroom display that you need to switch out?Part of me feels that the closet will be easier to sell since people don't really need more stuff.BACKSPLASH COSTSIn "Getting Started - 10 Steps to a New Kitchen," host Lise Simms offers a beginner's guide to kitchen remodeling, with easy tips that help inexperienced homeowners make their kitchen the heart of the home. Each Webisode concentrates on one of the 10 steps:-KarH-jelkelkitchenI, too, have been in a similar situation! As tactfully as you can, you need to ask the client who will be living and working in this kitchen. How does "she" cook, wash, clean and use her kitchen? Ultimately, this can lead to a better overall relationship.Another reason why we like this setup is because there is not much money in tile, and this way our customers are happy and we still maintain control over the project. In addition to that, we don't have to spend precious hours worrying about designing the perfect tile backsplash.The dynamic Web sites created and supported by Scripps Networks Interactive attracted an average of more than 12 million unique visitors per month in 2005, a growth of nearly 30 percent from the previous year. The Scripps Networks Interactive Web sites - www.HGTV.com, www.FoodNetwork.com, www.DIYnetwork.com, www.FineLiving.com and www.GACTV.com - along with broadband channels - HGTV Pro, HGTV KitchenDesign, HGTV BathDesign and DIY Woodworking - are not only extensions of Scripps Networks leading lifestyle brands, providing users programming information and additional instructional content, but also exciting destinations for original content, engaging video and powerful interactive tools.I have worked for design/build companies that have charged [quite a bit] for the tile and labor. The final cost was somewhere between $750 and $1,000, but this was for very small kitchens.It is bothering me because I feel like I am being undermined. Near the end of the last meeting the friend asked me, "How long have you been doing this?" She had her eyebrows raised. My credentials and portfolio were presented at the first meeting so I have to feel it was a jab. Midway through the meeting, she said to the homeowner, "I thought you were going to do this and I thought you were going to do that," and I said, "And just where are you getting the space to put all of those cabinets?"QUESTION-susan27One interior trend is to extend the exterior walkway into the foyer or entry of the home, creating a smooth and seamless transition from outside to inside. When used in a transition from an interior space to a back patio, decorative concrete ties the two spaces together and complements outside living spaces.10. The Right Light Makes it CompleteCLIENT RELATIONS3. Choose a ContractorWe are selling one of our kitchen displays. I just put a sign there with the retail price so that people can see the difference. Some people get intrigued by that approach. The problem is that the display may not fit into their home. Beyond that, once they get a price for the add-on items, they may lose their interest.Can anyone offer any advice on how to handle this situation? I think that I am pretty diplomatic, but I am also feeling really uncomfortable and a little troubled about this scenario. Thanks for any insight you can provide to me.-susanckdMoving from driveways, walkways and pool decks, this chic trend has found its way inside -- through the entryway and into family and dining rooms, bathrooms and kitchen and utility areas, not to mention fireplaces, countertops and backsplashes.One of the most common decorative concrete techniques is stamped concrete. Stamped concrete is a technique applied to new concrete where rubber molds are pressed into the surface of the concrete before it sets up. Concrete can also be colored by adding pigment when the cement, sand and water are mixed. Because this is not an exact science, it is best to make sure the entire area is poured at the same time to ensure the color is consistent.9. Sinks with Style and UtilityIt is a closet system if that makes any difference. Any ideas that you can offer me would be greatly appreciated.I think you're working with one of my clients!In my case, it is the same thing. Her best friend is in on every single decision, no matter how large or how small. I even printed a set of plans for her and she was there at the contract signing (however I didn't give her a copy of the contract). I have had all the same thoughts as you are having about your situation.Whenever you work with concrete you have to understand that it is going to crack. That is why control joints are placed in a slab, which encourage floors to crack we want them to crack. Even with the control joints, however, the floor may crack. You have to be willing to take the cracks as they come and see it as part of concrete's character.-jengI think you may have a tougher road than I did. I can be a bit confrontational. I think I would ask why she said something derogatory, in a curious, but respectful way, and if there are any issues she is uncomfortable about regarding the process. Others would advise not to speak up, but if I were constantly berated, I think I'd speak up. I hope that doesn't happen and that it's just an isolated incident.4. Create an Efficient LayoutI have on occasion asked the client, privately on the phone, how much involvement she wants her friend to have. You can be direct, but respectful, but also inquisitive so you understand the dynamics. There is nothing wrong with that approach and your client will appreciate it. Just tell her that you want to understand what she wants for her project.* Household objects: A 3-D collage made with favorite objects such as silverware and shells can create a multi-dimensional backsplash that has individuality and flair.

Part of me feels that the closet will be easier to sell since people don't really need more stuff.