How To Make Your Bath or Kitchen Project A Success

How To Make Your
Bath or Kitchen
Project A Success
If You Have a Bath or Kitchen Project
in Your Future...
Let Your Plumbing Partner Help Make the Process More Enjoyable.
You hear the horror stories all the time. A member of your family or one of your friends
is building a new home or undertaking a remodeling project, and it suddenly gets out of
hand: decisions being made at the last minute, vendors they thought were okay pushing
them around like they were the customer, products being delivered or installed that were
not what they thought or wanted, and budgets spinning out of control. And those were
the projects that went smoothly.
Getting Professional Advice Before You Start Can Save You Lots of
Aggravation...and Money... in The Long Run
Well, here at Carolina Supply we can help you avoid becoming one of those horror stories
and make your next kitchen, bath or plumbing project a more pleasing and gratifying
process. Our experienced staff is here to provide you with courteous and professional
service at every level, from the person that answers your phone call to our showroomproject consultants to the warehouse crew.
Let Your Imagination Flow With A Visit To The Area’s Most Inviting and
Thought-Provoking Showroom Settings
Visit one of our Bath & Kitchen Creations Custom Design Centers and experience the
possibilities available as you immerse yourself in the meticulously produced vignettes
depicting a range of settings from intimate bath enclosures to exciting and exquisitely
rendered kitchen experiences. Add the quality products we offer, from America’s
leading manufacturers such as Kohler, Delta Faucets, AquaGlass, Moen Faucets and
Brizo Faucets just to name a few, and you can rest assured you’re getting the best with
every decision.
Free “Initial Consultation” Gives You Peace of Mind
How? Because during this Initial Consultation, you will begin to understand why we are
the area’s leading source for quality bath and kitchen fixtures and accessories. And why
our staff can make your decision-making processes and project implementation more
efficient, effective and exciting.
Plan to visit us soon and get the creative thoughts flowing as you roam through our
showroom, or call and schedule your consultation meeting and get your project off to
a great start. Either way, we’re in this together and ready to help make your project a
success, because We’re Your Plumbing Partner.
Best regards,
Doug Shof fner
Doug Shoffner
President, Carolina Supply, Inc.
Let Us Help Get Your Project Started
From the Beginning – The Design Phase
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Start a scrapbook of photos from other projects, clippings from
magazines, ideas, notes, articles you have gathered, etc.
Plan a family meeting and ask for their input.
Sketch out a rough plan or ideas.
Take measurements of all angles in the project space.
Visit Our Bath & Kitchen Creations Design Center
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Check out our selection of sample installations to get an idea
of the possibilities available for your project.
Schedule your free Initial Consultation – where we will:
- answer questions you may have
- review your scrapbook of ideas
- review your floor plan and discuss some design options to consider
- assist in helping establish a budget (or review your initial budget)
- provide catalogs or product-specific literature for you to take home
and review at your leisure
Ready for Us to Help with Your Project?
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We will review final project specifications, product selections,
options, finishes and colors, accessories, etc.
If necessary, we will visit your home, along with your contractor, to
review project space and verify any needed measurements.
We will draft a quote for providing fixtures, plumbing materials
and supplies, and/or other items for your project.
We will schedule a follow-up meeting to discuss the project and
our quote and review any modifications needed.
The Big Moment Arrives – Installation of Your Fixtures
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Projected delivery time will be established for your product(s).
If needed, we will make arrangements with your contractor to
coordinate installation.
If you do not have a contractor at this time, we can provide you with
a list of qualified and respected contractors for you to contact.
Design Considerations
Following are just a few design-oriented things to consider as you plan
for your bathroom or kitchen remodeling or building project.
Colors
One of the most important things to remember when undertaking a new
bath or kitchen project is the colors you may want to implement. Not
only will you have colors on fixtures, but you will need to coordinate
those with everything else in the room – walls, floors, ceilings, etc. Plus,
think about colors you desire to use for accessories, towels, etc. It’s
often easier to match things with your decor if you use a color scheme
centered around neutral tones with some contrasting colors.
Materials
When beginning your project, consider the materials you may want to
use. In the past bathrooms and kitchens had tile for flooring and porcelain for the fixtures. Today there are many more materials to choose
from, like vinyl, stone, or even ceramic for floors. And a wide array of
materials for tubs, sinks and faucets, such as acrylic, stone, iron, and
more.
Features
What features are of high priority for your bathroom or kitchen? Do
you want just a shower, a nice tub, or both? Adding fans, heat lamps,
whirlpools, or other features can make your bathroom more luxurious...
but can also add to your budget. Is your kitchen for functionality...or is it
to be a major gathering place in your home? Review all options before
making your final decisions.
Budget
It’s important to decide on your budget beforehand. Prices on fixtures,
features and other items needed for your bathroom or kitchen vary
greatly. Go with name brands and top quality, but remember, you don’t
always have to go with the most expensive products to get a finished
project that looks great. Set your budget and stick with it!
Getting The Space Ready
Remodeling your bath or kitchen (or building new) can be a stressful
experience – but it doesn’t have to be. Following are some hints and
tips for getting the space ready for actual construction to begin.
Preparation
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Decide beforehand where any new fixtures, supplies, cabinets,
appliances, etc. are to be placed when delivered. A garage or
basement may be a good location.
Also, decide where the contractor and others are to store their tools.
Dust and debris – since it cannot be avoided, use plastic sheeting
to block off halls or doorways to other parts of the house.
Avoid BAD VIBES – move mirrors, pictures and furniture away from
adjacent room walls to avoid damage from construction vibrations.
Make plans to keep your pets away from the construction area.
Pack It Up
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Pack up the bath or kitchen before remodeling begins. Label boxes
in detail...which will make the unpacking process more efficient.
Mark ‘FRAGILE’ items and store away from construction.
However - keep toothpaste, hair dryers, and other essentials needed
for daily living convenient.
If A Kitchen Project – Meal Time Continues
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Consider your ‘makeshift kitchen’ water source. Stock up on bottled
water. Keep cleaning supplies handy should a bathtub become your
temporary kitchen sink.
Relocate the refrigerator to an easily accessible location.
Do not pack away everyday necessities such as can openers, bottle
openers, knives or other utensils. Also, plan ahead with paper plates
and cups, napkins, disposable utensils, condiments, etc.
Stock up on microwave-safe meals and dishes.
Last but not least...the coffee maker. Keep coffee and filters
convenient.
The Remodel/Build Process
Whether a small or large project, remodeling is a major undertaking. There are certain steps applicable to most any project – and planning
ahead will help prepare you for the expected (and unexpected).
Design
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Will you design the space yourself or use an architect? - If yourself, select a builder/contractor you are familiar with and with
whom you can build a comfortable working relationship.
- If you use an architect or designer/builder, solicit references from
individuals whose judgement you value, review third-party opinions,
and do proper research before making your final decision.
Take a long term look and remember the big picture: maintenance,
energy consumption and loss, repair expenses, etc. can add up over
time, so make sure to include when comparing prices.
Select a design you like and that will be within your budget.
Decide on that final budget and stick to it!
Implementation
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Review your plan with your contractor for feasibility. Ask for
suggestions that may improve the layout/traffic flow, expedite the
construction process, or conserve costs.
Plan ahead by making product selections early to prevent delays
later and also to help keep you on budget.
Confirm materials and products needed, especially items that will
be used first in the process or may require extensive lead times.
Ask the contractor for a detailed construction outline and schedule,
including acquisition of permits, sub-contractor requirements, etc.
Communications
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Schedule a pre-construction meeting at YOUR house with the
contractor and site supervisor, your architect or designer, and any
key sub-contractors.
Go over the project in detail and specify what is expected from all
parties. Do not assume your contractor sees the finished picture just
as you do. WRITE DOWN details that otherwise might be assumed.
Take notes and send follow-up memos should plans change.
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Develop a communication plan with the contractor’s key contact
person (site supervisor or production manager).
Have a contact notebook located in a prominent place and review
daily for notes from the construction crew. Also leave your questions
or comments for feedback.
Builders can do great things, but they can’t read your mind. If
anything is unsatisfactory during the process, let your contractor
know so they can address the situation early on...and avoid major
problems later.
Set up weekly status meetings between you and the contractor.
Construction
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Demolition prepares the space for remodeling to begin.
Any needed foundation preparation is performed; walls, floors
and roofs are framed; windows installed.
Plumbing is roughed in; electric, phone and cable lines are run;
HVAC conduits are installed.
Insulation is inserted; flooring underlayment is installed; drywall is
applied to walls and ceilings and pre-finished.
Wall and ceiling surfaces are finished; cabinets, counters and
window trims are installed; lighting and appliances are connected.
Flooring is finished and electrical systems are finalized.
Plumbing and fixtures are installed and connections completed.
Project Completion
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Schedule a review tour of the completed project with the contractor,
noting items that need finishing or mistakes that need correcting.
Perform a final inspection with the contractor, reviewing and checking
off items from the review tour.
Review equipment instructions and discuss applicable warranties.
Keep check on the space for a few weeks or months, and contact
your contractor for any follow-up repairs. Also, make sure all
systems work properly. Project Checklist
PLUMBING FIXTURES / MANUFACTURERS
Supplier____________________________________________________________________
Phone Number(s)____________________________________________________________
Sinks _____________________________________________________________________
Faucets_ ___________________________________________________________________
Tubs/Showers________________________________________________________
Whirlpools___________________________________________________________
Notes______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
COUNTERTOPS / CABINETS
Supplier____________________________________________________________________
Phone Number(s)____________________________________________________________
Countertop Materials_________________________________________________________
Cabinet Finishes_____________________________________________________________
Notes _____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
FLOORING
Supplier____________________________________________________________________
Phone Number(s)____________________________________________________________
Type of Flooring_____________________________________________________________
Finish / Design______________________________________________________________
Manufacturer________________________________________________________________
Notes _____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
COLORS
Supplier____________________________________________________________________
Phone Number(s)____________________________________________________________
Walls _____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Ceilings_ ___________________________________________________________________
Notes _____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Project Schedule / Budget
SCHEDULE / TIMELINE
Project Begin Date___________________________________________________________
Tentative Completion Date____________________________________________________
Framing / Rough-In Completed________________________________________________
Fixtures / Appliances Installed_________________________________________________
Painting / Flooring Completed_________________________________________________
Notes _____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
BUDGET - General Contractor
Name _____________________________________________________________________
Original Contract Amount_____________________________________________________
Additions/Alterations_________________________________________________________
Notes _____________________________________________________________________
BUDGET - Plumbing Contractor
Name _____________________________________________________________________
Original Contract Amount_____________________________________________________
Additions/Alterations_________________________________________________________
Notes _____________________________________________________________________
BUDGET - Electrical Contractor
Name _____________________________________________________________________
Original Contract Amount_____________________________________________________
Additions/Alterations_________________________________________________________
Notes _____________________________________________________________________
BUDGET - Architect/Designer
Name _____________________________________________________________________
Original Contract Amount_____________________________________________________
Additions/Alterations_________________________________________________________
Notes _____________________________________________________________________
BUDGET - Materials
Name _____________________________________________________________________
Original Contract Amount_____________________________________________________
Additions/Alterations_________________________________________________________
Notes _____________________________________________________________________
Contact Information
GENERAL CONTRACTOR
Name / Company________________________________________________________________
Work Phone________________________________ Fax________________________________
Cell Phone_________________________________
PLUMBING CONTRACTOR
Name / Company________________________________________________________________
Work Phone________________________________ Fax________________________________
Cell Phone_________________________________
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
Name / Company________________________________________________________________
Work Phone________________________________ Fax________________________________
Cell Phone_________________________________
ARCHITECT / DESIGNER
Name / Company________________________________________________________________
Work Phone________________________________ Fax________________________________
Cell Phone_________________________________
INTERIOR DESIGNER (if applicable)
Name / Company________________________________________________________________
Work Phone________________________________ Fax________________________________
Cell Phone_________________________________
MATERIALS / FIXTURES SUPPLIER
Company / Contact______________________________________________________________
Work Phone________________________________ Fax________________________________
Cell Phone_________________________________
OTHERS
Name / Company________________________________________________________________
Work Phone________________________________ Fax________________________________
Cell Phone_________________________________
Name / Company________________________________________________________________
Work Phone________________________________ Fax________________________________
Cell Phone_________________________________
See What Others Have To Say About
Carolina Supply...and How We Helped
Make Their Projects a Success
“We walked into the showroom at Carolina
Supply and told ‘Ce’ [Showroom / Design
Consultant] what we were looking for and
quickly realized we wanted them to help with
our remodeling project.
And look what we got...their suggestions and
innovative approach enabled us to end up with two
fantastic bathrooms and a kitchen that looks as if it
came right out of a design magazine. Each with its
own unique look, yet complementary to the overall look
and feel of our home.
The subtle touches and personal service made the
entire experience a pleasure, and the results were more
than we could have hoped for...they truly were our
partner through the entire process.
Harold & Barbara Alexander
Homeowners
Guilford County, NC
BEFORE
AFTER
“We went to Carolina Supply for
plumbing fixtures and cabinets for an
extensive bathroom remodeling project.
Their ideas and creative use of product
and colors made for an impressive before
and after result...and a very satisfied
homeowner.”
D. Wagoner
Remodeling Contractor
Burlington, NC
BEFORE
AFTER
Two showroom and warehouse locations
serving piedmont North Carolina:
1324 South Mebane Street
Burlington, NC 27215
336-229-9980
560 West Walker Avenue
Asheboro, NC 27203
336-629-4139
www.carolinasupplyinc.com