Quality is worth the price. That what these west Houston homeowners believed as they went in search of a true turnkey contractor to completely manage their kitchen remodeling project. After hearing Tom Tynan on SportsRadio 610 talking about TriFection during HomeShow Radio, they visited our website. The beautiful custom cabinetry and countertop work they found built a strong case for choosing TriFection.
Even though our bid wasn’t the lowest of all the contractors interviewed, they concluded paying a fair premium for this level of service was worth the added expense. Given the magnitude of the investment in their home, they wanted to be sure the project would be well-planned and executed by true master craftsmen.
Kitchen remodeling to fit a budget
While our clients had several other projects in mind for their home, we first helped them establish an appropriate budget. During our initial consultation, for instance, we’re sure to discuss the budget along with kitchen remodeling goals. Then, we focus on fitting design and selections within that budget.
As is often the case, clicking through the many project pictures on the TriFection website gave our clients inspiring examples and new ideas. While they had a general idea of their new kitchen, they needed help visualizing options and thinking through the less obvious issues involved in kitchen remodeling. TriFection meticulously plans out every project so selections and the required trades work together in perfect harmony.
In this case, the key kitchen remodeling objectives were to open the space between the kitchen and dining room while creating more storage space. Our clients also wanted a custom-built island that would be equally useful for cooking and entertaining.
Kitchen remodeling often opens spaces
First, we began by removing fur-downs above the existing upper cabinets to create room for taller cabinets. We also eliminated the existing walk-in pantry to create space for a “tall wall” of cabinetry. This included our very popular pantry cabinet with pullout drawers adjacent to an oven cabinet and refrigerator cabinet.
We removed the header above the kitchen/dining room walkway and reframed the opening, making it wider. Our team then sized the new perimeter cabinetry and island to accommodate clearances for walking and appliances on all sides.
Finally, we relocated the dishwasher from the right side of the sink to the left. This allowed us to add a pullout trash can and bi-fold doors. Making these kinds of updates provides added storage and easy access to a corner, eliminating “dead” space.
Custom cabinets give this kitchen a fresh new look
TriFection’s master carpenters used solid beech to create our clients’ new custom cabinets with square raised panel fronts. The Vibrato Classic Comfort cabinet knobs and cup drawer pulls in the Verona Bronze finish from Berenson Hardware are consistent with a more traditional look. We painted the perimeter cabinets and trim Dover White from Sherwin Williams and used Silver Strand for the kitchen walls.
The centerpiece of the kitchen, though, is the highly customized island, painted a striking Attitude Grey from Sherwin Williams. We dressed up both the cabinetry and the island with solid end and back panels. The island features four decorative posts on the corners, two of which support an extended Siena Beige granite countertop. In fact, it’s perfect for serving or entertaining guests.
A backsplash of Tuscany Walnut 3”x6” tile, tumbled Turkish travertine, from Crossville Tile & Stone, provides a crowning touch that comes to life from the glow of new undercabinet lighting.
Appliances and final touches
Our clients also chose a collection of stainless steel appliances from Nor-West. This included a Thermador Masterpiece® series five-burner gas cooktop, downdraft vent, built-in microwave, and single oven. In addition, they selected a Thermador Emerald series dishwasher and an Electrolux Wave-Touch Series French door refrigerator.
Since our clients had recently installed a new natural stone floor, they asked us to preserve the existing floor during the kitchen remodeling process. Our tile team was able to perform necessary repairs associated with the newly sized island and reframed wall between the kitchen and dining room. The lack of any apparent signs of patchwork is a source of wonder and delight to our clients.
“You guys are not the cheapest,” they acknowledged. “But, we are incredibly happy with everything you did in the kitchen. All of your trades who worked in our house were very professional and did a great job.”
In fact, no sooner did we complete the kitchen remodeling project than our clients immediately engaged us to conduct a major remodel of their living area as well. Stay tuned for that story in the coming months.
