RTA Cabinet Store is rolling out a new contractor program!  As a reward to all the contractors and builders that order from us on a daily basis, we have created an incentive program for bringing all of their kitchen cabinet and bathroom vanity business to us.  Get this... in addition to the significant savings they will see from buying our cabinets (30-40% versus Home Depot and Lowes), we are actually going to give contractors and builders their money back for doing business with us! No, not all of it, but for reaching different sales levels contractors and builders will receive a percentage of their total yearly sales back.  This can add up really quick, especially for contractors and builders that are doing multiple apartment or rental unit kitchen renovations or remodels.   So with great prices and money back at the end of the year, can it get any better????  Yes it can....  we are also starting a leads program.  Since we have customers that are looking for help with installation of their new cabinets, and we have contractors that are always looking for more work, it only seems natural to match the two up.  So for contractors that are participating in our rewards program, we will forward them leads for all of our customers that are looking for help.

So with below retail prices, a cash reward program, and free leads..... why wouldn't you sign up?

Once you have decided that you are undertaking a renovation project it is time to start looking for a remodeler or contractor.  This process can sometimes take as long as the project itself.  Finding the contractor that can not only handle the project, but that you can also establish a good relationship with can be the key to a successful remodel or one of the nightmare stories you hear on the home improvement shows.   Below are 9 tips to planning and executing a successful remodeling project.

1. Establish good two-way communication with the remodeler. Without good communication from the beginning, you can most certainly expect problems with your remodeling project.  It is important to note whether or not he or she returns your calls promptly, listens to your suggestions, and answers your questions clearly and accurately. A good contractor should always be reachable when needed.  By having a good rapport with the contractor, you can effectively and efficiently tackle problems when they arise.

2. Go with the contractor that has the proven track record and the one you trust. Trust is a big factor when choosing a contractor.  Follow up with references and go with your guy instinct.  Sometimes it is worthwhile to pay a little bit extra up front to get the contractor that you feel most comfortable with. 

3. Establish a clear time line for the project. One of the biggest complaints from homeowners is that their remodeling project drags on and on.  By establishing a clearly defined time line for the project, and contingency plans if the project runs over it will help keep the remodeler on track and it will give you a benchmark for progress.

4. Get everything in a written proposal. Verbal agreements can be left open for misinterpretation and confusion.  By clearly spelling everything out on paper, you can ensure that your expectations and the remodelers plans match up perfectly.
 
5. Don’t overlook the minor details. There are a lot of little details that need to be settled before work starts. What times of day will they be working? How will he access the property? How will cleanup be handled? How will they protect your property? 

6. Flexibility is the key. Very few projects ever go exactly according to plan, so you will need to have some flexibility.   Plan on your renovation or remodeling project interrupting your life in some way.

7. Layout a plan for handling modifications or changes. When you are trying to put your personal touches on a project, it is inevitable that there will be minor (sometimes major) changes to the materials or layout. Agree with your remodeler on how these changes will be handled before the start of work. Also understand that changes could affect the schedule and the budget, so it’s important you have all changes in writing.

8. Cover all your bases on the contract. The contract should include these elements: a timetable for the project, price and payment schedule, detailed specifications for all products and materials, insurance information, permit information, procedures for handling change orders, lien releases, provisions for conflict resolution, notice of your right under the Federal Trade Commission’s Cooling Off Rule (your right to cancel the contract within three days if it was signed someplace other than the remodeler’s place of business), and details on the important issues (such as access to your home, care of the home, cleanup and trash removal).

9. Ask for a written Lien Waiver from the remodeler upon completion of the work. If the remodeler hires subcontractors for portions of the work it is their responsibility to see them compensated. In order to ensure this has been done and to protect yourself, ask for a written lien waiver when the work is finished. This document will verify everyone has been paid. 

For more tips and resources for your remodeling project, go to our Resources Page

In the next couple of weeks we are going to be adding a lot of new things to our product line, including two new kitchen cabinet lines-  Sunset Maple and Windsor Maple.   In addition to the cabinet lines, we are starting a new granite line that will be significantly cheaper than any other granite on the market.   This will be a great addition for our customers that are contractors and the distributors that are currently handling our cabinet lines.

Last but not least, we will be adding a handful of new cabinets accessories that will include appliance garages, corbels, range hoods, and fluted columns.  Keep checking back to see what is next.

It has been a while in the making, but we have finally received our first container load of granite countertops.  How would you like to be able to buy granite countertops for the same price as some laminate countertops?  Well now you can.....

Thanks to a unique process that has been developed by our partners in China, granite is now more affordable than ever.  Available in Uba Tuba, Blue Pearl, Tiger Skin, Baltic Brown, and Tan Brown, the granite countertops are pre-fabricated to four distinct sections.  These four sections can be used to build just about any kitchen configuration.   Sound complicated?  It really isn't... just give us a call at the office and we can explain everything in detail. 

Now you can not only save thousands on kitchen cabinets, but you can also save thousands on your countertops as well.  Find out more by calling or e-mailing us.