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	<title>Kitchen Mart &#187; Project &amp; Planning Tips</title>
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	<link>http://www.kitchenmartinc.com</link>
	<description>Sacramento&#039;s Most Trusted Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Company since 1976</description>
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		<title>10 Things To Consider</title>
		<link>http://www.kitchenmartinc.com/10-things-to-consider/2413/</link>
		<comments>http://www.kitchenmartinc.com/10-things-to-consider/2413/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 30 Sep 2010 17:39:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Marisa</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Project & Planning Tips]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.kitchenmartinc.com/?p=2413</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[10 things to consider 3]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.kitchenmartinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/09/10-things-to-consider-3.pdf">10 things to consider 3</a></p>
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		<title>Why Trust Kitchen Mart</title>
		<link>http://www.kitchenmartinc.com/why-trust-kitchen-mart/934/</link>
		<comments>http://www.kitchenmartinc.com/why-trust-kitchen-mart/934/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 22 Feb 2010 16:32:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Web Administrator</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Project & Planning Tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Video]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.kitchenmartinc.com/?p=934</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Kitchen Mart &#8211; your most trusted kitchen and bath remodeling company since 1976. We offer you complete kitchen and bath remodeling, KraftMaid cabinetry, custom cabinetry, cabinetry refacing and a full line of countertops to include: granite, tile, Corian, Zodiaq and Caesarstone. This video shows the facilities, services, examples and real customer testimonials.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span><strong>Kitchen Mart</strong> &#8211; your most trusted kitchen and bath remodeling company since 1976. We offer you complete kitchen and bath remodeling, KraftMaid cabinetry, custom cabinetry, cabinetry refacing and a full line of countertops to include: granite, tile, Corian, Zodiaq and Caesarstone.</span></p>
<p>This video shows the facilities, services, examples and real customer testimonials.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.kitchenmartinc.com/why-trust-kitchen-mart/934/"><em>Click here to view the embedded video.</em></a></p>
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		<item>
		<title>Organize Your Kitchen</title>
		<link>http://www.kitchenmartinc.com/organize-your-kitchen/146/</link>
		<comments>http://www.kitchenmartinc.com/organize-your-kitchen/146/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 05 Dec 2007 00:27:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>kathy</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Articles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Planning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Project & Planning Tips]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.kitchenmartinc.com/organize-your-kitchen/146/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Longing for a tidy, organized kitchen where everything is right where you need it? Read on for eight great kitchen organizing tips. Sort and toss. Chances are much of your clutter is composed of stuff that isn&#8217;t really essential to the day-to-day functioning of your kitchen. Start the cleaning process by purging your cabinets and [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Longing for a tidy, organized kitchen where everything is right where you need it? Read on for eight great kitchen organizing tips.</p>
<p><strong>Sort and toss.</strong> Chances are much of your clutter is composed of stuff that isn&#8217;t really essential to the day-to-day functioning of your kitchen. Start the cleaning process by purging your cabinets and drawers of gadgets you hardly ever use. Donate the things you don&#8217;t need, and place rarely-used items in storage.<br />
<span id="more-146"></span><br />
<strong><a title="Wood Tiered Cutlery Divider" href="http://www.kitchenmartinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/wtcdzz01.jpg"><img style="width: 72px; height: 74px;" src="http://www.kitchenmartinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/wtcdzz01.thumbnail.jpg" border="2" alt="Wood Tiered Cutlery Divider" width="100" height="100" align="right" /></a>Get closer.</strong> Once you&#8217;ve pared your inventory down to essentials, put them in places that make the most sense. Keep glassware and cups near the refrigerator or sink; utensils, spices and plates near the cooking area; mugs near the coffeemaker.</p>
<p><strong><a title="Tray Dividers" href="http://www.kitchenmartinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/td__zz03.jpg"><img style="width: 59px; height: 85px;" src="http://www.kitchenmartinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/td__zz03.thumbnail.jpg" border="2" alt="Tray Dividers" width="10" height="10" align="left" /></a></strong><strong>Divide and conquer.</strong> Adding vertical dividers in cabinetry makes it easy to stack cookie sheets and cake pans. For lower cabinets, a simple spin of a lazy susan puts everything within reach so you&#8217;ll never have to empty them to see what&#8217;s on hand. Small, inexpensive shelves can double your storage, allowing you to neatly organize the pantry. An under-the-sink caddy stores all your cleaning sprays and wipes.</p>
<p><strong>Use &#8220;hidden&#8221; space.</strong> Free up valuable cabinet and drawer space by installing hooks for coffee mugs and utensils under cabinets. Hang pots from an attractive rack on the ceiling. Make use of blank wall space or a backsplash by adding a utensil rack. Nest and stack pots, bowls and pans to maximize your storage space.</p>
<p><strong>Abolish the junk drawer.</strong> There&#8217;s no need for a &#8220;junk drawer&#8221; if every item has a designated place. Use small dividers to stop pencils, coupons and gadgets from jumbling together. Keep plastic grocery bags tidy by stuffing them into a dispenser.</p>
<p><strong><a title="desk file drawer" href="http://www.kitchenmartinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/dfd_zz04.jpg"><img style="width: 78px; height: 78px;" src="http://www.kitchenmartinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/dfd_zz04.thumbnail.jpg" border="0" alt="desk file drawer" width="100" height="100" align="left" /></a>Paper trail.</strong> If you can&#8217;t seem to eliminate the piles of takeout menus, recipes torn out of magazines and other such paper clutter from your kitchen, at least contain them. Sort them into categories, put them into colorful file folders and stow them in magazine binders near your cookbooks, or install a file drawer for all your papers.</p>
<p><strong>Play favorites.</strong> Group items by how frequently you use them. Put your favorite cookware, dishes and glassware in the front of cabinets for easy access. Store specialty cookware and less-frequently used appliances and utensils like blenders, quesadilla makers, and food processors tucked away but easy to find when you need them.</p>
<p><strong>Smart appliances.</strong> If you&#8217;re considering larger changes to your kitchen, such as buying new appliances or remodeling, a little foresight could save countless hours of clutter-busting down the line. Look for refrigerators that maximize interior space through strategically placed compartments; they&#8217;ll make it easy to organize leftovers, large soda bottles and produce.</p>
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		<title>Home Improvement Process</title>
		<link>http://www.kitchenmartinc.com/home-improvement-process/24/</link>
		<comments>http://www.kitchenmartinc.com/home-improvement-process/24/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 30 Sep 2007 09:14:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Web Administrator</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Articles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Planning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Project & Planning Tips]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://69.89.31.134/~kitchenm/?p=24</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[GETTING STARTED Gather a scrapbook of notes, photos, and articles that you have collected. Get together with your family and ask them for their input and wish lists. Come up with a budget you can live with. Draw a rough sketch of your floor plan and take measurements (or, if building, get floor plan from [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>GETTING STARTED </strong></p>
<ol>
<li>Gather a scrapbook of notes, photos, and articles that you have collected.</li>
<li>Get together with your family and ask them for their input and wish lists.</li>
<li>Come up with a budget you can live with.</li>
<li>Draw a rough sketch of your floor plan and take measurements (or, if building, get floor plan from architect or builder).</li>
<li>If you would like, print and fill out the Kitchen Planning Guide.</li>
<li>Call us to make an appointment, or stop into our showroom.</li>
</ol>
<p><span id="more-24"></span><br />
<strong>VISITING OUR SHOWROOM</strong></p>
<ol>
<li>The first time you stop into our showroom we will . . .</li>
<li>Answer any questions you may have.</li>
<li>Review and/or assist you in establishing a budget.</li>
<li>Discuss your scrapbook of ideas (if you have one).</li>
<li>Discuss your floor plan (if you have one) and go over some design ideas.</li>
<li>Discuss your plans for utilizing the room you will be remodeling.</li>
</ol>
<p><strong>IF YOU LIKE WHAT YOU SEE&#8230;</strong></p>
<ol>
<li>We will come to your home and take measurements.</li>
<li>We will create a design, and draft elevations, and a floor plan.</li>
<li>We will provide you with a price.</li>
<li>We will set up a meeting for you to discuss the design and pricing and discuss any potential modifications you would like to make.</li>
</ol>
<p><strong>THE INSTALLATION PROCESS</strong></p>
<ol>
<li>If necessary, we will make arrangements with your builder, architect, and/or designer to coordinate the installation.</li>
<li>If necessary, we will remove your existing cabinetry and appliances.</li>
</ol>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>10 Tips for a Successful Remodel</title>
		<link>http://www.kitchenmartinc.com/10-tips-for-a-successful-remodel/21/</link>
		<comments>http://www.kitchenmartinc.com/10-tips-for-a-successful-remodel/21/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 30 Sep 2007 09:05:45 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Web Administrator</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Articles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Planning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Project & Planning Tips]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://69.89.31.134/~kitchenm/?p=21</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[One of the most exciting aspects of remodeling is planning the project. Not only is planning fun, it is also very important to the success of the job. Unfortunately, however, there are a number of problems that can occur when making changes to your home. But with some foresight, common sense and the following tips, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>One of the most exciting aspects of remodeling is planning the project. Not only is planning fun, it is also very important to the success of the job. Unfortunately, however, there are a number of problems that can occur when making changes to your home. But with some foresight, common sense and the following tips, you can eliminate most of these potential problems before they have a chance to take root.<span id="more-21"></span></p>
<p><strong>Tip 1:</strong><br />
Hire the correct contractor. Deciding who to hire for your remodeling project may be the most important decision you will have to make. Employing a professional contractor is a safeguard that your home improvement will be done right, within budget, and on time.<br />
When hiring a contractor, check to make sure he or she is bonded, insured, meets all state and local licensing requirements, and is a member of a professional trade association such as the Sacramento Chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. To find a professional remodeling contractor, either call the Chapter office at (916) 686-5120 or visit the national website at www.nari.org.</p>
<p><strong><br />
Tip 2:</strong><br />
Proper planning. Your finished project will only be as good as the design and planning that went into it. Whether you are doing the remodel yourself or hiring a contractor, it is important to look over the blue-prints and schematics to make sure the design is exactly what you want. If you are building and addition, be sure your current heating and air conditioning system has the capability to heat and cool the extra space. If a contractor is handling the work, her or she should know if current systems need to be upgraded.<br />
Without proper planning, you probably won&#8217;t end up with the home improvement you&#8217;ve been dreaming about. Not only can the project look unsightly, it can also end up costing you a lot of money to fix unexpected problems and make changes. Planning is essential.<br />
<strong>Tip 3:</strong><br />
Consider all options. Even if you think you have the perfect design for your home, be open to suggestions. Avoid picking new colors for your home based on a sample card from a paint store. The small cards are not enough of a guide to judge color intensity. Instead, paint a poster board your desired color and put it on the wall. Look at it during different times of the day and from various distances to decide if this is the color you really want.<br />
Increasing your imagination and visualizing alternative choices allows you to make better, more informed decisions. It also helps to talk to your contractor or interior designer about the different options available on the market. Their expertise can save you a lot of time and frustration.<br />
<strong>Tip 4:</strong><br />
Pick the best products for your budget. Your home is your most valuable asset, and it pays to protect that asset. This means not using low quality products when remodeling. Even though there are a variety of design techniques and products available on today&#8217;s market, you don&#8217;t want to cut corners in the hopes of saving a few dollars and put quality at risk. This is especially true if you plan on staying in your home for a long period of time.<br />
Inferior products can be a hazard to you and your home. They can also end upp costing you more in the long run through increased energy bills, maintenance costs, and replacement fees.<br />
<strong>Tip 5:</strong><br />
Don&#8217;t overextend your self on a do-it-yourself project. Creating additional problems and not having the expertise to finish a project once you start it are two pitfalls encountered by do-it-yourselfers. Not only will you have to deal with the added levels of frustration, but your costs can also skyrocket when additional work needs to be done. You might also have trouble finding a contractor who will fix your problems. Some remodelers refuse to take on a do-it-yourself project gone bad. And with contractors busier than ever, it may be along time before one can fit your job into an already busy schedule.<br />
Even though most homeowners enjoy working around the home, there comes a time when a job is just too big for their capabilities. Before starting a job, know what is involved and what your limitations are.<br />
<strong>Tip 6:</strong><br />
Start a job at the appropriate time. Timing is critical when planning a home improvement project. Pick a start date and an approximate finish date that best fits your schedule and your contractor&#8217;s schedule. Be realistic. Don&#8217;t expect a kitchen remodel to be completed in two weeks when it could take more than a month just to get the cabinets from the manufacturer.<br />
Timing the project can also reduce stress. You don&#8217;t want to have your kitchen torn apart when you&#8217;re planning a holiday dinner or have your water turned off while hosting company. If you are planning an addition and need to have part of your home opened up, think about what time of the year would be best to have the home exposed to the weather. You may want to plan your family vacation to coincide with the remodeling project.<br />
<strong>Tip 7:</strong><br />
Avoid the domino effect. It&#8217;s easy for homeowners to fall prey to the domino effect-so watch out. This happens when you have one room in the home remodeled, such as the kitchen, and it looks so good that you want to have the living room done, then the bedroom, then the bathroom. Before you know it, you have the contractor working in every room in the house. If you&#8217;re looking to overextend your budget, this is a great way to do it.<br />
It&#8217;s natural to ask your contractor questions while he or she is in your home but don&#8217;t be impulsive. If you do decide to have another room remodeled, go through the same careful planning stages that you took for your initial project and create a new budget.<br />
<strong>Tip 8:</strong><br />
Manage your budget. You created a budget for a good reason-so stick to it. You don&#8217;t want to end up short on cash and not be able to finish your project, and you don&#8217;t want to end up so far in debt that you will regret ever making any home improvements. Work with your contractor. He or she should know how much money you are willing to invest in the remodeling project, and the professional can help your job stay within cost.<br />
You should also keep ten percent of you budget as a reserve for the unexpected. Unforeseen costs will inevitably arise and you don&#8217;t want to get caught unprepared. The reserve will allow for any sudden increase in materials.</p>
<p><strong><br />
Tip 9:</strong><br />
Avoid over remodeling for your neighborhood. No matter how much money you invest in you home, there is only so much that will be able to recoup if you decide to sell it. So if resale is in your future, know your limits. Check the real estate market to see what homes in your area are worth. You will not increase the resale value of your home by remodeling if your home is already at its maximum value for your neighborhood.<br />
If you plan to stay in your home for a long period of time, however, then spend whatever is necessary on remodeling to make you feel comfortable.<br />
<strong>Tip 10:</strong><br />
Know your rights. Before you sign any contract, be sure you know what is involved. Don&#8217;t blindly sign any contract and sign away your rights as a consumer. A contract should include a comprehensive description of the project, a payment schedule, a timetable, and the types of products that will be used. The responsibilities of the contractor and any subcontractors should also be detailed.<br />
A contractor also needs to list provisions for warranties, changes in procedures, and in case problems arise, alternative dispute resolution clauses.<br />
Remodeling has become one of America&#8217;s favorite pastimes. Whether you are remodeling your kitchen, adding a new addition, or putting in a sunroom, remodeling can be an enjoyable experience and a great way to increase the value of your single largest asset.</p>
<p>These tips have been provided by NARI 2004 EDITION Page 13,14 &amp; 16</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Kitchen Planning Guide</title>
		<link>http://www.kitchenmartinc.com/kitchen-planning-guide/26/</link>
		<comments>http://www.kitchenmartinc.com/kitchen-planning-guide/26/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 29 Sep 2007 09:16:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Web Administrator</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Articles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Planning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Project & Planning Tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kitchen]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[planning guide]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[remodel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[remodeling project]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://69.89.31.134/~kitchenm/kitchen-planning-guide/26/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Download and print our handy Kitchen Planning Guide to prepare for your Kitchen Remodeling Project.  The answers to the questions will help us understand your needs and desires for your kitchen update.  Keep a copy for yourself in a three-ring Project Binder with your other important project paperwork.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Download and print our handy <a href="http://69.89.31.134/%7Ekitchenm/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/kitche-planningguide.doc" title="Kitchen Planning Guide">Kitchen Planning Guide</a> to prepare for your Kitchen Remodeling Project.  The answers to the questions will help us understand your needs and desires for your kitchen update.  Keep a copy for yourself in a three-ring Project Binder with your other important project paperwork.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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