Kitchen Remodel Nightmare!

Recently we heard news about a retired couple who had an unexpected problem when trying to remodel their kitchen. They ended up having to pay for their countertops twice due to the negligence of another company! The video peaked our curiosity so we did some research on how to prevent kitchen remodeling problems from happening to you.

One way to prevent kitchen remodel problems is to hire a kitchen designer or visit your local kitchen design center. You might think that hiring a kitchen designer would be expensive, but it will be more cost effective in the long run. They are experienced and knowledgeable. They will plan a schedule for your kitchen remodel and stick with it, saving you time. They will save you money as well because they will be able to avoid the damages you might encounter on your own. Kitchen designers are skilled professionals and they know what types of questions to ask in regards to making your dream a reality. They might even give you ideas that you haven’t thought about before. They are also familiar with the certified suppliers and installers in your area.

Designers will help you avoid the problems you might sustain while looking for an installer yourself. We have referenced an article below that will explain what types of questions should be answered before the countertop installer is hired and if you’re remodeling yourself, how you can go about answering these questions. These questions include “Is the installer experienced, have you had a chance to see some of his work, is the installer easy to deal with, does the installer have the appropriate insurance and contractor’s license, will the job be finished in a timely manner, and are the labor and materials covered under warranty?”

Your neighborhood kitchen or home design center can help you choose the color of your countertops or cabinets. After they help you, they can give you a list of insured installers in your area. You can find installers in your phone book or internet directory as well. After you find an installer make sure to interview them even if you already have reviews from friends or family members. During the interview you can ask for referrals from previous clients that the installer has worked for. If you can talk to those clients/homeowners, you can ask them how the installer was to work with. If you don’t receive all positive feedback, you should consider the possibility of continuing the search for a different installer or further researching the feedback you receive.

http://www.countertop.com/articles/wiarticle.aspx?aid=7

Federal Brace Introduces The Durham

We have created an instructional video that demonstrates how to assemble our new Durham countertop corbel and shelf bracket. The Durham mixes Artisan glass with stainless steel support for your countertop or shelving needs. Check out this video to learn how to assemble our new Durham bracket. Let us know what you think and how we can further assist you with your designing needs.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uwv6Oyj2J6o&feature=youtu.be

How to support your Laundry Room Countertop.

Ever wanted to set your folded clothes on a shelf out of the way of the pile of clothes resting on top of your dryer? It gets difficult when you’re pulling wet clothes out of the washer. Looking for a place to set your detergents, bleaches, and stain-removers? You may need a countertop or shelf in your laundry room.

If you decide to take the road to organization your countertop shelving will need support. If it doesn’t have solid supports it will lack stability and strength which can lead to a countertop loosening and falling – dangerous to those around your washer / dryer unit – children, small animals and you personally.

Federal Brace makes shelf brackets that are capable of holding a countertop in a laundry room. I am going to tell you how easy it is to install.

Things You’ll Need:
* Shelf Brackets from Federal Brace
* Stud Finder
* Construction adhesive
* Power Drill
* ¼” Screws
* Power Screwdriver
* A Level
* Pencil

You’re going to have to use a stud finder to find wall-studs along the entire length of the countertop. Mark the wall stud locations with a pencil.

Take the first bracket. Position it against the wall on the first stud mark. Figure out how high you want the shelf to go. Once you have reached your desired height you can make another mark.

Take a ¼” screw and a power screwdriver and place the bracket back where you want it to go. Drill through the bracket holes into the wall with your ¼” screw. Once it is secure you can move on to the second bracket.

Take your second bracket and move to the second stud mark. Move the bracket to the same height as the first bracket and use a level to make sure that the countertop is straight. Once you have a solid position mark where the bracket will go.

Take a ¼” screw and a power screwdriver and place the bracket back where you want it to go. Drill through the bracket holes into the wall with your ¼” screw.

Now you have your two brackets up. Time to put up your shelf. You should put construction adhesive on top of the brackets. Be careful not to put too much material on because it will leak over the edges. After it sets for a few seconds, you should be ready to apply your shelf. After the shelf dries for a bit it should be ready for use.

By the way, the number of shelf brackets is determined on the length of shelf you will be using. If you are using a gusseted shelf bracket (or bracket with a cross brace between the supporting flanges) then Federal Brace suggests using a bracket at no more than 24” spans. Check out our helpful video section covering the subject (CLICK HERE)

Please make sure to check out the shelf brackets at FEDERAL BRACE. Thank you and have a great rest of your week!