Southern Kitchens, Inc.: July 2009

The following tells a little about us here at Southern Kitchens, and our design process.

We would like to take the opportunity to welcome you to Southern Kitchens, the finest kitchens under the sun! We realize that the process of designing your new kitchen is a special undertaking, and hope to make your experience with us special as well. Our experienced design staff specializes in the design of unique and proficient kitchens. We have selected our manufacturers based on their quality, craftsmanship, and their diversity of products. Again we would like to extend a warm southern welcome and hope that together we will embrace this journey into designing the kitchen of your dreams.

The following information is provided so that you will have an understanding of the kitchen design process executed by Southern Kitchens.

Design Process

The design process is the initial phase with Southern Kitchens. Your initial appointment will be with one of our designers in your home. In order for your designer to truly understand your wishes we have a planning questionnaire we would like for you to complete. This is also a perfect time for you to share with us your ideas for your new space. We love to see pictures or magazine clippings of what you have in mind!

Southern Kitchens consultation fee for the initial visit is $150, to be paid at the time of the visit. At the conclusion of your first appointment your designer will then schedule a second appointment.

On your second appointment you will meet in our studio located in Alexandria, where a 3-D CAD design and estimate for product proposal will be presented to you. During this appointment you will view our showroom displays, consider different cabinet styles, woods, finishes, countertop surfaces, etc. and review your design choices. At the end of your second appointment Southern Kitchens requires a retainer of 10% of your project cost, which is applied as a deposit on your contract. Once retained Southern Kitchens will re-design or modify your design and pricing.

Please keep in mind that your design process can be lengthy based on the amount of decisions that have to be made. Always feel welcome to call and discuss any design options that you may have. Making these decisions can be very difficult and we are here to help you in the process.

Obtaining A Contractor

The next step with your new kitchen is to obtain a contractor. We will recommend several qualified contractors that specialize in kitchen installations or you may choose to use your own. Either way please keep in mind that Southern Kitchens will be accessible at all times during your project. Southern Kitchens can help coordinate a meeting with one of our recommended contractors at your home. An estimate will then follow.

Ordering of Products

Once you have agreed on your design, pricing, and your kitchen installation requirements are resolved, ordering of your product is the next step. At time of ordering we require a 50 % investment which is payable to Southern Kitchens Inc. Coordinating your installation with your contractor is now necessary. Keep in mind that product can take anywhere from three to sixteen weeks for delivery.

Coordination and Installation Process

Coordinating your job with proficiency can be very trying as a result Southern Kitchens will gladly coordinate with contractors for a fee of 5% of total product cost. This coordination fee enables Southern Kitchens to establish a projected timeline of events for installation of product. Once we are informed of the date of cabinet arrival we will inform you and your contractor. Coordination for dates of delivery of cabinets, appliances, and fixtures will also be made with the contractor, and once those dates are confirmed we will then send you a formal letter informing you of those dates. After dates of the above are determined and scheduled, dates for field measurement of countertops as well as installation of countertops will be scheduled.

Southern Kitchens requires that remaining payment for all kitchen products are paid at time of cabinet delivery. When cabinets are in place, field measurement for countertops will commence. Installation of all countertops can take anywhere from 2-4 weeks depending on materials and availability. As you can see the more organized we are, the sooner this project will conclude. We strive to stay on schedule and hope you can understand that sometimes changes will be necessary.

Now that your cabinets are installed, countertops are in place and appliances are running and you are enjoying your new kitchen, please invite us over to photograph your new kitchen to display on our website, and possibly a magazine.