Any input on using Home Depot or Lowes for kitchen remodeling
(cabinets, counters etc.) and floor installation (laminate, 1000 sq.
ft.) vs. using local remodeling companies appreciated.

Pros and cons?

On Tue, 10 Apr 2007 16:49:22 -0400, RML wrote:

Any input on using Home Depot or Lowes for kitchen remodeling
(cabinets, counters etc.) and floor installation (laminate, 1000 sq.
ft.) vs. using local remodeling companies appreciated.

Pros and cons?

AND we're OFF... to the races...
--
Oren

"I don't have anything against work. I just figure, why deprive somebody who really loves it."

"RML" wrote in message
...
Any input on using Home Depot or Lowes for kitchen remodeling
(cabinets, counters etc.) and floor installation (laminate, 1000 sq.
ft.) vs. using local remodeling companies appreciated.

Pros and cons?

"RML" wrote in message
...
Any input on using Home Depot or Lowes for kitchen remodeling
(cabinets, counters etc.) and floor installation (laminate, 1000 sq.
ft.) vs. using local remodeling companies appreciated.

Pros and cons?

Buy your stuff there.

DO NOT MAKE ANY SPECIAL ORDERS.

DO NOT USE THEIR INSTALLERS.

Shop around for prices before you buy.

As long as you just use things they provide such as nails, plywood, caulk,
and the simple things, and never give them money in front or let any of
their alcoholics, derelicts or fugitives set foot on your property, you
SHOULD be okay.

I'd do it myself because I can, but if you can't, I'd search around and find
a local guy WITH GOOD CREDENTIALS AND REFERENCES and consider having them do
it. One of those credentials is worker's comp insurance.

YMMV

Steve

On Tue, 10 Apr 2007 14:51:28 -0700, "Steve B"
wrote:


"RML" wrote in message
.. .
Any input on using Home Depot or Lowes for kitchen remodeling
(cabinets, counters etc.) and floor installation (laminate, 1000 sq.
ft.) vs. using local remodeling companies appreciated.

Pros and cons?

"Oren" wrote in message
...
On Tue, 10 Apr 2007 14:51:28 -0700, "Steve B"
wrote:


"RML" wrote in message
. ..
Any input on using Home Depot or Lowes for kitchen remodeling
(cabinets, counters etc.) and floor installation (laminate, 1000 sq.
ft.) vs. using local remodeling companies appreciated.

Pros and cons?

Before everyone and their brother flames you to death, recommend you do a
google search on 'lowes' and 'installation services'. The topic has been
beat to death on here repeatedly. Short version of the consensus is- it's a
crapshoot. The big-boxes do NOT do any installations, they sub it out to
whatever local company is willing to work for what they will pay. So, unless
you are utterly clueless about the work involved, it is probably cheaper to
just hire the local guy directly yourself. Added caveat- the really good
guys are usually booked up far in advance, and have all the work they can
handle, and have no need to sub themselves out to the big-box places. So,
you may get good work, and you may not. You definitely want to get several
bids on any work upwards of a few hundred bucks.

aem sends....

On Wed, 11 Apr 2007 00:32:52 GMT, "aemeijers"
wrote:


"Oren" wrote in message
.. .
On Tue, 10 Apr 2007 14:51:28 -0700, "Steve B"
wrote:


"RML" wrote in message
...
Any input on using Home Depot or Lowes for kitchen remodeling
(cabinets, counters etc.) and floor installation (laminate, 1000 sq.
ft.) vs. using local remodeling companies appreciated.

Pros and cons?

Before everyone and their brother flames you to death, recommend you do a
google search on 'lowes' and 'installation services'. The topic has been
beat to death on here repeatedly. Short version of the consensus is- it's a
crapshoot. The big-boxes do NOT do any installations, they sub it out to
whatever local company is willing to work for what they will pay. So, unless
you are utterly clueless about the work involved, it is probably cheaper to
just hire the local guy directly yourself. Added caveat- the really good
guys are usually booked up far in advance, and have all the work they can
handle, and have no need to sub themselves out to the big-box places. So,
you may get good work, and you may not. You definitely want to get several
bids on any work upwards of a few hundred bucks.

aem sends....


Did I say something derogatory? Thread specific?
--
Oren

"Well, it doesn't happen all the time, but when it happens, it happens constantly."

"Oren" wrote in message
...
On Wed, 11 Apr 2007 00:32:52 GMT, "aemeijers"
wrote:


"Oren" wrote in message
. ..
On Tue, 10 Apr 2007 14:51:28 -0700, "Steve B"
wrote:


"RML" wrote in message
m...
Any input on using Home Depot or Lowes for kitchen remodeling
(cabinets, counters etc.) and floor installation (laminate, 1000 sq.
ft.) vs. using local remodeling companies appreciated.

Pros and cons?

Before everyone and their brother flames you to death, recommend you do a
google search on 'lowes' and 'installation services'. The topic has been
beat to death on here repeatedly. Short version of the consensus is- it's
a
crapshoot. The big-boxes do NOT do any installations, they sub it out to
whatever local company is willing to work for what they will pay. So,
unless
you are utterly clueless about the work involved, it is probably cheaper
to
just hire the local guy directly yourself. Added caveat- the really good
guys are usually booked up far in advance, and have all the work they can
handle, and have no need to sub themselves out to the big-box places. So,
you may get good work, and you may not. You definitely want to get several
bids on any work upwards of a few hundred bucks.

aem sends....


Did I say something derogatory? Thread specific?
Oh, Chill, Oren- I wasn't referring to you, I was referring to the usual
peanut gallery that pops up every time this question comes up, and calls
people idiots for even considering it.

aem sends...

"aemeijers" wrote

Oh, Chill, Oren- I wasn't referring to you, I was referring to the usual
peanut gallery that pops up every time this question comes up, and calls
people idiots for even considering it.

aem sends...

Why in the world would anyone call people that would use HD or Lowe's
installers idiots?

Just curious.

Steve

"Steve B" wrote:

Why in the world would anyone call people that would use HD or Lowe's
installers idiots?

For the reasons cited: Lowes and HD get the guys who can't find work working for
themselves or the quality contractors. Sometimes you get lucky. The job isn't
hard or the installer is good enough and is just filling in a hole in his
schedule.

Other time you get the guys who are training on your money. Maybe they do an OK
job, maybe they don't.

If I was doing an upscale kitchen remodel, I sure wouldn't roll the dice that
way. OTOH, if it's just a simple countertop replacement and doesn't require any
seam work or a replacement water heater, maybe I would.

On Wed, 11 Apr 2007 02:51:08 GMT, "aemeijers"
wrote:


"Oren" wrote in message
.. .
On Wed, 11 Apr 2007 00:32:52 GMT, "aemeijers"
wrote:


"Oren" wrote in message
...
On Tue, 10 Apr 2007 14:51:28 -0700, "Steve B"
wrote:


"RML" wrote in message
om...
Any input on using Home Depot or Lowes for kitchen remodeling
(cabinets, counters etc.) and floor installation (laminate, 1000 sq.
ft.) vs. using local remodeling companies appreciated.

Pros and cons?

Before everyone and their brother flames you to death, recommend you do a
google search on 'lowes' and 'installation services'. The topic has been
beat to death on here repeatedly. Short version of the consensus is- it's
a
crapshoot. The big-boxes do NOT do any installations, they sub it out to
whatever local company is willing to work for what they will pay. So,
unless
you are utterly clueless about the work involved, it is probably cheaper
to
just hire the local guy directly yourself. Added caveat- the really good
guys are usually booked up far in advance, and have all the work they can
handle, and have no need to sub themselves out to the big-box places. So,
you may get good work, and you may not. You definitely want to get several
bids on any work upwards of a few hundred bucks.

aem sends....


Did I say something derogatory? Thread specific?
Oh, Chill, Oren- I wasn't referring to you, I was referring to the usual
peanut gallery that pops up every time this question comes up, and calls
people idiots for even considering it.

aem sends...

I can honestly say I have considered these services, but that was all
I really did. Learning to spot an idiot; is a learned process, trust
me.
--
Oren

"If things get any worse, I'll have to ask you to stop helping me."

What really fried me about HD's kitchen cabinet installation service was
that they told me that they do NOT just install cabinets -- they go over
everything in your kitchen and do an entire remodel, not just installing
the cabinets (and we are talking above and beyond anything the building
permit would require -- electrical and plumbing upgrades, etc.) They
said you could count on the installation cost being about half what the
cabinets cost *shudder*

"Rick Blaine" wrote in message
news
"Steve B" wrote:

Why in the world would anyone call people that would use HD or Lowe's
installers idiots?

For the reasons cited: Lowes and HD get the guys who can't find work
working for
themselves or the quality contractors. Sometimes you get lucky. The job
isn't
hard or the installer is good enough and is just filling in a hole in his
schedule.

Other time you get the guys who are training on your money. Maybe they do
an OK
job, maybe they don't.

If I was doing an upscale kitchen remodel, I sure wouldn't roll the dice
that
way. OTOH, if it's just a simple countertop replacement and doesn't
require any
seam work or a replacement water heater, maybe I would.

There are many reasons good contractors would work for HD/Lowes and Sears by
the way has a great remodeling program. They don't have to waste there time
giving out free estimites. They don't have to order materials. They dont
have to do any selling work. They can just do what they do the best that is
install cabinets, and not have to chase the money after a completion.
If you don't know any contractors it is a crap shoot calling in contractors
for estimites. At least with the big box you do have a degree of recovery
for any damages and defects. I am in the busseness and know that a bad
contractor will not get work at a big box. He may, however, be the one you
call to give you a quote.
As far as upscale remodes. You would not be shopping a Big Box to begin
with.

"Melinda Meahan - take out TRASH to reply" wrote in
message ...
What really fried me about HD's kitchen cabinet installation service was
that they told me that they do NOT just install cabinets -- they go over
everything in your kitchen and do an entire remodel, not just installing
the cabinets (and we are talking above and beyond anything the building
permit would require -- electrical and plumbing upgrades, etc.) They said
you could count on the installation cost being about half what the
cabinets cost *shudder*

We had custom cabinets made, WITH all roll out drawers and shelves, roll up
garage doors, turntables, and a couple of odd sized cabinets INSTALLED for
less than HD wanted for just the plain off the rack cabinets.

HD sucks on cabinets, and most other things, too. Only for the misinformed
or uncapable.

Steve

Steve B wrote:

We had custom cabinets made, WITH all roll out drawers and shelves, roll up
garage doors, turntables, and a couple of odd sized cabinets INSTALLED for
less than HD wanted for just the plain off the rack cabinets.

That was the advice I got, but around here, any custom work was going to
cost me twice what I paid for the cabinets at HD, and I got their
middle-of-the-quality-scale cabinets (Kraft Maid). What can I say? I
live in a yuppie, upscale area.

HD sucks on cabinets, and most other things, too. Only for the misinformed
or uncapable.


It has its place, just like Walmart, that I personally try very hard to
avoid shopping at.

On Apr 11, 9:53 pm, Melinda Meahan - take out TRASH to reply
wrote:
Steve B wrote:

We had custom cabinets made, WITH all roll out drawers and shelves, roll up
garage doors, turntables, and a couple of odd sized cabinets INSTALLED for
less than HD wanted for just the plain off the rack cabinets.

That was the advice I got, but around here, any custom work was going to
cost me twice what I paid for the cabinets at HD, and I got their
middle-of-the-quality-scale cabinets (Kraft Maid). What can I say? I
live in a yuppie, upscale area.

HD sucks on cabinets, and most other things, too. Only for the misinformed
or uncapable.

It has its place, just like Walmart, that I personally try very hard to
avoid shopping at.

I recently purchased 2 Kraftmaid vanities from Lowes with excellent
results. They just delivered them, however, and I paid a local person
to do my tile work and installation. After that experience, I am
planning to order my kitchen cabinets through them as well.

I, too, live in an expensive area and want to do an inexpensive
kitchen renovation. I also like the idea that I have a big company to
deal with after a terrible experience with my upstairs neighbor's
contractor (who flooded the bathroom in my condo twice and was the
reason I had to renovate my bathroom in the first place). This local
contractor operates out of exactly the type of custom kitchen and bath
that many of you suggest using--for very high fees. He hires
SUBcontractors for all of his work and does not follow up on their
work. I witnessed his "contractor" skills as his workers made repairs
in my unit and can only imagine that this is the reason for the
disaster upstairs.

I supposed the key is knowing exactly who will do your work no matter
who you hire. Even if you hire a "local" contractor to do the work,
do they sub it out??? And they need constant or at least daily
supervision. My neighbor paid a premium and trusted this contractor
while she was at work. He didn't even bother to show up at the end of
the day and the small 800 sq ft condo kitchen/bath project took nearly
a year to be resolved.

I lucked out and found an excellent kitchen designer/salesperson at
Lowes who selected the subcontractor that he believes to be their best
(by customer feedback), or so he says... I choose to trust his word.
The guy arrived early, was very professional and personable, and has a
local business that I MIGHT have found via recommendations. But, I
might have been stuck with another "contractor" like the one my
neighbor hired. The estimate that I received was slightly higher than
I expected, by about 20%. It did include a return trip to hook up all
of the new appliances and plumbing once the counters are installed (by
a granite company). This 20%, I assume, is overhead. I plan to save
money by doing the demo/removal myself. And I will hire a local
person that I know to do the tile. To me, having the backing of a big
store is worth the 20%.

As far as the decision to use Lowes being "Only for the misinformed or
uncapable," I will let you know how it works out. Should be ordering
my cabinets by early May. I am just wondering, though, why this issue
bring out such hostility in this forum?

"DLK" wrote

I am just wondering, though, why this issue
bring out such hostility in this forum?

Good luck with your project. Maybe the reason it brings out so much
hostility is that so many people have been kidnapped and held for ransom by
the ordering and installation people at these places. Anywhere you see so
much smoke, something is probably going on. And the reasons that orders are
mismanufactured, late, or just plain wrong are inexcusable errors. Waiting
months and months for parts you have prepaid for will bring out the worst in
a preacher.

Steve

On Apr 12, 11:22 am, "Steve B" wrote:
"DLK" wrote

I am just wondering, though, why this issue

bring out such hostility in this forum?

Good luck with your project. Maybe the reason it brings out so much
hostility is that so many people have been kidnapped and held for ransom by
the ordering and installation people at these places. Anywhere you see so
much smoke, something is probably going on. And the reasons that orders are
mismanufactured, late, or just plain wrong are inexcusable errors. Waiting
months and months for parts you have prepaid for will bring out the worst in
a preacher.

Steve

On Apr 12, 11:22 am, "Steve B" wrote:
"DLK" wrote

I am just wondering, though, why this issue

bring out such hostility in this forum?

Good luck with your project. Maybe the reason it brings out so much
hostility is that so many people have been kidnapped and held for ransom by
the ordering and installation people at these places. Anywhere you see so
much smoke, something is probably going on. And the reasons that orders are
mismanufactured, late, or just plain wrong are inexcusable errors. Waiting
months and months for parts you have prepaid for will bring out the worst in
a preacher.

Steve

I agree that where there is smoke there is often fire and I do
understand those frustrations...but don't you think that there are
just as many people irritated with local contractors? I am one of
them and I didn't even hire the guy. His errors, however, affected me
and cost me time/money. These small guys don't have the volume of the
big retailers, so the word doesn't get out when they mess up, take
your money and don't finish their work, or they don't finish on time.
The big name stores are easy targets because there are only 2 of
them.