Educating Builders

As a Real Estate Agent you understand that kitchens and baths sell houses.... So why is it Builders, who supposedly want to sell houses too, put so little emphasis on quality cabinetry?  Why do they have such low expectations?  Perhaps if we had out door grills in our kitchens they'd pay more attention to what they're actually allowing to showcase their properties! 

Recently I visited a new development in my neighborhood and met with the builder.  He's advertising a "Green" build and "Custom" cabinets - yet the product he's showing is from China (questionable finishing products!) and the only thing 'custom' about them is they came out of a flat box and you have to put them together!  Will they last?  I give them a questionable 5 - 7 year's!  Now, who in their right mind wants to buy a product that will have to be redone for a lot more money in 5 - 7 year's?  Most of us are moving in that amount of time, so just when you want to put you're home on the market, you're faced with the decision as to whether to replace your cabinets/counter top OR take a hit because it's obvious they'll have to be replaced by the new home owner!

Quality does not have to cost ton's of money...  Yes, it will be more expensive than the cheaper cabinets - they're cheap for a reason!  But don't you think it will help move your product?  Can't you see some real value in putting in something with a longer life expectancy that will FEATURE you as a QUALITY builder? 

One of the points I pride myself on is educating people, homeowners, builders, agents, any one who is willing to listen and appreciates learning something new!  We need to get our minds out of fast service and back into quality service.  Somethings are worth waiting for, taking the time to understand what you're actually buying and why you're Agent or Builder wants you to get something with real meaning - not just take your money and run!

Have a question on cabinet construction - please don't hesitate to ask someone who really cares....me!

My Son

My son is 15 1/2 year's old and is starting to drive!  I thought it was enough I had to get used to his much lower voice, side burns and infactuation with the better sex....  Now, I'm having to learn how to steel my nerves and not over react while he's learning to drive.  It really isn't that bad...  He takes it very seriously!  He hates people who tail him - makes notes when people aren't obaying the speed limit and has learned to check and then double check before pulling out.  His Father has decided that not only did I need to take our rabbit when we split up, but that it's my duty as his Mother to teach him how to drive!  Personally I thought he'd rather do it as he drives like an old man of 70 and I drive like a racing car driver!  Of course, it's "do as I say - not as I do" until you're old enough to afford you're own speeding tickets!  (I haven't one of those in YEARS!) 

Today was Moc Trial day and my son was one of the Procecuting Attorney's.  I felt he did very well although his methods were a bit flamboyant and somewhat comical.  I wanted to remove myself from the room as I didn't want to make him nervous!  That wouldn't have been his problem, I can tell you that.  Althought the Jury, who were also the judges, didn't realize his line of questionning and flamboyant personality were part of his approach.  The Lawyer/Judge (friend of my Divorce Attorney who was in the other 'court room' with the other trialists) felt my son did an outstanding job getting the 'expert' CSI forensic scientist discredited when he stated he wasn't an 'expert' in blood splatters!  I guess it isn't fair that my Brother, is head of CSI in Prince William County, VA!  (Not to mention his Mom and Step Dad are avid watchers of Grisham!)

All in all, I think my son is AWSOME!  And I just had to toot my horn today - hope you all had a wonderful Mother's Day last weekend and for those Dad's - Father's Day is around the corner!

Let me introduce myself!

Hi, I'm a kitchen and bath design specialist living in beautiful New Hampshire but servicing Maine, New Hampshire and Massachuetts.  I've worked on projects as far away as Minnesota and as far South as Virignia/Maryland!  I LOVE working with home owners on improving their existing space and exploring the possibilities of adding to their space to make their home become their dream home. 

I was born in Medfield Massachuetts but have the wonderful opportunity to move around the United States living in some very interesting places.  I spent 7 year's just out side Washington D.C., spent a couple of wonderful year's living in Austin Texas before returning to New England.  Architecture, life styles are very different depending on the region you live in.  Having experienced the Southern and South Western areas I bring to New England those flavors creating out-of-the box type of design. 

I've been honored with multiple awards for my design work both the more simple design to the more elaborate.  Really listening to your clients wants, needs and budget is a must in today's culture.  I've always said, it's easier to create it on paper and make changes before the builder starts elevating on your property than starting the build process first and then thinking about the design....

By offering a free consultation in your home as our first meeting, it allows me to observe you're current life style and storage needs.  Whether you're building or remodeling this information will help us to identify you're needs and incorporate that information into your new design. 

I have two showrooms that I work out of as well as a network of affiliates that allow us to purchase window treatments, lighting and even furniture at excellent prices!  My cabinets range from quality builder grade to high end custom.  My products are all manufactured here in the United States so we are supporting our Country's Economy.  If "Green" is important to you as it is to me, I will educate you on product choices that you can make that will be Environmentally Friendly. 

I welcome the opportunity to talk to you, your clients/friends and assist them in their project.  I charge a flat design fee that includes three different designs and from their we determine exactly what services they will expect from me or my associates.