Remodeling your home’s kitchen, bathroom—or both—can be a huge undertaking. This guide will ease you through the process by providing you with expert advice for before, during, and after your remodeling job.

The Homeowner's Guide to Kitchen and Bath Remodeling

LIVERMORE — When planning for a kitchen remodel, it’s important to do some research and figure out what direction you want to go in regarding design and budget. Here are three things to investigate: Current trends Find out which kitchen styles and products are currently in vogue and see if there are any you want to incorporate into your remodel. Value added Research which aspects of the remodel are most likely to add to your home’s resale value. This will help guide you in allocating your budget. Timeless style While it’s good to be aware of current remodeling trends, you should also consider the long term and think about style choices that will age well over time. Read more

<h1>Eric Aslami: A Family Connection</h1>
<h6>By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter</h6>
LIVERMORE — When asked how he became involved in the remodeling industry, Eric Aslami cites a family connection. “Growing up, I had family members who were involved in a variety of trades, including flooring and remodeling,” he explains. “I started out doing kitchen design and transitioned to working in the field, which I liked because it was more hands-on. After five years of working with my cousin, I acquired my general contractor’s license. From there, he and I decided to join forces. He was doing flooring and I was doing kitchen and bathroom remodeling, so it just made sense to combine our abilities into one company.”
Today, as owner of Today’s Kitchen &amp; Bath, Eric says his favorite part of his job is seeing the fruits of his labor. “I enjoy watching the transition from beginning to end, culminating with the completed project. It feels good to see what we were able to accomplish, and of course, the reaction of the customer when they see it as well.”
A resident of Mountain House (where he lives with his wife, Freshta, and their six children), Eric spends the bulk of his time outside of work with his family. “My kids are involved in sports, so I enjoy attending their soccer or football games and watching them compete,” he details. “We also have a big extended family, so there are lots of barbecues and birthday parties. Basically, at any given time, we can call like 20 people and there’s a party an hour later.” Eric and his family also like getting away on vacation to destinations like Mexico and Lake Tahoe.
Regarding a professional philosophy, Eric espouses the importance of treating others respectfully. “The way I see it, you have to treat everyone with respect, whether they’re six years old or 60. Just treat everyone equally and don’t do anyone wrong—if you can do that, everything will go smoothly from that point on.”
When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Eric says he’d take some time to meditate on the future. “I’d probably take a long vacation—just get away for a couple of weeks and figure out what’s next. I have plenty of life left to live, so I’d need to figure out what the rest of it is going to look like.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? 
A: The Maldives.
Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant? 
A: Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse &amp; Wine Bar in Walnut Creek.
Q: What was your first job? 
A: I worked at Taco Bell.
Q: What’s your favorite thing to do on a rainy day? 
A: Stay inside and watch a movie.
Q: What kinds of movies do you like? 
A: Mainly action movies. I like the Marvel movies a lot.

Eric Aslami: A Family Connection By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter LIVERMORE — When asked how he became involved in the remodeling industry, Eric Aslami cites a family connection. “Growing up, I had family members who were involved in a variety of trades, including flooring and remodeling,” he explains. “I started out doing kitchen design and transitioned to working in the field, which I liked because it was more hands-on. After five years of working with my cousin, I acquired my general contractor’s license. From there, he and I decided to join forces. He was doing flooring and I was doing kitchen and bathroom remodeling, so it just made sense to combine our abilities into one company.” Today, Read more

Eric Aslami is owner of Today’s Kitchen &amp; Bath, a Diamond Certified company. He can be reached at (510) 397-8965 or by email.

Eric Aslami: A Family Connection

NOVATO — When it comes to remodeling your kitchen, two of the most important choices to make are which types of cabinets and countertops to install. Here are a couple of basic tips to help you make an educated choice: Cabinets: Custom or Modular With kitchen cabinets, you have two basic options: custom cabinetry that’s made locally or modular cabinetry that’s produced in a large manufacturing facility. While many consumers assume a local cabinet maker builds everything from scratch, many actually purchase components such as doors and drawer boxes separately, as well as send the cabinets to a separate location for finishing. In contrast, most modular cabinet manufacturers do everything at a single location: they dry their own lumber, Read more

<h1>Ken Ryan: Kitchen Guru</h1>
<h6>By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter</h6>
NOVATO – It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that Ken Ryan feels most at home when he’s in the kitchen—after all, with more than 35 years of experience as a kitchen designer and remodeler, he’s probably spent more time there than in any other household space. As Ken relates, his involvement with kitchen remodeling began early in life. “After attending trade school as a teenager on Long Island, I went to Los Angeles in 1978 to work for a kitchen remodeling company,” he remembers. “In 1982, they sent me up to the Bay Area to open a northern division of the company. After working for that company for a few more years, I broke away and started my own business, and I’ve been remodeling kitchens in Marin ever since.” Today, clients of Kitchens by Ken Ryan continue to benefit from Ken’s extensive expertise.
Ken says one of his favorite parts of the remodeling business is collaborating with clients to build their dream kitchens. “I really enjoy communicating with clients, educating them and helping them get through a process they often find bewildering. By the end of it, they have beautiful new kitchens, so it’s always a rewarding experience to share with them.” Ken also enjoys getting creative with design. “You’ll often find me at my desk, playing around with new ideas for kitchens.”
Having grown up in a small town, Ken appreciates the equivalent feel of Novato, where he lives with his wife, “M,” and their two daughters, Briana and Kelsey. “It’s a lot like the town where I grew up—everybody pretty much knows one another,” he says. “Between running our business and raising our daughters here, being a part of this town has been a great community experience.”
As a lover of the outdoors, Ken appreciates the natural beauty and diverse opportunities afforded by the regional landscape, particularly the Sierra mountain range, with which he feels a close connection. “I’ve been in awe of the Sierras since I first saw them on a road trip as a young man,” he says. “Since skiing and whitewater kayaking are two of my passions, having the Sierras so close is a real blessing.” Ken also likes to hit the road with his family on a regular basis and visit a variety of favorite destinations. “Once every couple of months my family and I take a road trip out to Yosemite, Shasta, the Sierras, the ocean or wherever else we want to explore.”
In both his life and career, Ken ascribes to a belief in the cyclical nature of ethics—in other words, what goes around comes around. “I think it’s important to do the right thing in every situation,” he affirms. “Even if it costs you money, it doesn’t matter—you spend that money and do the right thing, because the decisions you make tend to come back to you. When you do right by others, others do right by you, and that’s a great cycle to be in.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: Ever read a book more than once? 
A: I have an atlas of the western United States that my family and I often refer to when planning our next adventure. We have discovered some truly beautiful places in our explorations.
Q: If someone was making a movie about your life, what actor would you choose to play you? 
A: Tom Hanks—he can be very serious, but he can also be funny, and he strikes me as a very likeable person.
Q: Do you collect anything? 
A: Whenever I’m traveling or out on some excursion, I’ll pick up a rock. I use them as paperweights in my office or put them in my rock garden at home.
Q: What’s the most death-defying feat you’ve ever attempted? 
A: Whitewater kayaking at Clavey Falls on the Tuolumne River.
Q: What’s the best gift you’ve ever received? 
A: Advise on how to be humble and appreciate everything in life.

Owner

Ken Ryan: Kitchen Guru By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter NOVATO – It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that Ken Ryan feels most at home when he’s in the kitchen—after all, with more than 35 years of experience as a kitchen designer and remodeler, he’s probably spent more time there than in any other household space. As Ken relates, his involvement with kitchen remodeling began early in life. “After attending trade school as a teenager on Long Island, I went to Los Angeles in 1978 to work for a kitchen remodeling company,” he remembers. “In 1982, they sent me up to the Bay Area to open a northern division of the company. Read more

Ken Ryan is owner of Kitchens by Ken Ryan, a Diamond Certified company since 2011. He can be reached at (415) 935-0968 or Ken@KitchensbyKenRyan.com.

Ken Ryan: Kitchen Guru

SAN FRANCISCO — One of the most common complaints regarding shower doors is the difficulty involved in keeping them clean. Most people don’t realize there’s a reason this is so difficult: Glass is porous, just like our skin. When the pores in a glass shower door are compromised by contaminants, it makes the glass harder to clean and leads to issues with corrosion and water stains. Fortunately, there are products that address the difficulty of maintaining shower doors. One is called “Diamond Seal,” a polymer coating that’s applied to the interior of the shower glass. Diamond Seal gets into the pores of the glass so contaminants can’t, which makes cleaning easier and less frequent and consequently helps prevent water stains. Read more

<h1>Tom Nolan: Only in America</h1>
<h6>By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter</h6>
SAN FRANCISCO &mdash; When Tom Nolan started working at California Shower Door Corporation as a teenager, the last thing he expected was to one day be its president and CEO. “It’s one of those ‘only in America’ stories, where the kid who starts out sweeping the floors winds up owning the company,” he says. “It began as a summer job during high school, and I continued part-time through college while I earned my master’s degree in psychology. After graduating, my intention was to become a teacher, but unfortunately there weren’t any full-time teaching jobs available. Thankfully, the company owner offered me an opportunity to run the business until I found a teaching position. Twenty-five years later, I’m still here.”
When asked his favorite part about his job, Tom gives a twofold response. “First, I enjoy interacting with our team members, who are wonderful employees and even better human beings. Second, I like being a problem-solver for our clients. From the beginning of California Shower Door’s history in 1935 to now, we’ve been innovators in every aspect of what we do, pushing the possibilities for installation and design, so that’s something I take a lot of pride in.”
A native resident of San Francisco (where he lives with his wife, Monica, and their children, Patrick and Malena), Tom express his appreciation for the diverse character of the City by the Bay. “There’s no place like San Francisco, especially in terms of sheer diversity—there’s something for just about everyone. I’m very proud to call myself a native San Franciscan.”
Outside of work, Tom spends his free time on a number of active pastimes. “My two main hobbies are playing guitar and reading,” he says. “I started playing guitar when I was a teenager, and it’s something I still enjoy today. I also love going to the beach and traveling with my family.”
In his life and career, Tom espouses the virtues of the Golden Rule. “I just try to treat others the way I would like to be treated,” he affirms. “In regard to our business, this means treating both our clients and employees with respect and consideration. It’s a pretty simple philosophy, but it’s effective.”
When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Tom says he would do more of the things he currently enjoys, especially traveling. “At this point in my life, I don’t have the chance to travel much, other than vacations to Hawaii, so I’d take the opportunity to visit Europe and other parts of the world.”
<h8>Ask Me Anything!</h8>
Q: What’s your favorite book? 
A: “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho.
Q: Music or talk radio? 
A: Music. I went through a talk radio phase, but as I’ve gotten older and hopefully a bit wiser, I’ve grown tired of all the banter.
Q: What were you most known for in high school? 
A: Playing the guitar. I played in a band from age 14 until I was about 21.
Q: Who’s your all-time favorite guitar player? 
A: Jimi Hendrix.
Q: If you could immediately master any musical instrument, what would you choose? 
A: Clarinet, because I love traditional New Orleans jazz.

President/CEO

Tom Nolan: Only in America By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter SAN FRANCISCO &mdash; When Tom Nolan started working at California Shower Door Corporation as a teenager, the last thing he expected was to one day be its president and CEO. “It’s one of those ‘only in America’ stories, where the kid who starts out sweeping the floors winds up owning the company,” he says. “It began as a summer job during high school, and I continued part-time through college while I earned my master’s degree in psychology. After graduating, my intention was to become a teacher, but unfortunately there weren’t any full-time teaching jobs available. Thankfully, the company owner offered me an opportunity to run the business until I found a teaching position. Read more

Tom Nolan is a veteran of the shower enclosure industry and president/CEO of <a href="http://www.diamondcertified.org/report/california-shower-door-corporation">California Shower Door Corporation</a>, a Diamond Certified company since 2005. He can be reached at (415) 763-5983 or by <a href="http://www.diamondcertified.org/contact/california-shower-door-corporation">email</a>.

Tom Nolan: Only in America

CONCORD — When remodeling your bathroom, it’s important to consider how long you plan to live in your home and if you want to age in place. If so, you’ll want to take measures to improve safety and accessibility in your bathroom. The first thing to do is consider your tub and shower options. Whereas a traditional bathtub can pose a danger to those with limited mobility, a walk-in bathtub is equipped with a door that provides a lower, more safely accessible entryway. Another important component of bathroom safety is grab bars. While traditional grab bars can help prevent slips and falls, they often have an unpleasant, institutional look to them. Read more

<h1>Kimeri Opacic: A Firsthand Perspective</h1>
<h6>By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter</h6>
CONCORD – After more than ten years as marketing director for Re-Bath by Schicker, Kimeri Opacic’s only regret is that she didn’t always know what she now knows about bathroom remodeling. “I bought a house in 1998 that was stuck in the ’70s, and it’s been one big remodeling project ever since,” she explains. “When it came to remodeling the master bathroom, I went the traditional route and did a lot of legwork myself. It turned out to be a lot of trial and error, with me going back and forth between multiple locations to find fixtures and components, many of which I had to return because they were the wrong size or incompatible with the design. After going through that experience and now working for a bathroom remodeling company, it’s easy for me to see the value in hiring a company that handles every aspect in-house.”
Originally from Sacramento, Kimeri relocated to the Bay Area in 1986, where she continues to reside in Walnut Creek with her husband, George, and their son, Tyler. Outside of her role as a marketing consultant, she describes herself as a soccer mom in the most literal sense. “My son plays competitive soccer and my husband coaches, so for much of the year I’m likely to be found on the sidelines of a soccer field.” While she enjoys being part of the action, Kimeri also appreciates spending time with her family off the field. “I really enjoy just hanging out with them, whether going out to eat, going to the movies or taking long walks with our golden retriever, Max.”
In her life and career, Kimeri emphasizes the importance of honesty. “As a consultant, I believe honesty is always the best policy,” she affirms. “When you’re serving customers, it’s important to be upfront with them, take responsibility for your actions and make good on your promises, because that’s what can make or break your reputation. Unexpected issues or mistakes can happen in any situation, but it’s usually in the best interest of all parties involved to just be upfront and honest rather than cover things up or deny responsibility.”
When asked the first thing she’d do if she could retire tomorrow, Kimeri says she’d catch a plane and head to Europe’s wine belt. “I’d like to spend a month or two in Italy and France. I’ve been there once, and I’ve wanted to go back ever since.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: What was the name of your first pet? 
A: Gigi—a fitting name for a purebred French poodle.
Q: What’s your favorite restaurant? 
A: Mustards Grill in Napa.
Q: What were you most known for in high school? 
A: Music—I played the violin and was part of a youth symphony.
Q: What was your favorite toy as a child? 
A: My Raggedy Ann doll.
Q: Do you share a birthday with anyone famous? 
A: Bruce Willis and Glenn Close.

Marketing Director

Kimeri Opacic: A Firsthand Perspective By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter CONCORD – After more than ten years as marketing director for Re-Bath by Schicker, Kimeri Opacic’s only regret is that she didn’t always know what she now knows about bathroom remodeling. “I bought a house in 1998 that was stuck in the ’70s, and it’s been one big remodeling project ever since,” she explains. “When it came to remodeling the master bathroom, I went the traditional route and did a lot of legwork myself. It turned out to be a lot of trial and error, with me going back and forth between multiple locations to find fixtures and components, Read more

Kimeri Opacic is marketing director of Re-Bath by Schicker, a Diamond Certified company since 2009. She can be reached at (925) 309-5867 or by email.

Kimeri Opacic: A Firsthand Perspective

Remodeling your kitchen or bathroom can be a huge undertaking. This guide provides you with expert advice for before, during, and after your project.

Companies Rated Highest in Quality and Helpful Expertise

Diamond Certified

<div class="article-entry"><div class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_404249" style="width: 860px"><img alt="modern kitchen by Case Design/Remodeling in Santa Clara" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-404249" class="wp-image-404249" height="566" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px" src="https://dcr-apis.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/wp_contents/uploads/2019/01/Case-Design.Remodeling-A-Modern-Day-Galley-Kitchen-in-Santa-Clara-1024x682.jpg" srcset="https://dcr-apis.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/wp_contents/uploads/2019/01/Case-Design.Remodeling-A-Modern-Day-Galley-Kitchen-in-Santa-Clara-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://dcr-apis.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/wp_contents/uploads/2019/01/Case-Design.Remodeling-A-Modern-Day-Galley-Kitchen-in-Santa-Clara-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dcr-apis.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/wp_contents/uploads/2019/01/Case-Design.Remodeling-A-Modern-Day-Galley-Kitchen-in-Santa-Clara-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dcr-apis.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/wp_contents/uploads/2019/01/Case-Design.Remodeling-A-Modern-Day-Galley-Kitchen-in-Santa-Clara.jpg 1031w" width="850"/>Remodeling your kitchen may be exciting but it can also be stressful, especially if you aren

James Florence

<div id="attachment_404249" style="width: 860px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-404249" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-404249" src="https://www.diamondcertified.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Case-Design.Remodeling-A-Modern-Day-Galley-Kitchen-in-Santa-Clara-1024x682.jpg" alt="modern kitchen by Case Design/Remodeling in Santa Clara" width="850" height="566" srcset="https://www.diamondcertified.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Case-Design.Remodeling-A-Modern-Day-Galley-Kitchen-in-Santa-Clara-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://www.diamondcertified.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Case-Design.Remodeling-A-Modern-Day-Galley-Kitchen-in-Santa-Clara-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.diamondcertified.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Case-Design.Remodeling-A-Modern-Day-Galley-Kitchen-in-Santa-Clara-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.diamondcertified.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Case-Design.Remodeling-A-Modern-Day-Galley-Kitchen-in-Santa-Clara.jpg 1031w" sizes="(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px" />Remodeling your kitchen may be exciting but it can also be stressful, especially if you aren&#8217;t prepared. Photo: Next Stage Design + Build ©2019</div>
A kitchen remodeling project is an exciting venture, but as most homeowners soon discover, the actual process can be dauntingly complex. To ease your apprehension about starting your own kitchen remodel, we’ve asked our Diamond Certified Expert Contributors to break down the essential aspects of the process and provide some helpful insights.

&nbsp;
<h2>1. Establish your style</h2>
Before you can get the ball rolling with your kitchen remodeling project, you’ll need to have an idea of what you want to achieve aesthetically. “Get a sense of your style and make sure it’s appropriate for the size, price, and architecture of your home,” suggests <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/report/next-stage-design-build/#tips-jim-kabel">Jim Kabel of Next Stage Design + Build</a>. “Browse home remodeling websites and magazines and note what you like and don’t like. You may not understand the nuances of all the different styles, but if you can get a clear idea of what you like and don’t like and communicate that to your designer, it can be extremely helpful.”
&nbsp;
<h2>2. Create a functional floorplan</h2>
If you’re remodeling your kitchen, there’s a good chance it’s not purely for aesthetic reasons. Most homeowners remodel their kitchens because the existing floorplan isn’t working for them. Perhaps things are situated in an awkward or impractical way, or maybe there’s not quite enough space. Whatever the case, the floorplan should be a top concern when designing your new kitchen.
One fundamental guideline for kitchen floorplan design is the “working triangle”—a formula for functional use that relates to the proximity of your sink, stove and refrigerator. “Since these are the three main areas you’ll be walking back and forth between, it’s important to position them within a functional working triangle,” says Donna Merritt of Merritt-Nelson Custom Builders. “I also recommend maximizing storage space in your new kitchen. From pull-out baskets to small alcoves between cabinet drawers, every inch counts when it comes to optimizing a kitchen’s use of space.”
In some cases, structural changes may be needed to achieve a floorplan design that meets the homeowner’s needs. As <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/report/a-c-a-remodeling-design/#tips-carlos-aguilera">Carlos Aguilera of A C A Remodeling Design</a> explains, structural changes are a great way to increase and better utilize a kitchen’s space. “One common practice is relocating a kitchen closet or pantry to an adjacent hallway, which will give you more room to work when preparing meals. Additionally, removing and/or relocating walls can further open up a cramped space.”
&nbsp;
<div id="attachment_404253" style="width: 810px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-404253" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-404253" src="https://www.diamondcertified.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/case-kitchen-6-1024x683.jpg" alt="kitchen remodeling project final result" width="800" height="533" srcset="https://www.diamondcertified.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/case-kitchen-6-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.diamondcertified.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/case-kitchen-6-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.diamondcertified.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/case-kitchen-6-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.diamondcertified.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/case-kitchen-6.jpg 1440w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" />One of the most important aspects of a kitchen remodeling project is creating a functional floorplan. Photo: Case Design/Remodeling ©2019</div>
<h2>3. Select materials</h2>
Another crucial part of designing a kitchen is determining what types of materials will be used for cabinets, countertops and flooring. It’s important to choose materials during the design phase because it can take a lot of time to have them manufactured and delivered, especially if there’s customization involved. Here are some tips on choosing materials:
<h3>Cabinets </h3>
When choosing cabinets, <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/report/cabinets-101/#tips-stan-wahl">Stan Wahl of Cabinets 101</a> recommends taking a close look at construction quality and noting the often subtle differences between low- and high-quality models. “Take two craftsman-style cabinets that look almost exactly the same but have a 20 percent difference in cost. Upon closer inspection, differences begin to emerge. First, the doors. While the door of the less expensive cabinet is made of wood, it has a plywood center. You can tell by knocking on it—it has a more hollow sound than the other, which is composed of a solid wood panel.
<div id="attachment_404256" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-404256" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-404256 size-medium" src="https://www.diamondcertified.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Cabinets-101-action-shot-1-rgb-300x225.jpg" alt="measuring new cabinets for kitchen remodel" width="300" height="225" srcset="https://www.diamondcertified.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Cabinets-101-action-shot-1-rgb-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.diamondcertified.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Cabinets-101-action-shot-1-rgb-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.diamondcertified.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Cabinets-101-action-shot-1-rgb-1024x768.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />When selecting new cabinets, be sure to look closely at quality. Photo: Cabinets 101 ©2019</div>
When you open each cabinet, you’ll find more differences. The less expensive cabinet only has one shelf and the interior is lined with a vinyl coating intended to imitate wood. Meanwhile, the higher-priced cabinet has two shelves and the interior is painted white just like the exterior. Altogether, these minor variations add up to a substantial difference in quality, which explains the difference in cost.”
Another important aspect to consider when choosing cabinets is the finish. “A cabinet’s finish seals the stain/paint and protects it from scratches, dents, water damage, and sun fading,” details <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/report/rics-kitchen-bath-showroom/#tips-ric-plummer">Ric Plummer of Ric’s Kitchen and Bath Showroom</a>. “Most cabinets today have a lacquer finish—a single-component clear coat that’s air-cured following application. However, a better option is a catalyzed conversion varnish, which is a two-component, chemical-cured finish that’s reinforced with a hardening agent added during application. Since a catalyzed conversion varnish has twice the dry film thickness as lacquer, it offers superior durability against wear.”
<h3>Countertops </h3>
While there are several countertop materials to choose from, the three most common choices are granite, quartz and marble. Jack Chan of Amazing Stone, Inc. briefly describes each. “Granite is a natural stone that’s one of the toughest natural materials on the planet,” he details. “Quartz is a man-made material that’s completely customizable in terms of colors and patterns. Marble is also a natural stone, but unlike granite, it’s very soft and can be easily stained or etched by acidic liquids and other elements.”
<div id="attachment_404252" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-404252" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-404252 size-medium" src="https://www.diamondcertified.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Golden-State-Granite-8-300x200.jpg" alt="granite countertop with bullnose edges" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://www.diamondcertified.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Golden-State-Granite-8-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.diamondcertified.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Golden-State-Granite-8-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.diamondcertified.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Golden-State-Granite-8.jpg 996w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />Granite is a popular option for new countertops. Photo: Golden State Granite ©2019</div>
To assist in deciding on the right countertop material, <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/report/golden-state-granite/#tips-jack-benning">Jack Benning of Golden State Granite</a> lays out some basic considerations. “First, you need to make sure the countertops fit the look and style of your kitchen,” he says. “When making your color selection, decide whether you want your countertops to subtly blend in or be s

Remodeling your kitchen may be exciting but it can also be stressful, especially if you aren’t prepared. Photo: Next Stage Design + Build ©2019A kitchen remodeling project is an exciting venture, but as most homeowners soon discover, the actual process can be dauntingly complex. To ease your apprehension about starting your own kitchen remodel, we’ve asked our Diamond Certified Expert Contributors to break down the essential aspects of the process and provide some helpful insights.1. Establish y

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