KITCHEN PLANNING GUIDE
Every great design project begins with a great plan. Whether
you’re starting a remodeling project or creating an entirely
new space, success will depend largely on quality preparation.
Making correct measurements, optimizing layout, determining
budget, and placing an accurate order are all important steps in
the planning process. We’re here to help. Your design consultant
will help produce a space that reflects your vision, needs and
preferences. The Kitchen Planning Guide provides a framework
for collaboration and creativity, and ultimately, to help craft a
space that will inspire and delight.
PLANNING YOUR VISIT
Before your first scheduled meeting (the initial consultation),
please complete this Kitchen Planning Guide (as much as possible). If you are building a new house or adding a major addition
you will most likely have scaled blueprints or drawings from your architect or builder. Make sure to bring those along. If you are
remodeling, we ask that you take some basic measurements to allow us to prepare a preliminary quote. The lengths of the major
walls, locations of doors and windows (don’t forget to include the trim in your measurements), ceiling height, and any other major
features are important as well.
BUDGET
Many people are hesitant to talk about it, but it’s a vital piece of information for us to help you get the kitchen you want at a price
you are comfortable with. If you have no idea how much a kitchen should cost, you are not alone! There is no “average” kitchen but,
in general, semi-custom cabinets (not including installation) for a medium sized kitchen (10’ x 12’ with a 6’ island) will start in the
range of $8,000 to $14,000; custom cabinetry, special finishes, storage accessories and decorative details will, of course, increase
the price accordingly.
INITIAL CONSULTATION
You should plan on around 1-2 hours for this first meeting. Your designer will give you a tour of the showroom, tell you about the
cabinet lines we carry, and go over some basic cabinet construction details. We will review all of the information and ask questions
about you, your household and how you use the kitchen and surrounding areas. We will also talk about scheduling; how long your
cabinets will take to arrive, and approximately how long the installation might take. (Note: always budget some extra time for the
unexpected.) By the end, we should have enough information to prepare a preliminary proposal for you.
PRELIMINARY DESIGN PRESENTATION
At our second meeting, we will present our Preliminary Design Proposal. This will usually consist of an estimated price (or price
range) for cabinets and counter tops, along with several computerized perspective drawings to help you visualize your new kitchen.
Your designer will go over the proposed design with you in detail, and will take notes about what you like and don’t like about this
preliminary design. We will discuss your appliance choices and encourage you to finalize your list with specific models.
THE DESIGN RETAINER/DEPOSIT
We require a design retainer of $500 in order to continue the process. The amount will be applied to the purchase of your cabinets.
MEASURE AND REFINE
Upon your acceptance of our Design Retainer Agreement, we can begin to refine your design. This starts with a site visit, which we
will schedule at your earliest convenience. We will take accurate field measurements and look at mechanical systems and structural
elements that could affect the design. All of this information will be combined with our previous notes to allow us to revise your
design. Now is also a good time to talk about installation. If you have your own contractor, we would be happy to meet with him or
her in person to go over the design so they can provide you with an installation estimate. Or we can arrange to provide installation
services for you.
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COMPREHENSIVE DESIGN PROPOSAL
At this meeting we will go over our revised design and present our Comprehensive Design Proposal. If you are happy with the design
at this point, or if only minor changes need to be made, we are ready to finalize the sale and will require a deposit of 50% to order
cabinets and other materials. It is your responsibility to read and understand all documents and drawings. Please take the time to
look everything over again at home and call us within 24 hours if there is anything incorrect, missing, or that you don’t understand.
After that, any changes will require a signed change order and possibly additional charges.
CABINET DELIVERY AND INSTALLATION
Kitchen remodeling is messy! Expect the unexpected but rest assured that we will be there to address whatever issues come up
during and after installation. Final payment is due when cabinets are delivered.
MY CONTACT INFORMATION
PLANNING YOUR SPACE
Name:��������������������������������������������
Answer the following questions to get a better idea of the
type of space you would like to create.
Address:������������������������������������������
What are the favorite parts of your current kitchen?
City, State, Zip:�������������������������������������
�������������������������������������������������
Home Phone:��������������������������������������
What are the least favorite parts of your current kitchen?
�������������������������������������������������
Cell Phone:����������������������������������������
Do you serve meals in your kitchen? Using what furnishing? A
Work Phone:���������������������������������������
table? An island? Something other?��������������������
Email:���������������������������������������������
Describe the cooking that happens in your current kitchen.
__________________________________________________
PROJECT TYPE
Remodel
Do you have any special food preparation needs? Areas for
New Construction
baking, canning, or other food prep?�������������������
CONTRACTOR
How many people in your family cook?�����������������
Name:��������������������������������������������
Is there flexibility for sink placement?�������������������
Company:�����������������������������������������
Is there flexibility for appliance placement?��������������
What other special things would you like in your new kitchen?
Phone:��������������������������������������������
�������������������������������������������������
Email:���������������������������������������������
On what floor is your kitchen located?������������������
Fax:����������������������������������������������
What is your kitchen’s ceiling height?�������������������
APPROXIMATE BUDGET
Are there structural issues to be considered?�������������
Please select the most realistic budget for your project.
Will the location of doors or windows be changed?�������
Under $5,000
$30,000 - $35,000
$5,000 - $10,000
$35,000 - $40,000
$10,000 - $15,000
$40,000 - $45,000
Drywall
Paint
$15,000 - $20,000
$45,000+
Plaster
Paneling
Wallpaper
Brick/Stone
CURRENT WALL CONSTRUCTION
Please select the appropriate box.
$25,000 - $30,000
CURRENT FLOOR CONSTRUCTION
HOW WILL YOU USE THE SPACE?
Please select the appropriate box.
Answer the following questions to get a better idea of how
your space will be used.
Describe the activities that will happen in this space.
�������������������������������������������������
How many people will regularly use this space?�����������
Tile
Cement
Hardwood
Carpet
Vinyl
Other:��������������
Will you be changing the floors?�����������������������
Does your family have any special needs that might
If yes, to what material?������������������������������
inform how the space is used?������������������������
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MEASURING YOUR SPACE
A floor plan of your current space–even just a rough sketch–is a useful tool in the design process. Use these tips and the grid
provided on page 4 to create a scaled version of your kitchen’s floor plan.
TIPS FOR CREATING A FLOOR PLAN
• When drawing your floor plan, use a pencil so changes can
be made if necessary.
• All measurements should be made, and recorded, in inches.
• Be sure to make note of all important fixtures and utilities,
such as lighting or plumbing. Also include dimensions of
these, if applicable.
• Record the location of electrical outlets, switches, etc.
• Include the location of all the windows and doors in your
space. Be sure to note the dimensions of each.
Sample Floor Plan
• Include the location and size of all existing appliances.
• Indicate which way doors swing, and into what rooms.
• Note any breaks in walls or any obstructions that could
have an effect on the design or layout of your space.
• Identify ceiling height and indicate any transitions, soffits
and/or vents.
• Measurements of doors and windows should be from the
outside edges, trim to trim.
MEASUREMENTS
Please measure your windows and doors to fill
out the following charts.
MEASUREMENT A
WIDTH OF DOOR
MEASUREMENT B
HEIGHT OF DOOR
Door 1
Door 2
Door 3
Door 4
MEASUREMENT A
FLOOR TO UNDERSIDE
OF WINDOW SILL
MEASUREMENT B
UNDERSIDE OF
WINDOW SILL TO TOP
OF WINDOW MOLDING
MEASUREMENT C
TOP OF WINDOW
MOLDING TO CEILING
Window 1
Window 2
Window 3
Window 4
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MEASUREMENT D
FLOOR TO CEILING
MEASUREMENT E
WINDOW WIDTH FROM
OUTSIDE MOLDING TO
OUTSIDE MOLDING
MY FLOOR PLAN
Use the grid provided to create a sketch of your current kitchen’s floor plan.
Scale: 1/2” is equal to one foot. Each small square is equal to three inches.
1’
2’
3’
4’
5’
6’
7’
1’
2’
3’
4’
5’
6’
7’
8’
9’
10’
11’
12’
13’
14’
NOTES
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8’
9’
10’
11’
12’
13’
14’
APPLIANCE SPECIFICATIONS
Please fill out the following chart so you, your contractor and your design consultant have access to all of this information
in one place.
APPLIANCE SPECS
N/A
EXISTING
NEW
BRAND
MODEL #
DIMENSIONS
(WIDTH x DEPTH x HEIGHT)
Refrigerator
Side by Side
French Door
Top Freezer
Bottom Freezer
Freezer (stand alone)
Range
Freestanding
Slide-in
Drop-in
Cooktop
Built-in
Drop-in
Down Draft
Exhaust Hood (ducted or
recirculating?)
________________________
Wall Oven
Single Oven
Double Oven
Microwave Combo
Microwave
Counter top
Built-in
Over-the-Range
Warming Drawer
Disposal
Dishwasher
Compactor
Washer (front or top load?)
________________________
Dryer (front or top load?)
________________________
Electronics (specify)
________________________
Wine Cooler
Other (explain):
Would you like to include decorative panels that match your cabinetry for these appliances (if applicable)?
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Yes
No
WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
CABINET HARDWARE:
We recommend creating a project file to assist you in making
your ideas a reality. Photographs of inspiring kitchens, design
ideas, color samples, paint chips, fabric swatches and material
samples are all a great way to get started. Bring this with you
to your appointment so your design consultant can help you
find the right products to fit your style and budget.
Drawer�������������
Door���������������
CABINET OPTIONS*:
Please select the items you might like to have in your kitchen.
Adjustable Drawer Dividers
Pull-out Table
YOUR STYLE
Appliance Garage
Recycling
Please select the description that most closely aligns with
the vision you have for your new space.
Bread Box
Roll-out Shelves
CD/DVD Roll-out
Sink Base Door Storage
Chopping Block
Spice Drawer Insert
Cleaning Supply Pull-out
Spice Rack
Computer Key Drawer
Stem Glass Holder
Cookware Roll-out
Tambour Storage
Cutlery Divider
Tiered Drawer Storage
CABINETS
Cup Holder
Towel Bar
Answer the following questions (if applicable).
Cutting Board
Tray Dividers
COLOR/FINISH:
Deep Roll-out Trays
Utility Cabinet
Primary Finish:�������������������������������������
Drawer Organizer
Vanity Hamper
Accent Finish:��������������������������������������
File Cabinet
Vanity Pull-out
Knife Section Divider
Vegetable Bin
Lazy Susan
Wastebasket
Microwave Cabinet
Wicker Baskets
Mixer Stand
Wine Shelf
Pantry Storage
Other ________________
Contemporary
Modern, streamlined, chic.
Traditional
Classic, timeless, refined.
Eclectic
Personal, distinct, mix-and-match.
Country
Cheerful, inviting, bright.
Natural
Relaxed, earthy, comforting.
Placement of Accent?�������������������������������
WOOD PREFERENCE:
Maple
Birch
Oak
Hickory
Cherry
Thermofoil (Laminate)
Paper Towel Holder
Pots & Pans Organizer
DOOR STYLE:
* Additional options may be
available. Speak with a design
consultant for assistance.
Upper Cabinets:������������������������������������
COUNTER TOPS
Lower Cabinets:������������������������������������
Answer the following questions (if applicable).
Drawer Front:��������������������������������������
MATERIAL:
DECORATIVE ENHANCEMENTS:
Granite
Laminate
Above-Cabinet Molding*
Baseboard Molding
Quartz
Solid Surface
Below-Cabinet Molding
Glass Doors
Stainless Steel
Other��������������
Wood
Description:
�������������������������������������������������
* Cabinetry will extend to the ceiling?
Yes
EDGE STYLE:
No
CABINET LIGHTING:
Ogee
Bullnose
Half Bullnose
Triple Pencil
Other��������������
Below Cabinet
In-Cabinet
Double Radius
Above Cabinet
Other��������������
Bevel
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SINKS & FAUCETS
FAUCET FINISH:
Answer the following questions (if applicable).
Chrome
Brushed Brass
BOWL STYLE:
Satin Nickel
Antique Brass
Single Bowl
Bar Sink
Stainless Steel
Oil Rubbed Bronze
Double Bowl
Food Prep Sink
White Epoxy
Brushed Copper
Apron
Other��������������
Black Epoxy
Other��������������
BOWL MATERIAL:
Polished Brass
Enameled Cast Iron
Acrylic
Porcelain-on-steel
Stainless Steel
Composite Materials
Other��������������
RANGE HOODS
Answer the following questions (if applicable).
HOOD STYLE:
INSTALLATION:
Undermount
Integral
Top-mount
Other��������������
Under Cabinet
Integrated
Downdraft
Other��������������
Canopy
FAUCET STYLE:
Two-handle
Pull-down Sprayer
Single-handle
Touch Technology
High-arc Spout
Other��������������
Innovations by VP is your kitchen and bath design resource.
With over fifty experienced kitchen and bath design professionals across our nine locations,
Innovations by VP has the depth that can offer any new build or remodeling homeowner
an “innovative” perspective at the endless possibilities of design.
Rochester
3445 Winton Pl.
Rochester, NY 14623
P 585-272-1560
F 585-272-1833
Albany
130 Railroad Ave.
Albany, NY 12205
P 518-459-6000
F 518-459-4242
New Hartford
4676 Commercial Dr.
New Hartford, NY 13413
P 315-768-7878
F 315-768-4774
Ballston Lake
43A Round Lake Rd.
Ballston Lake, NY 12019
P 518-899-0049
F 518-899-1014
Plattsburgh
190 Tom Miller Rd.
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
P 518-563-4916
F 518-563-4546
Buffalo
2495 Walden Ave.
Buffalo, NY 14225
P 716-686-0910
F 716-686-0988
Syracuse
5775 Bridge St.
E. Syracuse, NY 13507
P 315-446-1548
F 315-446-3245
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Erie
4818 Peach St.
Erie, PA 16509
P 814-864-4896
F 814-864-5639
Vestal
232 Vestal Parkway W.
Vestal, NY 13850
P 607-748-8144
F 607-748-2937