Common Pitfalls

It’s never a good idea to judge the quality of a kitchen remodeler by looking around a showroom. A beautiful showroom is fine, of course, but it’s just one factor to consider before signing a contract for a remodeled kitchen. The quality of the installation, in our view, is paramount, and it cannot be determined with a simple glance around a showroom. High-end custom cabinets look good in the showroom, and nearly all will give years of excellent service, provided professionals install them. Proper installation separates the amateurs from the pros. It is not an exaggeration to say that most “bad” experiences can be traced to inferior installations, poor scheduling, or both.

Seek out as much information as you can about a company’s reputation, character, and skill level. The best approach to secure this information is to ask people you know about their experiences. If that doesn’t produce satisfactory results, ask the dealer for referrals from his client base. Cameo Kitchens will offer as many references as you like–names of current clients, suppliers, subcontractors, and even our bank, if that will help you establish the soundness and reliability of our company. And we look forward to getting to know you, too!

Consumers should know the difference between an “open” and a “closed” contract. An open contract is one in which the price you agree to pay is not necessarily the final price. If the dealer overlooks a construction detail, the buyer is liable for the additional expense. Cameo Kitchens uses a closed contract. You will never be unpleasantly surprised by a “hidden contingency” clause that inflates the final price. If we run into something that we didn’t anticipate, we pay for it, not you. We are one of the very few dealers who do not include a contingency clause in their contracts.

While most kitchen dealers downplay the importance of obtaining permits, all Northern Virginia jurisdictions require remodelers to secure a permit for the plumbing and electrical portions of the work. For your protection, Cameo Kitchens employs a licensed master plumber and a licensed electrician on every kitchen remodel. We never fail to obtain the necessary permits, and a county inspector carefully inspects every job.