You're in the right place. The best way to start any home improvement project is to become an informed consumer. The more you know about what you want, the easier the process will be and the happier you'll be in the end. That's not to say you'll want to do it on your own, though. That's why we've included a helpful Kitchen Planning Guide & Worksheet to get you started. By completing this guide and making an appointment with one of our kitchen specialists, you'll soon be living in your dream kitchen!

There are two main phases to a kitchen or bath project. The first is the design and planning phase. This is where you gather ideas, meet with our designers to design the space, and place the orders for products. Our designers will work quickly and thoroughly on your project, taking the necessary time to get it just right before we place any orders. After the orders are placed, it can take anywhere from 3 weeks to 3 months for your order to come in, depending on the cabinet line. The second phase - construction - depends on your contractor and any issues he/she may encounter during demolition and installation.

Our designers will show you a wide selection of products you can order through Downeast Building Supply. We offer you an extensive choice of materials: cabinets, countertops, hardware, plumbing fixtures, paint and more. Within each area, we offer you many options from top-quality companies to suit your particular project. We only sell products we can stand behind. Stop by our Brunswick, Maine showroom to see what we carry and to inquire about special orders for your customized your project.

Although Downeast does not offer installation or demolition of cabinetry, we would be happy to supply you with a list of local contractors. To ensure a smooth process and delightful outcome, our designers can work with your contractor throughout your project.

When you purchase your kitchen and bathroom products from Downeast Building Supply, our design expertise is part of the purchase. The project you're starting is probably not only a considerable financial investment, but has the potential to change the way you enjoy your home and lifestyle. Our skilled, award-winning design team, with over 40 combined years of experience, can look at your space and needs in a different light and suggest options that may function better for you than you ever dreamed. Additionally, since we are trained in the many aspects of design and have extensive knowledge of the products we carry, we'll take a lot of the hassle out of your potentially strenuous project.

As the only trade association dedicated exclusively to the kitchen and bath industry, the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) is the leading source of information and education for all design professionals. Downeast's membership lets our designers increase their knowledge and expertise through access to design, color and lighting seminars; product demonstrations and exhibitions; roundtable and panel discussions; and certification programs. CKD or Certified Kitchen Designer is a national certification administered by the NKBA that ensures a high degree of knowledge and professionalism. Requirements include 7 years experience with a minimum of two years of full-time specialty experience, submission of affidavits of professional competence from industry professionals and consumer references. Candidates must then pass a full-day examination. Only a few CKDs work in Maine, and we're proud to have one of them, Carol Bartlett, on our Downeast Kitchens design team.

Once you meet with one of our designers, decide on a design and get ready to place an order, he/she will come to your property to verify measurements. Depending on the circumstances, additional visits may be necessary to accurately complete your project.

See Measuring Tips on page 1 of our helpful Kitchen Planning Guide & Worksheet. The measurements do not have to be perfect. The purpose is to give our designers a rough idea of the space so we can give you an estimate. Once you're happy with your new design, our designers will ensure an accurate fit by visiting your property to verify measurements.

The number one reason we offer so many choices is so we can find the perfect materials for your project at the best price from our many suppliers. From quick-ship, stock cabinetry to fully customized cabinetry, we have what you need and what you want at prices you can afford.

Many factors can affect the price of your project. We'll help you choose wisely among many options to get just what you want at a price you can afford. Cabinetry costs vary according to manufacturer, construction quality, interior accessories, door style and finish, and wood species. Countertop costs can be affected by manufacturer, square footage, material, edge profile, and installation. Don't forget plumbing fixtures and hardware. These can fluctuate based on manufacturer, materials, finish, options and accessories. Your Downeast kitchen designer will gladly work with you to explain your options and the differences between them.

Beware of places that offer a "per lineal foot" cabinetry pricing. Since many factors can affect the cost of cabinetry (see FAQ #10 "What affects the cost of my kitchen project?"), it would be misleading to quote prices based on lineal footage. The price of your kitchen per lineal foot may be vastly different from someone else's simply due to the options and layout you have chosen. We would be happy to set up a design consultation at no cost to look over your measurements and draw up an estimate based on your personal wish list and requirements, or answer your questions to steer you in the right direction.

In an effort to give you the widest range of choices for your project, we carry three types of cabinets.

• Stock cabinets are usually the least expensive and arrive from the supplier the quickest. They come in standard sizes and offer limited style, color, wood species and modifications.
• Semi-custom cabinetry is more flexible with regards to options. They are often modified to meet your needs. As a result, expect to pay a bit more and wait a little longer for their arrival.
• Custom cabinetry offers the most choices because the cabinets are built to the specifications of you and your designer. This is typically the most expensive type of cabinetry. Due to their custom fabrication, the lead times can be quite lengthy.

Many of Downeast Building Supply's suppliers have a commitment to the environment. For our part, in the past 100 years, we have been operating in the same communities where we live. We live in the same neighborhoods you live in; our children play where your children play. Our philosophy is to go above and beyond what is required for environmental safety in every division of our business. Depending on your personal needs in this regard, we're sure to find products that meet your needs.

Downeast Energy and Building Supply has been recognized by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection as an Environmental Leader in our gasoline division. The annual Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence recognizes businesses, organizations, and individuals whose outstanding efforts exemplify and promote Maine's goal of preventing pollution at the source. Downeast Energy won 2 awards in 1998, 9 in 1999 and 5 in 2000.

Downeast will deliver your project materials free of charge anywhere within our market area. Many of our suppliers will deliver directly to the job site when outside our standard market area.

Our design/sales team is available to help you with any problems with products you have purchased through Downeast Kitchens. We want you to be completely satisfied with your experience and will work with you to resolve any issues.