Copyright! 2010 MJL Publications All rights reserved

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2 Copyright! 2010 MJL Publications All rights reserved All materials in this book are copyrighted and may not be changed, reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. The following conditions also apply: You can print out this e-book for personal reading. CAPITAL CITY COUNTERS! (717) ! CAPITALCITYCOUNTERS.COM i

3 THE TOP 10 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR CONTRACTOR BEFORE THE PROJECT BEGINS L TABLE OF CONTENTS Question #1: How do I know if refacing is really the right option for me?... 1 Question #2: What are the top four reasons to refinish my kitchen?... 3 Question #3: What steps are involved in the refacing process?... 5 Question #4: What kind of selection do I have?... 7 Question #5: How do I choose the right hardware?... 8 Question #6: What about countertops?... 9 Question #7: Is now the right time to replace appliances? Question #8: How long will it take get my kitchen the way I want it? Question #9: How much should I budget for refacing? Question #10: How much of my remodeling project will I be able to recoup when I sell? Bonus Question: What should I look for in a contractor? About Capital City Counters CAPITAL CITY COUNTERS! (717) ! CAPITALCITYCOUNTERS.COM ii

4 QUESTION ONE L HOW DO I KNOW IF REFACING IS REALLY THE RIGHT OPTION FOR ME? For most of us, the kitchen is one of the most utilized rooms in the home. And refacing your kitchen cabinets is certainly a great way to update and refresh the look of your kitchen without spending as much money as you would for a remodel. Many people choose to reface their cabinets because they simply want a different look, but refacing can also be great way to get your home in great shape before you try to sell it. Most realtors will tell you that a new looking kitchen can add thousands of dollars to the price your home will sell for in today's volatile market. The truth is, the kitchen is often the hub of a household. Wear and tear from constant use means that it can start to look scruffy long before the rest of your property. But the real question here is should I reface or replace? Certainly, replacing your kitchen can be costly, messy, and time consuming. The same results can often be achieved by refacing your cabinets. Before you decide, ask yourself three questions: Question number one is: Are you happy with the layout, storage, and countertop space in your existing kitchen? Or is the layout pretty much determined by the position of windows, doors, and plumbing? If so, replacing your cabinets probably means replacing like with like. Question number two is: Are you planning to sell your home or remodel in the near future? If so, cabinet refacing can provide a new look to entice prospective buyers or a stop-gap before larger-scale remodeling work. Question number three is: Are your existing cabinets in good condition? CAPITAL CITY COUNTERS! (717) ! CAPITALCITYCOUNTERS.COM 1

5 If so, you can change the cabinet doors, drawer fronts, hinges, knobs, side panels, face frames, and moldings so that everything matches and the whole kitchen is revamped. Dramatic Results without the Drama! Refacing your kitchen cabinets usually takes only a few days and costs about half as much as replacing the kitchen. You might also be surprised by the range of finishes that are available. Antique or ultra modern, glazed, matte, or distressed finishes, wood or laminate--whatever you choose to achieve a quality new look. Price, look, and durability are all affected by your choice. Warning Unless you are a skilled DIY enthusiast, you should hire a professional cabinet contractor to ensure that the job is finished to a high standard. Get several quotes, ask for references, and seek recommendations from friends, neighbors, or relatives. CAPITAL CITY COUNTERS! (717) ! CAPITALCITYCOUNTERS.COM 2

6 QUESTION TWO L WHAT ARE THE TOP FOUR REASONS TO REFINISH MY KITCHEN? A kitchen can be a tough room to maintain. Heavy wear and tear can subject your kitchen to a faster aging process than other rooms in your home. Periodically your kitchen needs a facelift, and it doesn't always take a major remodeling to do it. According to a recent CNN headline read, kitchen cabinet refacing can bring your kitchen "back to life." Refacing your cabinets and installing new hardware can give an entirely new look to your kitchen, and increase the value of your home in a tough market. With a whole kitchen remodeling costing between $20,000 and $60,000, kitchen cabinet refacing is a simple alternative, and affordable for many budgets. How to Tell if Refacing Can Help Here are some basic guidelines for determining whether your kitchen could benefit from kitchen cabinet refacing: The finish on your cabinets looks like a gym floor after a basketball game. Hinges and handles look like used car parts. Your cabinet doors would make better firewood. Your cabinets are older than your high school kids. If the structure of your kitchen cabinets is intact, you don't need a major kitchen remodeling to give the room the facelift it needs. The key is choosing a finish that goes with the kitchen's existing materials (counters and walls) and choosing hardware with style. CAPITAL CITY COUNTERS! (717) ! CAPITALCITYCOUNTERS.COM 3

7 Hype vs. Reality in the Kitchen The Realty Times recommends "getting more for less" with kitchen remodeling projects. They suggest that many of the most expensive improvements you can make to your kitchen are just hype, but improving the style, appearance, functionality, and quality of your kitchen cabinets isn't. Cabinet Refacing Defined Cabinet refacing involves removing your kitchen cabinet doors and drawers and replacing them with wood, laminate, or veneer. This process is much less expensive than replacing your cabinets, yet still provides a fresh, updated look. You can further enhance the cabinetry by covering surrounding cabinet framework with the same new surface. The cabinet refacing company also can install: New drawers and drawer glides Cabinet hardware Any new appliances, countertops or sinks, as requested Add islands and pantries Modify cabinets Cabinet Refacing Benefits The beauty of cabinet refacing is that it is quick and inexpensive. Most kitchen cabinets can be revamped within three days, depending on the scope of other projects requested. Plus, there are plenty of styles and cabinet coverings to choose from. Among the popular options are: Maple wood White laminate Oak veneer CAPITAL CITY COUNTERS! (717) ! CAPITALCITYCOUNTERS.COM 4

8 QUESTION THREE L WHAT STEPS ARE INVOLVED IN THE REFACING PROCESS? Cabinet refacing involves several steps and considerable home improvement skills. Look for a cabinet refacing company that has been in business for several years. A good contractor will describe the process for you in detail. Of course, it never hurts to have a little information ahead of time. Here s how it works: 1. The Cabinets Are Emptied This seems like the quick part, but it can be a real mess if you don't do it with some panache from the get go. Just before you start, line up enough boxes to hold everything and separate the items by shelf. When it's time to put them back, it will be a breeze. Furthermore, there's nothing more irritating than to start cramming unrelated things together and have a box of baking powder spill onto the dinner dishes simply because you didn't have enough boxes for the baking supplies. 2. Your Kitchen Is Protected Since the kitchen cabinet boxes will be covered with a new surface, there may be dust, sawdust or stray dust bunnies floating around. To avoid damage or mess, your stove and counters should be protected using plastic or drop cloths. Tools may possibly, unintentionally slip and fall, so a good cover up will shelter areas from scratches. Your fridge may butt up against cabinets; if so, it should be moved into another spot. 3. Cabinet Doors and Hardware Are Removed Cabinet hardware includes pulls, hinges, drawer runners and knobs. As it is removed, it should be separated and labeled. It makes the final steps go quickly and eliminates tons of aggravation. 4. Cabinet Box Is Refaced Preferably you've decided on a contractor who demands quality. If so, the outer surface of your cupboards will be lined with 1/4" solid wood, veneer or thermofoil, making them secure, classy, and looking like new. CAPITAL CITY COUNTERS! (717) ! CAPITALCITYCOUNTERS.COM 5

9 A few of the advantages include: Cabinets will look brand new Considerably wider range of alternatives in wood species and glazing Larger choice of decorative door panels Cupboards are more functional Hinges are concealed Custom look - you can do anything that can be done with new cabinets - crown molding, decorative panels, etc. 5. Preparation For Hardware Installation Thorough and exact measuring and marking for hardware installation guarantees a pleasing visual placement and eliminates plenty of exasperation for misplaced marks and unbalanced placement. 6. Installation Of New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware When the cabinets are replaced, new hardware is installed after the doors are hung. 7. Installation Of Kitchen Cabinet Doors When the new doors and drawer fronts are replaced to their correct position, they are checked for accurate closing and symmetry. 8. Finishing Touches On Newly Refaced Kitchen Cabinets If any pulls or knobs have not been added, this is the time. That's it! Cabinet refacing is one of the most popular and most cost-effective ways to spruce up your kitchen. You will be amazed to see the modern and updated look it adds to your space. A pro, who knows how important it is to be meticulous in his execution of the project, will deliver one of the most outstanding upgrades you can do to your home. CAPITAL CITY COUNTERS! (717) ! CAPITALCITYCOUNTERS.COM 6

10 QUESTION FOUR L WHAT KIND OF SELECTION DO I HAVE? If you're wondering what type of cabinet doors and drawer fronts to get, take a look at this list to get some ideas about what might best match your style. Craftsman Cabinets: If you like the look of the Arts and Crafts era, which valued simple lines and fine furniture craftsmanship, go for richly-colored kitchen cabinets with a simple woodwork design, or consider choosing glass-paned cabinet doors to display the dishes behind. Individual, freestanding cabinets, and wrought-iron hardware can also add to this kitchen style. Contemporary Cabinets: The contemporary kitchen is simple, slick, and chic. For a contemporary kitchen, go for a minimalist look. Don't choose cabinet doors with any extra curves or ornamentation. Choose flush cabinet doors and drawer fronts that create an overall flat look, as well as simple, straight door handles. Country Kitchen: For a country kitchen look, choose cabinets that are comfortable and casual. Using bead board as the front of the cabinet door creates a country look, as does leaving certain shelves open to display cooking utensils. Using glaze to give your cabinets a slightly distressed look can amplify the country feeling. Old World Kitchen: The Old World style kitchen is intricate and ornate, yet sturdy. Choose cabinets with fancy molding and designs that look as much like a piece of French or Italian furniture as cabinets. Romantic Kitchen: Fancy, feminine, flourishes--these words call to mind what a romantic kitchen is all about. To create this kitchen style, choose cabinet doors and drawer fronts with soft, intricate details carved into them. To really capture the romantic look, install cabinets that go all the way to the ceiling. Any floral, ornamental detailing adds to this look. Refacing your kitchen cabinets takes preparation and planning, so make sure you do the homework ahead of time. If you do, you're more likely to end up with a kitchen style you love. CAPITAL CITY COUNTERS! (717) ! CAPITALCITYCOUNTERS.COM 7

11 QUESTION FIVE L HOW DO I CHOOSE THE RIGHT HARDWARE? If you ve decided to invest in the refacing process for your kitchen you re probably going to choose new hardware as well. At first this task can seem overwhelming. As you can imagine, there s a lot of hardware available. But, when chosen carefully, the right slides, knobs, and pulls can make your kitchen cabinets pop like the perfect accessory. It's important to match the finishes and styles of hardware to the overall theme of your kitchen cabinets. Hardware finishes with a metallic gleam or enameled gloss set the tone for lustrous, modern kitchen cabinets. More traditional brushed finishes, or polished pewter, nickel, and brass provide an air of elegance and age. As noted, kitchen cabinet hardware comes in a variety of finishes, metal types, and colors. For example, consider the following categories of cabinet hardware to personalize your kitchen cabinets. Knobs and Pulls Knobs and pulls get seen. Knobs are mounted to doors and drawers from the inside with a single screw. Pulls are similar to knobs, but are bigger and generally require more than one screw. Drawer Slides Drawer slides are ranked from light to heavy, most often by the load they will bear. Side-mount drawer slides provide more durability and last longer than single-mount slides. Ball-bearing slides, nylon, rollers, and drawer stops help drawers roll smoothly without falling out of the cabinets. Don't be overwhelmed by the options before you. Simply browse the available styles and finishes and select the one that you think will look the best on your kitchen cabinets. Take it home, try it out, and enjoy your kitchen's new look. CAPITAL CITY COUNTERS! (717) ! CAPITALCITYCOUNTERS.COM 8

12 QUESTION SIX L WHAT ABOUT COUNTERTOPS? It s not mandatory to change your countertops when you invest in the refacing process. And it certainly can add significant dollars to your overall project. Nonetheless, new countertops can make a dramatic difference both in the overall look of your new kitchen and in the functional aspects of its design. So what do you look for in a new countertop? Perhaps you consider features such as the functionality, look and feel of how your countertops work in your kitchen. Considering the overall impact to your kitchen's design, the decision on countertops should not be taken lightly. The truth is your choice of countertops can make or break your kitchen. Remember there are several important considerations for your countertop selection - budget, pattern, functionality and resistance to heat. Once you reach conclusions for each of these areas, you are ready to start the shopping process. The following outline will get you started. Different kinds of Kitchen Countertops Quartz Beauty of stone, plus durability Maintenance free Hygienic and easy to clean juices and coffee won t stain it, and you will never have issues with mold or mildew Scratch resistant only a diamond can scratch it, you can cut pizza right on the surface without causing any damage Heat resistant you can put a hot pot right on the surface More consistent appearance with subtle seams 10 year warranty Approximate cost to install: $75 to $125 per square foot Granite Stylish choice Scratch resistant Heat resistant Beautiful choice but requires most care because it is not stain or mold resistant, and if damaged, it requires replacement CAPITAL CITY COUNTERS! (717) ! CAPITALCITYCOUNTERS.COM 9

13 Beware of lower cost granite lower grade granite has iron in it and can rust, and it also has more visible seams. Approximate cost to install: $65 to $90 per square foot Solid Surface (Corian, Solitex) Choice of the medical field because it is a very hygienic choice Very consistent look No seam appearance Easily repaired if damaged Stain resistant 10 year warranty Not as heat and scratch resistant as quartz or granite it will crack with long exposure to heat from a pot or crock pot Approximate cost to install: $50 to $85 per square foot Laminate Best price for the appearance Lots of new options and colors Plenty of realistic stone patterns Now offers undermount sinks there is no overlap of the sink on the counter top Will last as long as quartz or solid surface if you take care of it o Don t cut on it o Don t scour it o Don t set hot pots on it Stain resistant Very hygienic choice because it s non-porous and mold and mildew resistant For appearances, it is the best value of the four options Approximate cost to install: $30 to $55 per square foot CAPITAL CITY COUNTERS! (717) ! CAPITALCITYCOUNTERS.COM 10

14 QUESTION SEVEN L IS NOW THE RIGHT TIME TO REPLACE APPLIANCES? Appliances are another issue to consider when you consider refacing for your cabinets. Again, there s no obligation to replace appliances. But on the other hand, now might be a perfect time to upgrade that old dishwasher or finally add that stainless steel chef s range you ve had your eye on. With new cabinet fronts and fancy appliances, you ll drastically change the look and feel of your kitchen design. These days, commercial grade ovens top the appliance wish list. Restaurant-styled ovens have been a big hit in today s kitchen appliance market. It seems that everyone wants to look like a gourmet chef, whether they really cook or not. These types of ovens typically feature: Stainless steel construction. Higher BTUs for more cooking power. Flexible stove top configurations that include options for a griddle or other cooking surface. Refrigerators and freezers take center stage in some kitchen designs, as large side-by-side models anchor an island area. Include a new refrigerator alongside your cabinet refacing project, and the whole kitchen takes on a new design. Among the popular features are: Filtered water dispensers. Cooling drawers with separate temperature controls. Chilling features that chill a bottle of wine in 30 minutes. CAPITAL CITY COUNTERS! (717) ! CAPITALCITYCOUNTERS.COM 11

15 Microwave Ovens with Memory The microwave oven has come a long way from the large box that used to sit on a countertop. Today s microwaves are smaller, sleeker and packed with computerized features. They can: Store your favorite recipes in memory. Cook by sensor to take the guesswork out of meal preparation. Dishwashers Are High-Powered and Quiet Quiet seems to be the buzzword today when it comes to dishwashers. Many appliance manufacturers have introduced models that reduce noise to a minimum. Other popular features include: A setting for washing china. Sensors to determine how dirty the dishes are. Timers for delayed starts. Oversized or undersized dishwashers to fit your space needs. There are many kitchen appliances that combine technology and modern design to make cooking easier. When refacing cabinets and shopping for appliances, look for models that can make your recipes more precise and your meal preparation more enjoyable. CAPITAL CITY COUNTERS! (717) ! CAPITALCITYCOUNTERS.COM 12

16 QUESTION EIGHT L HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO GET MY KITCHEN THE WAY I WANT IT? This is really two questions in one. The first question is: How quickly can you start my project? While most good cabinet refacing companies are busy, they should be able to start your refacing project within a reasonable period of time. The biggest issue that can arise is the issue of availability. Reputable installers may have longer lead times because of their quality of work. Refacing is a skilled process, and you don t want your new cabinets to look like a quick fix. If you insist on items that need to be special ordered you will have to add backorder time to the time required before your project can begin. And the second question is: How long will the project take? For the most part, cabinet refacing is a relatively skilled process and most contractors can complete the work within one to two weeks. But here again, project complexity can add days or even weeks to the job calendar. No big deal as long as everybody is on the same page. Good communication is key. Make certain that expectation levels are discussed and understood by all parties concerned. CAPITAL CITY COUNTERS! (717) ! CAPITALCITYCOUNTERS.COM 13

17 QUESTION NINE L HOW MUCH SHOULD I BUDGET FOR REFACING? Money is always an issue. And it s important to get an estimate from your contractor that includes everything that is anticipated in your project. It s also important to get a firm understanding at the outset of what happens when changes arise. Having said all that. Money is certainly less of an issue with refacing because it is almost always a fraction of the cost of remodeling. Exactly how affordable it turns out to be depends on the cabinet refacing materials you choose. Typical costs: When the cabinets are in good shape both inside and out but the hardware is blah or outdated, make a quick fix by installing new pulls, knobs and hinges. These start around $2 -$4 each at the standard home improvement store, but can be $20 -$50 apiece or more for custom designs and colors. Refacing the cabinets in a typical kitchen starts around $2,000 -$5,000 for rigid thermofoil (RTF) or plastic laminate and $8,000 -$11,000 for real wood veneer (about 1/4-inch think), although costs can rise to $7,000 -$9,000 or more for a large project with high-quality wood veneer. Materials alone run about $200 -$500 per cabinet for a do-it-yourself cabinet refacing project, but this work can be both messy and timeconsuming. Specialized veneer tools such as rollers, blades and irons can add $5 -$60 or more. What should be included: The contractor will remove all doors, drawer fronts and hardware; install veneer on the remaining bases; then add new matching doors, drawer fronts and hardware. A typical cabinet refacing job takes five to eight days, although a simple project can be done in a single day, and more complex ones will take longer than five days. CAPITAL CITY COUNTERS! (717) ! CAPITALCITYCOUNTERS.COM 14

18 The least expensive veneer option is RTF, which is exceedingly durable, easy to clean, comes in a wide variety of styles and can be made to look like a painted surface or wood. Plastic laminates are slightly more expensive and come in more colors but aren't as durable. Wood veneers are the most expensive option -- usually costing about 25 percent more than laminates. Is Cabinet Refacing a Good Idea for Your Kitchen? The cost of updating your kitchen through cabinet refacing is minimal because your original cabinets are left in place. It is a more affordable alternative to full kitchen remodeling, but before going ahead you must be sure that cabinet refacing will solve your particular kitchen problems. It cannot return old, unstable cabinets to good condition. If you decide to go ahead, should you do the work yourself or use a specialist company? The lower cost of DIY cabinet refacing makes the project more affordable, but there are some strong advantages to using a specialist cabinet refacing company. Advantages of Using a Specialist Cabinet Refacing Company Quality: a reputable company should do a good job. Speed: the job should be done in 5-8 days, (depending on complexity) which means you won't miss your kitchen for long. Variety: up to 300 different materials and finishes are available. Skill: professionals can carry out some processes that would be too difficult for the amateur, like applying two-layer laminates. Advantages of Do It Yourself Cabinet Refacing Cost: some companies supplying do-it-yourself cabinet refacing materials reckon that you can save 50% on the job by doing the work yourself. Recognition: no matter how the job turns out you'll feel a sense of pride that you did it yourself. Whether you decide to do it yourself or employ specialists, there is no doubt that if you are looking for a more affordable alternative to full kitchen remodeling, cabinet refacing could be your answer. When undertaking large remodeling and home addition projects, it is smart to research your local real estate market to find out if your project will return your investment when it is time to sell. Depending on where you live, the CAPITAL CITY COUNTERS! (717) ! CAPITALCITYCOUNTERS.COM 15

19 right project may return 100% of your investment. That is why research is the smartest way to begin any remodeling project. CAPITAL CITY COUNTERS! (717) ! CAPITALCITYCOUNTERS.COM 16

20 QUESTION TEN L HOW MUCH OF MY REMODELING PROJECT WILL I BE ABLE TO RECOUP WHEN I SELL? Recoup Your Remodeling Investment All remodeling projects should be done when you are planning to stay in the house for several years, not simply for the sake of trying to increase resale value. Since you can't guarantee that you will get a decent return, it makes the most sense to remodel when you will be able to enjoy the benefits in the long run. Only minor remodels should be considered if selling is your primary goal. Here is a sample of returns for some of the most popular home remodeling projects. Statistics are compiled from multiple published surveys and based on major cities within states: Minor Kitchen Remodel: 125% (Connecticut) Basement Remodel: 98% (California) Bathroom Addition: 96% (Missouri) Major Kitchen Remodel: 92% (Kentucky) Bathroom Remodel: 90% (Oregon) Exterior Paint: 90% (Pennsylvania) Master Bedroom: 86% (Florida) In general, across many real estate markets, kitchen and bathroom remodeling consistently offer the highest percentage return on your investment Bathroom and family room additions offer a fairly high return also. A master bedroom remodel can potentially get a high return. According to most experts, giving your kitchen a facelift such as refacing cabinets, replacing old appliances with new energy efficient ones, putting in new countertops, sink and faucet, updating the flooring, painting and wallpapering could result in a 79.5 percent return. CAPITAL CITY COUNTERS! (717) ! CAPITALCITYCOUNTERS.COM 17

21 You'll recoup slightly less, 76 percent, for a major kitchen remodel with amenities such as semi-custom wood cabinets, an island, energy efficient appliances, tile flooring and custom lighting. A mid-range price bathroom remodel recoups about 74.6 percent of the cost while a bathroom addition will only bring 63.5 percent. CAPITAL CITY COUNTERS! (717) ! CAPITALCITYCOUNTERS.COM 18

22 BONUS QUESTION L WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR IN A CONTRACTOR? I know that we promised only ten questions. But the truth is how you go about selecting a contractor can be very important. Probably more important than all the questions discussed above. Hiring a kitchen refacing contractor will allow you to get the job done professionally, quickly, and with minimal downtime. The following is information on how to choose a refacing contractor. Get referrals or research online to find companies who have done a lot of refacing work in your area and who get rave reviews. Anyone can say they do refacing but the truth is, it takes a talented laminator to be able to use wood products and apply them seamlessly to your existing cabinet boxes. There are a lot of refacing installers who do not have the experience or talent to make your kitchen look like new. A friend, neighbor or relative may have had their kitchen refaced and can either refer or even NOT refer the company they used. No matter what people say or you think, refacing is an intricate process done by a highly skilled professional who will make your kitchen look newly remodeled without a large remodel. Ensure they service your area. You do not want to spend a lot of time talking to an individual and then find out they do not service your area. Once you are sure the kitchen refacing contractor services your area, contact them and ask them the questions on your list. Ask about their license and any organization that the contractor belongs to, such as the Better Business Bureau. It would also be wise to contact the Attorney General s Office. By simply giving the Attorney General s Office the contractor s registration number, you find out if there is any negative history associated with the contractor. Also ask if they have testimonials from other kitchen refacing customers. Then check out their web site and make sure they are who they say they are. CAPITAL CITY COUNTERS! (717) ! CAPITALCITYCOUNTERS.COM 19

23 Experience counts. Find out how long the company has been in business. Not that a new contractor cannot be good, but they will have to convince you why their work is superior to their competitors and why they can handle the challenges that may arise. Finally, invite them to your home to look over your kitchen refacing project and offer solutions. Observe them while they examine your home and consider if they seem knowledgeable and trustworthy. Find out what types of products they use. For instance, do they order unfinished doors and finish them in house or do they order from a company who uses state of the art equipment to finish and catalyze the finish so it will look like furniture. Make sure you discuss exactly what the finished kitchen should look like so there is no miscommunication. If they seem knowledgeable and trustworthy you may want to consider moving forward with your kitchen refacing project. If you do not feel comfortable with the contractor at this stage you should continue looking. Professionals answer questions and return phone calls even if it means they have to do a little more work. These are the type of kitchen refacing contractors you want working for you. This contractor will be in your home for a number of intense days so you want to find someone you trust, is knowledgeable and you get along with to help you through this process. If you choose the right contractor, you will be breathing easy and enjoying your new stylish cabinets in a short amount of time. CAPITAL CITY COUNTERS! (717) ! CAPITALCITYCOUNTERS.COM 20

24 ABOUT CAPITAL CITY COUNTERS L Since 1977, Capital City Counters has been helping homeowners successfully update their kitchens and baths. Kitchen and bath countertops have been the hallmark of the company since its inception. Capital City Counters offers customers a variety of countertop options at all price points including laminate, solid surface, granite, and quartz. When customers are ready to update their old cabinets, Capital City Counters offers cabinet refacing. This process will achieve the look of new kitchen cabinets at about half the cost of replacement. Capital City Counters was one of the first companies to offer replacement bathtub liners in Central Pennsylvania. The company can install preformed acrylic liners and matching wall systems over the old bathtub and tile walls. The company s fastest growing segment is bathtub to shower conversions for customers who want full-size, walk-in showers. When founder Fred Tonklin established the business, he set specific guiding standards which the company has embraced through three decades of service: quality materials, pride of workmanship, efficient installation and customer satisfaction. With an ongoing commitment to these standards, Capital City Counters is now a second-generation business led by Fred s son, Jason. The company has enjoyed continued growth as it helps customers add a fresh face to homes throughout Dauphin, York, Cumberland and Lebanon counties. CAPITAL CITY COUNTERS! (717) ! CAPITALCITYCOUNTERS.COM 21