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Ontario Custom Kitchens - Milestone Millwork
admin Advice, Choosing a Kitchen Design Company

Signs of a Reputable Kitchen Cabinet Maker

Choosing a reputable kitchen cabinet maker is essential to ensure high-quality craftsmanship, durability, and a smooth installation process. Here are some signs that indicate a reputable kitchen cabinet maker:
Professional Credentials
  1. Licensing and Insurance: They are properly licensed and insured, protecting both you and their workers.
  2. Certifications: They may have certifications from industry organizations, indicating a commitment to high standards.
Positive Reputation
  1. Good Reviews and Ratings: They have positive reviews and high ratings on online platforms and review sites.
  2. Word of Mouth: They come highly recommended by friends, family, or industry professionals.
  3. Awards and Recognition: They may have received industry awards or recognition for their work.
Quality of Work
  1. High-Quality Materials: They use top-quality materials, ensuring durability and a premium look.
  2. Attention to Detail: Their craftsmanship shows meticulous attention to detail and precision.
  3. Portfolio of Past Work: They can provide a portfolio of completed projects showcasing a variety of styles and designs.
  4. Showroom or Samples: They have a showroom or can provide samples of their work for you to inspect.
Experience and Expertise
  1. Years in Business: They have been in business for several years, indicating stability and experience.
  2. Specialization: They specialize in kitchen cabinets, demonstrating focused expertise.
  3. Knowledgeable Staff: Their staff is knowledgeable and can provide expert advice on design, materials, and finishes.
Professionalism and Communication
  1. Clear Communication: They communicate clearly and promptly, keeping you informed throughout the project.
  2. Detailed Quotes: They provide detailed, written quotes that outline all costs, including materials, labor, and any additional fees.
  3. Written Contracts: They offer a comprehensive written contract that includes timelines, payment schedules, and project specifications.
Customer Service
  1. Responsive to Questions and Concerns: They are responsive to your questions and concerns and are willing to address any issues that arise.
  2. Willingness to Customize: They are willing to customize designs to meet your specific needs and preferences.
  3. Aftercare Service: They offer aftercare service, including warranties and support for any post-installation issues.
On-Site Work
  1. Clean and Organized Worksite: They maintain a clean and organized worksite, minimizing disruption to your home.
  2. Respectful Behavior: Their team is respectful, courteous, and professional while working in your home.
  3. Timely Completion: They complete projects on time and keep you informed about any potential delays.
Transparent Business Practices
  1. Fair Pricing: They offer fair and competitive pricing without compromising on quality.
  2. No Hidden Fees: They are transparent about all costs and do not surprise you with hidden fees.
  3. Detailed Invoices: Their invoices are detailed and match the initial quotes provided.
Long-Term Relationships
  1. Repeat Customers: They have a strong base of repeat customers, indicating satisfaction with their work.
  2. Partnerships: They have established partnerships with reputable suppliers and contractors, ensuring access to quality materials and services.
By looking for these signs, you can confidently choose a reputable kitchen cabinet maker who will deliver high-quality results and a positive overall experience.
admin Choosing a Kitchen Design Company

Why Us?

Let’s face it! There is no shortage of cabinet makers or kitchen cabinet companies to choose from. And regardless of whether you’re renovating an existing space or building new, the task of choosing who to partner with isn’t easy. Especially if this is the first time you’ve taken on such a project.

At Milestone Millwork we are often asked: “Why Us?” Frankly, it is a question we love answering. We’re very proud of our team, our product and the quality of the work we do.

So please allow us to give you some background on us and what we do.

Milestone Millwork opened its doors in 2005 and we’ve since become one of the Niagara Region’s most respected custom cabinetry shops, offering services in Residential, Commercial and Architectural millwork.

Here are more reasons why you should consider choosing Milestone Millwork for your next project.

1) All-in-One – We’re proud to say we do it all. We will start you off with some inspiration at our Niagara Falls showroom where we have several full displays to give you ideas on colour, style, and selections. From there, we’ll set you up with an appointment with one of our in-house designers who will put together a design based on your needs. Following an approved design, our craftsman will produce your cabinetry at our 13,000 square foot production facility in Niagara Falls. After going through our quality control, we’ll assign our installers to get to work on transforming your space into the design of your dreams. But our involvement doesnt’ end there! Milestone Millwork prides itself on after-sales service to ensure you’re 100% happy with your new kitchen, bathroom or custom millwork project.

2) The Right Tools – Our designers aren’t just people handy with a design program. They are all professionally trained and experienced. They also use the best design software to bring your design to life.

3) State-of-the-Art – Our Niagara Falls production facility uses the most state-of-the-art technology available. This includes a Thermwood 45 CNC machine which has allowed us to enhance quality and increase production.

4) Comparing Apples to Apples – Unlike most kitchen design companies who carry only one line of products, Milestone Millwork carries multiple lines. This allows for side by side comparison and allows our clients to use that knowledge to make the right choice for their budget. We’re partnered with some of the best in the business including Cambria, Caesarstone, KitchenCraft, Decor Cabinetry, Richelieu and Berenson to name a few.

admin Advice, Houzz, Kitchen Design, Pinterest

Is Online Inspiration Realistic?

Finding inspiration for your new kitchen or bathroom isn’t what it used to be. In the days before the Internet, finding inspiration meant flipping through piles of bulky interior decorating magazines and dog-earring pages for future reference. Today, many potential clients come to us with Smartphones and bookmarked web pages to describe their ideal space.
But just because it is easier to find inspiration, doesn’t always mean it is possible or easy to recreate. Websites like Houzz and Pinterest are filled with photos of over-the-top kitchens featuring soaring ceilings and grand islands. In reality, ceiling heights and room sizes are typically much smaller.
The designers at Milestone Millwork are big fans of digital inspiration but advise homeowners to consider the space they are working with before dreaming big.
And design elements aren’t the only thing to consider. There are tons of cool technology available for kitchens and bathrooms. Drawers with built-in USB chargers and pull-out hair straighteners are great ideas but may go against Ontario’s electrical code.
Speaking of inspiration, our showroom in Niagara Falls is the perfect place to gather ideas. We have several full kitchen displays filled with countertop, cabinetry, hardware and style choices to help you plan your project. And our designers are always available to answer any of your questions.
If you’re too busy to stop in, you can take a fully immersive 3D tour of our showroom from the comfort of home. Grab a cup of your favourite coffee and click here to take the tour.
admin Advice, Electronics, Kitchen Design

Integrating Microwave Ovens Into Your New Kitchen

 

In early days, microwave ovens were mostly used for popping some Orville Redenbacher or reheating a cup of java. Today, they’ve become an essential part of the heat-and-eat lifestyle, preparing everything from frozen pizza for one to a complete sit-down meal for an entire family.

And while the microwave has changed the way we prepare our meals, it has also changed the way we use and design our kitchens.

Previously, kitchens were designed with an emphasis on creating a smooth flow of traffic from the fridge to the stove to the sink. And they were often an afterthought. In many older kitchens, you’ll often find the microwave wedged anywhere an electrical outlet would allow.

Not to mention, they were both bulky and not very visually appealing.

Today though, microwaves are available in a variety of sizes and styles and can be easily integrated into any new kitchen design. We asked our Milestone Millwork designers to give their thoughts on integrating this essential appliance into today’s modern kitchen without compromising countertop real estate or visual appeal.

What to Consider:

Before deciding which type of installation you want, our design team suggests considering the amount you’ll use your microwave as well as your height.

Over-the-Range:

As with the classic kitchen design, placing your microwave over your stove allows for a smooth flow of traffic when preparing meals. This installation sees the microwave mounted over your stove but can be problematic for shorter people or those with difficulty reaching tall items.

As well, this option isn’t compatible if you have a gas stove or range due to the installation height requirements.

On-a-Shelf:

This is less common due to the depth of the shelf needed. This method of installation is also more bulky and cumbersome.

Above a Wall Oven:

This installation method gives a clean, seamless built-in look. This method can also have the same height issues as the Above-the-Range method but is the most visually appealing.

Under-the-Counter:

This method is not ideal for someone who is taller but is a great option for keeping the microwave out-of-sight from the main living space. It also allows the greatest options for microwave types as well. Trim kits are available for a more seamless look.

Our designers love talking kitchen and bathroom design and can help you come up with a plan to fit your taste and lifestyle. Set up an appointment today!

admin Uncategorized

Designing a Child-Friendly Kitchen

Houzz and Pinterest bookmarks, torn pages from interior design magazines, colour swatches from your nearest Home Depot. All evidence that you’re planning a new kitchen for your home. 

Unless you’re an interior designer, planning your new kitchen can be fraught with frustration and doubt. And if you’re a parent of young children, you’ll also have to consider designing a kitchen that is child-friendly. After all, kitchens are often the busiest parts of a home. 

Milestone’s kitchen design team got together and came up with these simple kitchen design tips to help keep your children safe.

 FINISHES:

Kids touch everything! It is part of the learning process. Keep fingerprints to a minimum by staying away from stainless steel and glass and instead make use of wood finishes or cabinets finished with eggshell or gloss paint. These finishes make cleaning up fingerprints with soap and water a cinch.

COUNTERTOPS:

1) Save your kids a bump on the head by giving your countertop a rounded edge profile.

2) Spillage is commonplace with young children. Quartz countertops are easy to clean and nearly indestructible. 

3) Involve your children in the kitchen and encourage them to participate. Adding a lower section of countertop allows kids to safely prepare their own food without the need to stand on furniture.

FAUCETS:

Children have difficulty turning on faucets. A touch-free faucets is a good solution and will help prevent accidental scalding.

STORAGE:

Dedicate a lower cabinet or drawer for your children and fill it with dishes. The same can be done in your refrigerator by using a lower drawer or shelve and stocking it with juice, water and healthy after-school snacks.

FLOORING:
Flooring is also an important thing to consider when designing a child-friendly kitchen. Choose a non-slip tile and avoid high-gloss materials. Hardwood floors are both long-lasting and easy to clean. 

GOING THE EXTRA MILE:

1) Cleaners – Consider using non-toxic cleaners for messes and spills. You’ll be surprised just how good Norwex cloth works. 

2) Environmentally-Friendly: Recycling bins can add a really fun element to any kitchen design. Make sure to choose a bin with lids that seal for added safety.

3) Relocate sharp knives, appliances and other dangerous items to out-of-reach cabinets.

4) Soft close drawers and doors will help prevent hurt fingers. 
We hope you’ve found these tips to making your new kitchen child-friendly helpful.

For more tips and inspiration, visit our showroom at 2895 St. Paul Avenue in Niagara Falls.

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