Kitchen Renovation Faq's
While every project is unique, a “down-to-the-studs” renovation usually takes 6 to 10 weeks.
Weeks 1-2: Demolition, structural changes, and “rough-in” (plumbing and electrical).
Weeks 3-5: Drywall, flooring, and cabinet installation.
Weeks 6-10: Countertop templating and fabrication (which usually takes 7–14 days on its own), followed by backsplash, appliances, and final fixtures.
Most homeowners stay in their homes, but you should prepare for a “camping” lifestyle. We recommend setting up a temporary kitchenette in a dining room or basement with a microwave, coffee maker, and toaster oven. Since the kitchen is the heart of the home, the dust and noise are the biggest hurdles. We use plastic screening and HEPA filters to keep the rest of your house livable.
Yes, absolutely. You should have your appliance specs finalized before the cabinet order is placed. Even “standard” 36-inch refrigerators vary in depth and hinge clearance. If you decide to upgrade to a professional-grade range or a drawer-style microwave halfway through the build, it can require expensive cabinet modifications or even a total re-order.
The Work Triangle is the distance between your sink, stove, and refrigerator. The rule of thumb is that the sum of the three arms should be between $12$ and $26$ feet.
12′ \leq (Sink \to Stove) + (Stove \to Fridge) + (Fridge \to Sink) \leq 26′
In modern, larger kitchens, we often evolve this into “Work Zones” (e.g., a prep zone, a cleaning zone, and a snack zone) to allow multiple people to cook at once without bumping into each other.
If you want “bulletproof,” go with Quartz. Unlike granite or marble, quartz is engineered, meaning it is non-porous and never needs to be sealed. It resists stains from wine, oil, and coffee, which is a lifesaver for busy Long Island families. However, if you are a heavy baker who puts hot pans directly on the counter, Granite is better for heat resistance, though it does require periodic sealing.
Bathroom Renovations Faq's
For a full gut renovation of a standard-sized bathroom on Long Island, expect a timeline of 3 to 4 weeks.
Week 1: Demolition, followed by plumbing and electrical “roughs.” This is when we ensure your pipes and wiring are up to 2026 building codes.
Week 2: Subflooring, cement board installation, and the critical waterproofing phase (e.g., Schluter-Kerdi systems).
Week 3: Tile work. This is the most time-consuming part, as thin-set and grout need proper curing time.
Week 4: Vanity installation, toilet resetting, plumbing trim, and final lighting fixtures.
On Long Island, the answer is almost always yes. If you are moving plumbing lines (e.g., switching the tub and toilet locations) or changing electrical circuits, your local township (whether it’s Town of Babylon, Islip, or Huntington) requires a permit. At A & S Renovations, we handle the filing process to ensure your home remains compliant for insurance and future resale value.
This is a vital distinction. Many older bathrooms used “green board” (water-resistant drywall), which eventually fails and leads to mold behind the tiles.
Water-Resistant: Materials that can handle humidity but will eventually rot if submerged or constantly soaked.
Waterproof: Systems like Schluter or Laticrete create a completely sealed “tank” behind your tile. We prioritize these high-end membranes because they prevent the structural rot and “musty” smells common in older coastal homes.
This depends on your “forever home” plans.
For Resale: Real estate experts generally advise keeping at least one bathtub in the house for families with small children.
For Luxury/Aging in Place: Converting a master tub into a large, curbless walk-in shower with a bench and rain-head is the #1 trend right now. It makes the room feel twice as large and provides much safer access as you get older.
If you hate scrubbing grout lines, consider these options:
Large Format Tiles: Using $12″ \times 24″$ or even $24″ \times 48″$ tiles means fewer grout lines to clean.
Epoxy Grout: Unlike traditional cement grout, epoxy is non-porous and naturally resistant to stains, mold, and mildew. It doesn’t require sealing.
Quartz Vanities: Just like in the kitchen, a quartz vanity top is superior to marble in a bathroom because it won’t etch when it comes into contact with toothpaste, makeup, or hair products.