In this episode of Kitchen Remodeling Success Stories, Neil Nenov, owner of European Kitchens in Virginia Beach, Virginia, shares how his team turned a dark, outdated 1980s kitchen into a bright, modern IKEA-style space that feels custom-built. From planning and client communication to timeline management and those unexpected surprises behind the walls, Neil reveals what makes his kitchen remodels both beautiful and efficient.

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💡 Takeaways

• Why a dated 1980s colonial kitchen needed more light and modern design
• How European Kitchens helps clients design and plan their IKEA remodels
• The benefits of having homeowners buy materials directly from IKEA for warranty and control
• How ordering materials early prevents backorders and project delays
• The importance of discussing every project detail upfront—lighting, walls, and even windows
• What to do when demo day reveals hidden issues like leaks or rotted wood
• The best order of operations: demo → electrical → drywall → cabinets → flooring
• How to handle missing or damaged IKEA parts without losing momentum
• Neil’s advice for creating that “wow moment” when cabinets and countertops go in
• A rare pleasant surprise—discovering a hidden duct that saved the client hundreds

ℹ Ordering details for this kitchen

• IKEA materials, ENKOPING shaker style doors, made in Italy 
• quartz countertops 
• undermount porcelain sink 
• LVP floors (inexpensive, yet durable)
• tile backsplash 
• we added recessed lights (in the ceiling) 
• under-cabinet lights (LED) from IKEA with remote

💵 Budget information for this kitchen

• design and planning - $350
• all demo or old cabinets and floors, trash removal - $2,800
• electrical work - $3,500
• plumbing (new valves, move refrigerator valve and new ice maker box, p-trap plumbing, faucet installation) - $1,200
• patch dry wall and paint (walls, ceiling and trims) - $4,200
• flooring work (new LVP and trims) - $4,000
• window replacement (2) - $1,800 (materials included) 
• IKEA cabinets assembly and installation - $7,700
• appliances installation - $1,100
• counter tops (labor and materials) - $6,300
• backsplash installation - $1,500

Other expenses that the customer made, not necessarily due to European Kitchens:

• IKEA materials (ENKOPING doors) - $11,200
• cost for new appliances (whatever the customer feels comfortable spending)
• cost for flooring materials 
• cost for sink and faucet 
• cost for tiles for backsplash 

📣 About our guest

Neil Nenov of European Kitchens at https://europeankitchensva.com/  

Call: 757-926-9910

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IKEAdreamKITCHEN/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/IKEAdreamKITCHEN

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@IKEAdreamKITCHEN 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/europeankitchens/ 

In this episode of Kitchen Remodeling Success Stories, Carlos Mendoza of Queen City Cabinet shares his experience transforming a simple kitchen remodel into a comprehensive home upgrade. He discusses the challenges of handling mid-project changes, the importance of communication with clients, and how to maintain schedules despite unexpected alterations. Carlos emphasizes the significance of building trust and rapport with clients, which ultimately leads to successful project outcomes and repeat business. He also shares practical tips for creating a comfortable work environment during renovations and the lessons learned from each project.

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💡 Takeaways

• Expect the unexpected in remodeling projects.
• Strong communication is essential for project success.
• Building buffers in schedules helps manage changes.
• Maintaining client rapport can turn surprises into successes.
• Flexibility in scheduling is crucial for complex projects.
• Creating a comfortable work environment is key for client satisfaction.
• Trust is built through consistent communication and transparency.
• Learning from each project enhances future performance.
• Effective project management can lead to repeat business.
• Understanding client needs is vital for successful kitchen design.

📣 About our guest

Carlos Mendoza of Queen City Cabinet at https://www.queencitycabinet.com/ 

Call: 704-677-4184

Facebook: facebook.com/cabinetsincharlotte 

Instagram: https://instagram.com/queencitycabinet.llc/ 

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@queencitycabinet 

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In this episode of Kitchen Remodeling Success Stories, Jacob Share interviews Elan Wright from The Way Woodworks LLC about a unique one-week kitchen remodel project. Elan shares insights on planning, execution, and the challenges faced during the remodel, including working with a team of volunteers and the emotional impact on the homeowners. The conversation highlights the importance of community involvement and the joy of transforming a space for families in need.

👉 Try the Kitchen Remodeling Success Stories ROI Calculator (FREE)

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💡 Takeaways

* Elan Wright shares his experience of a one-week kitchen remodel.
* Planning ahead is crucial for a successful remodel.
* Simplifying design can lead to fewer last-minute surprises.
* Community involvement plays a significant role in the project.
* Working with inexperienced volunteers presents unique challenges.
* Communication is key to ensuring smooth project execution.
* Homeowners were ecstatic about their new kitchen.
* Emotional connections with homeowners enhance the remodeling experience.
* Elan emphasizes the importance of getting to know the homeowners.
* Future projects may involve more interaction with families.

📣 About our guest

Elan Wright of The Way Woodworks LLC at https://thewaywoodworks.com/
Call: 904-419-7073
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewaywoodworksllc/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewaywoodworksllc/
Email: [email protected]
Elan’s project was for camp One Fifty One https://onefiftyoneinc.com/

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In this episode of Kitchen Remodeling Success Stories, Nick Wiegand, co-founder of Sozo Brothers LLC based in Fayetteville, North Carolina, shares the story of a high stakes kitchen remodel where many lessons were learned during the job and better yet, immediately implemented for proven benefits in that job and others moving forward.

👉 Try the Kitchen Remodeling Success Stories ROI Calculator (FREE) 

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💡 Takeaways

💬 A project with meaning: Nick took on this remodel for the president of his former Bible college, adding emotional significance to the job.

🏚️ More than just a kitchen: The remodel also involved changing the layout of the home, adding a bathroom, and updating the laundry room.

🐓 Unexpected surprises: Behind an old spice cabinet was a painted rooster hiding an electrical panel. It was one of several quirky finds.

⚠️ Be ready for the unknown: The team had to rewire and replumb much of the house, which increased the project's scope and cost.

📲 Clear communication builds trust: Nick used texts, photos, and a live Coda dashboard to keep the clients updated throughout the process.

🧑‍🎨 A process upgrade: This project showed Nick the need to officially include a decorator to save time and improve decision-making.

🎁 A memorable reveal: After seeing a photo online, Nick is now considering adding bows or other small touches to enhance future reveals.

🌞 A bright transformation: The finished kitchen was light-filled, modern, and far exceeded the homeowner's expectations.

👷 Hands-on leadership: Nick and his business partner take turns being on-site, ensuring strong quality control and client satisfaction.

🛠️ When clients stay during remodels: Nick uses temporary sinks, relocated appliances, and dust barriers to help families stay comfortable.

📣 About our guest

Nick Wiegand, co-founder of Sozo Brothers LLC at https://sozobros.com/ 

Call: 910-227-3838

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sozobros/

In this episode of Kitchen Remodeling Success Stories, long-time remodeler Terry Nation of Nation Builders LLC in West Columbia, South Carolina, shares the timesaving solution his team used so well that they swear by it now for every remodeling project.

👉 Try the Kitchen Remodeling Success Stories ROI Calculator (FREE) 

https://shareselectmedia.com/ss-roi-calculator-a

💡 Takeaways

* Preparation is key to a successful remodeling project.

* Client consultations should be thorough and detailed.

* Maintaining communication with clients keeps them engaged.

* Unexpected issues can arise, but creative solutions exist.

* Keeping a clean job site enhances client satisfaction.

* Using air scrubbers minimizes dust during renovations.

* Documenting the process helps in managing client expectations.

* A well-prepared team can significantly reduce on-site time.

* Building components in advance can streamline installation.

* Client feedback is crucial for continuous improvement.

📣 About our guest

Terry Nation of Nation Builders LLC at https://nationbuildersllc.com/ 

Call: 803-807-8140

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NationCustomBuildersOfSCLLC/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationbuilders2020/ 

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In this inaugural episode of Kitchen Remodeling Success Stories, Joe Chavis, founder of Chavis Building Renovation Services LLC out of Toledo, Ohio, shares his journey in transforming a challenging kitchen in a house he bought to flip. He discusses how the remodel job went so well, he was able to sell the house before the work was done.

👉 Try the Kitchen Remodeling Success Stories ROI Calculator (FREE)

https://shareselectmedia.com/ss-roi-calculator-a

💡 Takeaways

* Deliver results that clients never imagined.
* Understand what makes clients emotional about their spaces.
* Attract clients who will appreciate your work.
* Set realistic expectations for project timelines.
* Listen to the space to optimize design.
* Create a clean project environment for better results.
* Focus on the client's lifestyle when designing.
* Don't get caught up in trends; prioritize functionality.
* Build emotional connections with clients for lasting impact.
* Every project is an opportunity to make a difference.

📣 About our guest

Joe Chavis, founder of Chavis Building Renovation Services LLC at https://chavisbuilding.com/

Call Joe: (330) 573-9244
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553933867779
YouTube:  @chavisbuildingandrenovation 

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