GENERAL FAQ
Does your price include installation?
Generally speaking... no. KelMel is a supply house and manufacturer, and that is what we are good at. However, we deal with some of the finest general contractors, remodeling contractors and trim carpenters in the area, and we would be happy to refer you to one for your project.
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Do you accept Credit Cards?
Yes, we accept AmEx, MasterCard and Visa credit cards. (back)
DOORS / PREHUNG
How do you tell which way the door is swinging?
An excellent question, and a frequent communication mistake. We use the "Butt to Butt" method for calling our swings. Most hinges used on doors today are called butt hinges, therefore the 1st "Butt" in our analogy. The 2nd "Butt" is another word for your posterior. If you stand in the doorway with your back to the hinges, and one foot in the room, one foot out of the room, which side is the door on, your left hand, or your right hand? If it is your right hand, then you have a right hand door swing. Be mindful of entry doors however, you will still need to tell us if the door swings into the building, or out of the building because the thresholds are different.
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Do you sell overhead garage doors?
No, companies that sell, install and service the overhead doors
handle those. However, we do handle the service doors, and nearly
any other entry door your home could require. (back)
Do you sell storm/screen doors?
No, just like overhead garage doors, there are companies that specialize in storm doors and storm windows. Be careful when you get to this stage of your project, it is real easy to skimp here, especially if your project is already running over your budget. If you have wood entry doors especially, a good quality storm door is essential to protect your investment.
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How about interior doors?
We carry most parts and components for the common openings and species in stock. However, just like the windows, we make each door to order so you need to allow some time, usually 3-5 days. It is worth the wait! This way we can make up what you want for your home. Not what some warehouse manager thinks you want months in advance.
If you really want a unique look, we can order nearly any configuration of door you can imagine, but that will affect the lead-time. Give us a call so we can find the right combination for you.
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TRIM / STAIR PARTS
What is Trim?
Trim is usually the pieces of wood in and around a house that can be seen, other than, cabinets, flooring, doors and windows. So this would include crown moulding, usually found on the ceiling, chair rail, which is often found on the walls in a dining room, about waist high, and baseboard, which is found on the bottom of walls, running along the floor.
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Why does some trim have a smooth back, and other pieces have a hollow back?
There really is a good reason. Mouldings such as panel mould are designed to be attached to a smooth surface, such as drywall, plaster or another board. Mouldings such as casing or baseboard, are designed to straddle two different surfaces. One instance would be where casing is attached to a window jamb, and drywall. If the two surfaces aren't perfectly even, then a hollow back still allows the installer to fit the casing tight.
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What is a balustrade?
A balustrade is a completed rail assembly. That assembly includes a top rail or handrail, balusters, and sometimes newel posts, rosettes or bottom rails. They can also include volutes, goosenecks or turnouts, in endless combinations. So remember, a balustrade is all the parts and pieces, installed on a stairway and/or balcony. The more complicated or different kinds of parts involved, the more important is the installation.
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HARDWARE
How much do you stock, and how long do custom orders take?
While it's true that we have over $50,000 of hardware on hand at all times, with the vast array of locks available today, it's impossible to stock everything. Some custom orders can be brought in as quickly as a few days. That will vary greatly by what type of locks you choose for your home, the finish or color, your budget and how much lead time we are given. Some unique locks
though rare, some unique can take upwards of 2 months to bring in. So if time is an issue, our staff can find good quality locks that are similar in style to what you have
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What is a backset?
The backset is simply the measurement between the edge of the door, and the middle of a surface mounted lock, the most common kind.
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What holds the door closed?
That is called a bolt, or a latch. There are passage latches found on most interior residential locks, dead latches found in most entry locks, and deadbolts, found in most auxiliary locks.
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CUSTOM mantles
Isn't a Mantel just a shelf?
Basically there are mantel/shelves, and mantel surrounds. A surround usually does just that, surrounds a fireplace on three sides. They are often made from marble, stone, tile or wood, or a combination of materials. A shelf is often used with a surround, but not always. Often times a shelf is used without a surround. But when they are used together, they are usually referred to as "The Mantle" for
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What types of materials are used for mantles?
As mentioned above, a combination of materials can be used for fireplace mantles. We specialize in wood mantles and surrounds. We keep American Red Oak, Poplar & Pine in stock. Depending on your needs however, we
can get what you're looking for in other species as well. (back)
WINDOWS / SKYLIGHTS
Will spending more money on a window mean I'll never have any problems?
While spending more money on a window usually means a better quality window, proper installation can make all the difference in the world. Keep in mind, that all the better window companies have warranties for a reason, nothing is perfect. And a window, like other components of your home, may need occasional maintenance. Whether it's a coat of paint, or a squirt of silicon spray, it is a combination of a good quality window, a proper installation and an occasional maintenance check, which will give you long-term value and enjoyment.
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Can you order replacement screens for my windows?
Actually, that depends on the brand of window manufacture. Every window manufactured has their particular specifications and sizes. Replacement depends on not only the manufacture, but also the age of the window. If we can't order your screens directly, we can probably steer you toward a source that can.
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Can I order a window today and pick it up tomorrow?
Occasionally, but that is an unusual case. We order windows for the specific job. Normally, if you take a window "off the shelf" you usually have to modify your window opening to the point that whatever you saved at the discount store, you will either lose in the excess installation cost, or in lost energy bills down the road. Sometimes however, if you are just building an addition, you can pick up some real bargains by building your wall to a window we do have in stock. Otherwise, normal lead-time is usually about 3 weeks, but please check with our sales staff. Depending on your needs, we can get windows quicker, or if it is unusual, it may take longer, so plan ahead.
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Will my windows and doors come prefinished?
While we do handle some prefinished interior products, and we
offer many exterior door options, most of our products come out to your jobsite in a raw state. There are many reasons why, most commonly so that your professional painter can finish all your different wood products (windows, doors, cabinets, flooring, stairs, etc.) to match each other. If you are painting and/or staining on your own, we can recommend the proper finish for the particular products, or you can ask at a reputable paint and stain store.
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