After all the intricate, behind-the-scenes work on a remodel is complete — including framing, wiring, plumbing and drywall — the project enters the final stretch where all those original selections that were made during the design phase can finally take shape, bringing to life personal style and showcasing quality craftsmanship in cabinetry and countertops.

Appliances are installed during this stage, too, and are often selected based on a homeowner’s lifestyle. People who love cooking and entertaining may opt for an industrial-size gas range and oversized refrigerator. Low decibel dishwashers and induction cooktops that boil water in less than a minute are popular choices, as are built-in espresso makers and drawer-style microwaves.

Cabinets and countertops typically are the first features to draw attention in kitchens and bathrooms, so careful planning and quality design choices are always a top priority when embarking on a remodel. They are also elements of a home that get heavy use, making durability and functionality important considerations.

From traditional designs to ultra sleek and modern, cabinets can be as simple or elaborate as a homeowner desires.

Just as there are trends in wall treatment and flooring, as well as cabinets, there is also a myriad of choices when it comes to countertops.

Countertops can be fabricated from copper and brass, quartz, marble, glass, ceramic tile, stainless steel and even concrete. Cement Elegance in Bend manufactures custom concrete countertops using recycled aggregate and window glass.

And wood isn’t just for cutting boards. Butcher block countertops look unique and beautiful, but they do require a lot of maintenance.

By comparison, quartz and other “solid surface” materials such as granite are very popular because they come in an array of colors and patterns and require virtually no maintenance.

Copper, brass and zinc create a sleek, contemporary look, but metal is an expensive choice and can scratch easily. If you want to incorporate metal into your kitchen design, but are concerned about cost and wear, consider using as an accent rather than as the countertop itself, perhaps as a range hood or a backsplash (either solid or incorporated into a tile design).

In this installment of the monthly 2016 Tour of Remodeled Homes series, our featured builders — PGC Building + Design, Neil Kelly DBR and Sun Forest Construction — will share their professional insight about this stage of a remodel, reflecting on the myriad of choices when it comes to appliances, countertops and cabinets, and sharing the details of the custom applications of their featured remodels.

Be sure to join us next month for the final installment of this series, and check out the fall edition of Central Oregon Living Magazine also being published on Sept. 10. Within the pages of the magazine, all three homes will be highlighted as we revisit each phase of the remodels, and bring you the final reveal of the finished projects!