Choosing a Kitchen Designer
I love designing kitchens for my clients! Nothing brings me greater joy than meeting someone new, understanding their kitchen dreams and working with them to make that dream a reality.
For most, remodeling a kitchen or adding a bath will be one of the largest investments made in their lives, second only to the purchase of a home. It can often seem like a leap of faith as you sign on the dotted line committing thousands or tens of thousands of dollars to renovate a kitchen.
My first suggestion is to take a deep breath and remember that you are the customer – you are in control!
Oftentimes I think that being a “good” customer is as hard as being a good designer! What is a good customer? A good customer is someone who has taken the time to do a bit of research on how to choose a kitchen designer, kitchen installer and cabinetry line.
There are a number of reputable sources of consumer information, but here are a few places to start:
This Old House Kitchen Remodeling Guide
NKBA Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Tips
Armed with your new-found knowledge, you can confidently interview kitchen designers knowing both what to ask and to expect.
For example, there are a number of complimentary services that I and a few others offer before a commitment is made. These services include an initial consultation, subsequent on-site measurement and a follow-up design and price consultation. These are valuable services that allow you to understand how creative a designer is, how they work with a client and whether the kitchen designer sells strictly on price or cares about long-term customer value.
Did You Know?
That according to the latest NKBA Consumer Kitchen & Bath Remodeling Study that the projected spending on a typical kitchen remodeling project will be $15,600?