How to choose a Kitchen Designer

Kitchen Remodeling

Knowing what you’re kitchen is going to look like and how much it’s going to cost to build before you make a commitment is the best way to choose a kitchen designer.  After you have completed your kitchen planning research and narrowed down the choices to two or three candidates you’re ready to start reaching out and setting up the initial kitchen design visits.

How to choose a Kitchen Designer

 

What takes place at the initial kitchen design visit?

During the initial visit in your home the kitchen designer will take field measurements,  observe traffic patterns, discuss needs and wants and review your vision for the space including what type of materials you may want to use.  A general concept  is discussed and agreed upon along with the potential budget required  to build the project.  The next step is for the kitchen designer to develop this information into a set of conceptual drawings that will be the basis for the next meeting.

What to ask at the kitchen design visit:

  1. Are you comfortable with the kitchen designer, will you enjoy working with him/her?
  2. Do you have to use the kitchen designers sources for the materials or can you select your own sources?
  3. What items are not included in the budget and who is responsible for them?
  4. Who will create the construction, electrical, and tile design plans?
  5. What’s an average build time for similar projects completed?
  6. How much of a variance do you typically see in your proposals?

Proposed kitchen design plans and budget review meeting

Here, the proposed kitchen design plans and budget are presented for review,  this will be your first opportunity to see your new kitchen in the form of a floor plan, elevations of the walls with cabinets and 3-D perspectives.  It’s very exciting see all of the ideas take shape, the kitchen designer will walk you through the layouts and how everything came to be.  A detailed line item proposal based on the conceptual drawings that were created will contain items such as; architects fees, specific building materials, cabinetry budget, countertop allowance, etc., will also be presented that’s based on the drawings that were created.  At the end of this meeting you will have a full understanding of what your kitchen will look like and how much it will cost to build.

What to ask at the kitchen design plan and budget review meeting:

  1. Does the kitchen layout fit your lifestyle?
  2. Is the overall concept pleasing and functional?
  3. Who handles all the logistics and scheduling?
  4. Who will handle the permit process?
  5. What type of care will be taken to prep the home prior to the start of construction?
  6. Does the kitchen designer pass on “trade discounts” to you?

What to ask yourself after the meeting

  1. Were you “wowed” by the design?
  2. Did the kitchen designer really “get you”?
  3. Can you see yourself working with him/her?
  4. How does this offer compare to others?
  5. How much time and thought was put into the initial proposal?

Trade Mark Design & Build offers free quotes and kitchen design plans with no obligation, contact us at 973-636-0100 to get started on your kitchen project and learn why we are known for making “Home Remodeling Simplified”!

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