How to Work With a Kitchen Designer

Now that you've chosen a designer, here are some things you need to know to make it a good experience - for both of you.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Budget

1. Ask your designer some basic questions: What is the process that leads to a final set of plans? What does she expect from you? What doesn't she do? Why not? Is she willing to recommend contractors and suppliers? (The answer is usually yes.)
2. Be sure to tell your designer what your budget is; costs can range from a few thousand to a few hundred thousand dollars. Your designer can't give good advice if she doesn't know your budget.
3. Show her what you like - pictures are the greatest shortcut there is.
4. Be prepared to change your mind. You're bound to learn things you don't know - and things you don't want to know, like how much some things really cost and how long the job may really take.
5. Be prepared to change your tastes. Designers come into your project with a fresh viewpoint and (hopefully) a lot of knowledge; until you start writing checks, let yourself play around with ideas.
6. Take your time. Nothing about this process is fast, from design to completion. The more legwork and study you do, the better (and less expensive) it will be in the end.
7. Put function over form. If the kitchen doesn't work well for you, you won't care how pretty it is when you have to avoid obstacles simply to boil water.
8. Expect to get several drafts of a plan. The number of drafts should be determined, at least roughly, before you sign a contract.
9. Expect to get plans that contain both a "plan view" (looking from the ceiling down), and "elevations" (looking straight on). Plans should include locations of doors and windows. You can't get prices for the work without a plan.
10. Once you have a plan, stick with it. Every change - even a minor one - is an expense and a delay.

Tips & Warnings

• Most designers are not contractors, but their job includes guiding you through the process right to the end - and holding your hand when you need it.
• Expect plans to be drawn in a scale of 1/2 inch = 1 inch. This is the industry standard; buy yourself a simple architect's rule to use.
• Don't set up a final budget until you have a plan, have priced every item, and are ready to sign contracts. Even then, have 20 to 30 percent tucked away for surprises. Make no mistake, there will be some. If you have any money left over, have a nice vacation - you'll deserve it.
• Do your homework. Window-shop for cabinets, appliances, countertops, floors - everything that's going into the room. Do your window shopping during weekdays, when show rooms are the quietest.

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