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.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

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.

on 11/22/2005 The best way to ensure a quality choice when selecting a kitchen or bath designer is to visit several showrooms unnanounced and ask to speak to each staff designer. Have each of them show you actual project folders they have worked on, with information on prices for each.
The information presented, the way it is presented, the way it was collected and filed away, and the personality traits of the individual designer will tell you a great deal about their interest in their clients.

on 11/22/2005 Not all designers are cabinet salesmen. Look for designers who are members of the National Kitchen and Bath Association. Designers who are members of the National Kitchen and Bath Association often have Bachelor of Art degrees in Interior Design and Interior Architecture or Associate of Arts degrees. To become certified as a kitchen or a bath designer, they then need to work for several years in the field. Only then can they begin the year long process of studying and mastering 12 large technical manuals, sit for a written board exam and then take a separate drafting portion to become certified. This process is required for each certification, for kitchen or bath. Often independent designers, such as myself, are not associated with any company. I am able to design and advise my clients on products that are absolutely the best ones for their project and budget.

on 11/22/2005 Call and make an appointment before you come in. Better yet, stop by and pick up a starter kit. Make an appointment after you "fill in the blanks" of the form included in the kit.

on 11/22/2005 It is possible to find Kitchen & Bath Designers that do only design and therefore work only for you. They are not only able to recommend good independent contractors, but also give advice and recommendations on all the products and materials that go into these complex areas of the home.

Look for designers who have their college degree in interior design with a speciality in kitchen and bath design. This insures that you get a professional who has spent many hours obtaining the education and training necessary for designs that are not only beautiful but which function for your lifestyle. The National Kitchen and Bath Association certifies not only designers but also college programs that are endorsed to teach kitchen and bath design.

on 11/22/2005 You can go to home depot or a place like that and make an appointment with a designer for free to get some ideas. obviously, some designer are better than others. you can easily figure out who is better by just calling and seeing who returns your phone calls and who answers questions intelligently. But make sure you do your homework beforehand to make your time with the designer worthwhile.