Choosing The Right Kitchen Designer- 8 Simple Questions

By Author: Jason Delmar
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Hiring a kitchen designer can be a big financial investment, so it is important to make sure that you are choosing the right person. The size and scope of your project will dictate if a designer is really needed. If you decide that you need some help coming up with the overall look of your kitchen, here are some of the questions that you should be asking to make sure you are hiring the right person for the job.

1. How long does the process take? Two weeks? Four Weeks? According to your (the client's) timetable? This lets you know the timing expectations of the designer for the design process from start to completion. It also will tell you if this timing "fits" for you. You may also want to find out if the firm has a "policy" on changes during the design process.

2. May I see work samples? It is useful to see both images of completed projects as well as proposed designs. Oftentimes the bulk of a design firm's clientele may be of one "style" or another, depending upon the region, although the designer may have proposed alternative design solutions in an effort to move beyond the typical, and this would be very ...
... interesting to see, as it shows creativity. I have more "alternative" design ideas in my client files that my clients were too afraid to consider as the concepts were not "safe."

3. How many design solutions (plans) do you provide? Hint: Three or more is what you are looking for. With one or two kitchen cabinets plans designed, the vision is most likely narrow and subjective on the part of the designer. You need to see the possibilities for your space. Otherwise, it's "coulda shoulda woulda."

4. How do you keep up with new ideas, products, industry advancements? Does the designer ever leave the office? Does he/she go to kitchen and bath shows, seminars, conventions? Interior design shows? Subscribe to kitchen cabinets and bath industry publications? Have a library of design books? Read interior design blogs? There are many ways to keep pace with the ever changing kitchen and bath world, but it is important that this is done.

5. Will you give me cost alternatives or just one single cost at the end of the design process? Assuming you have already received an estimate (a separate issue) will the designer tell you during the process where there may be costly design decisions and make an effort to suggest lower cost options? I provide my clients with a limited "chinese menu" of items at the end of the process, when presenting the final cost, to illustrate where particularly large cost items are seen in the plan, and offer substitutions. If a hood costs $10,000, which recently occurred, you may want to be aware of that cost! What's the cost procedure? And, what is the payment schedule?

6. How do you handle the labor? Can I use my favorite plumber and electrician? Do I need to purchase the kitchen cabinets labor through your company? Will you provide me with more than one contractor for estimating purposes? You should have freedom of choice here. That said, a team approach is a good way to proceed.

7. Do you have any special accomplishments that I should know about? Accomplishments within the industry show involvement, motivation, interest, and recognition, all important to have as part of one's resume/career highlights.

8. How mobile are you? Is the designer available for jobsite meetings, even (occasionally) on short notice? Can meetings take place at your home, or only at the design studio/showroom? This last question should not be a dealbreaker...unless it is for you. Any availability via cell phone or pda? Mobility is a good thing. For me, I'll email 24/7 during off hours, but the phone takes a break from Saturday afternoon through Monday morning.

By asking these key questions, you can ensure that you hire a designer that will be able to meet your needs and that you will mesh well with through the construction process. By clearly defining all of the details for the job, it will eliminate any vague area or problems that may arise down the road.
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