6 Things to Do Before Meeting with a Kitchen Designer
After you have made a wish list and considered a budget for a kitchen remodeling project we recommend working with a professional kitchen designer to create a plan for the project. Consulting a designer doesn’t have to be costly. Most kitchen showroom and home centers offer design services. Some designers will offer an initial "free" home consultation. There are design/build remodeling contractors, including McClurg, who will include the cost of the design service in the total cost of the project.
Consult a professional who is certified by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA). NKBA certifications are based on written exams and industry experience. Always check the credentials of the designer you consult to verify that they are trained, certified and experienced.
NKBA suggests you do some research and prepare some specifications for your project before meeting with a kitchen designer. Here are some suggestions to prepare for that meeting:
- Make a checklist of major and minor problems that you have with your current kitchen. Consider the following:
- Are you happy with the traffic flow through your kitchen? Is there adequate counter, storage and floor space in the present configuration of your kitchen?
- Is your kitchen efficient? New appliances may have more efficient features and can save money on energy costs.
- Are there children or people with impairments living in your home? If so, the design of the kitchen should address safety and access for these individuals.
- Do you like the location and design of your kitchen? What are the best features? What do you want to change?
- Collect ideas and information. Read magazines and books for ideas and visit online galleries to view kitchen projects. Here are some resources:
Make a clip book of the pictures and ideas that reflect what you want to include in your project. Bring the idea book to your meeting.
- Visit showrooms and retailers and make a list of appliances, cabinetry, counter surfacing, flooring and other products you plan to use in your kitchen. Gather information about dimensions and installation if you can. Many retailers offer product information brochures to consumers and most manufacturers have product information posted on the internet. It is helpful to identify appliances because the dimensions will be factored into the design. A good designer will address this with you.
- Discuss your budget expectations with the designer. Your designer will make suggestions to help you achieve your desired outcomes and will help you keep within the limits you set for the project. A designer is knowledgeable about product lines and can save you money.
- NKBA has designed a Kitchen and Bath Workbook that includes a handy worksheet to prepare for a planning meeting with a professional designer. Complete the information as you do your research and make a copy to share with the designer.
- Questions to ask your designer:
- How can the efficiency of my kitchen be maximized
- Where can appliances be placed?
- What built-ins can be used in the design?
- How should a pantry be incorporated in the lay-out?
- How should cabinets be organized? Discuss the purpose of each unit. Consider stackable shelves, roll-outs, cup and plate racks and dividers to meet your needs.
Do you have any questions about your designing your kitchen? Our kitchen designer Paul Thompson, Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer, will provide answers.
Paul Thompson is an experienced, award winning kitchen and bath design consultant who began working with us in June. He has been designing beautiful kitchens and bathrooms (as well as other rooms) since 1987. His credentials include Certified Kitchen Designer, Certified Bathroom Designer, and Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer. Paul's designs have won many awards including 1st place in the CNY Chapter of National Kitchen and Bath Association's design contest in 2006 and 3rd place in 2007. Paul is available help you with your kitchen remodeling ideas and project plans. Call him at (315) 673-2051 or schedule an appointment online.