Choosing a Kitchen Designer
While assessing a kitchen renovation, you will find that cabinetry, countertops, appliances, and tile can vary in both quality and price, and so does your designer. An efficient kitchen designer will create a beautiful functional work space while incorporating your design style, budget, and time line.
When considering a designer, here are four points to take into account:
1) The Service – What will you be able to expect from them? Will they be there for you after you sign the agreement, or will you be passed on to someone else? What will they do for you during the renovation? Will they help select tile, countertops, and plumbing fixtures?
You can ask these questions, but a good test is see how long it takes for them to return your initial phone call or email, how long before they can book an appointment to measure your kitchen, and how much time they require before they can present a proposal with a detailed quote and drawings. This is a pretty good indication as to how they run their business. If they fail to impress you before they get your sale, there is no indication they will give you priority service afterwards.
Cornerstone Kitchens & Design has a maximum 1 week turn around for quoting, 1 day for revisions on drawings, and all calls are returned promptly. We project manage all of our jobs from initial concept to final completion, including assisting in the selection of all materials. Please see our “What to Expect when you are Expecting a Kitchen” for a detailed list on the timeline for your renovation.
2) The Trades – This doesn’t often come up in conversation, but how does this kitchen designer work with the trades? Will they get involved? Or are you on your own? If you’ve hired a contractor how will these 2 people work together? Will they pass the buck to and fro?
We work in conjunction with all the trades. Once the old kitchen is gutted or during new construction we will chalk out the floor plan on the floor and meet with the contractor, plumbers, electricians, and H vac to ensure everyone understands the lighting plan as well as appliance electrical specs and plumbing issues. Many of Cornerstone’s repeat clients are trades people whom we have met while working on previous projects.
3) The Details – You can usually tell how much attention someone will put to all those little details with the questions they ask you about your needs. Also, does your designer have a checklist? Did they measure correctly? Did they go over with you exactly what is included and what isn’t? Do you know what you’re getting? Have you received any hardware upgrade options?
We will be asking you a lot of questions and showing you many options. We know that it’s not every day that you are ordering a brand new kitchen so we won’t assume that you know exactly what you want and what you don’t.
4) The Price – How do they make their money? Will your designer offer you a free in home consultation, detailed quote, and allow you to view the drawings with no obligation? Or are they charging for this service? What cabinets do they sell? Do they suit your style? Is there a variety of door styles and colours?
We are often asked how we make our money. It’s in the supply and installation of our cabinetry and countertops. The design work and the project management we include are just a part of getting the job done right. We will design at no charge to you because you are giving us the opportunity to measure your kitchen, create drawings and present a detailed quote on your project. We appreciate every one of these opportunities.
Hiring the right kitchen designer can potentially turn your kitchen renovation from the worst 8 weeks of your life into an enjoyable process, with affordable and functional breath taking results. Please call Arlie at Cornerstone Kitchens & Design at 604-338-2753 for your free in home consultation today.