You have finally made the exciting decision to remodel your Colorado Springs kitchen, but as the scope of this undertaking comes into focus, you realize that the best decision you can make now is hiring a kitchen designer. But with so many companies out there offering this service (with varying quality standards), it can be confusing to know what you should look for when interviewing a potential kitchen designer. This blog will help clarify what you need to know before hiring a kitchen designer.
Before Hiring A Kitchen Designer: Determine Your Budget
Hopefully, when you are ready to hire a kitchen designer, you have settled on a potential budget for the project, including a bit of wiggle room for unexpected items that will invariably pop up. Providing the kitchen designer with that budget will help them make appropriate suggestions for products within your price range.
Related: 8 Questions To Ask Yourself As You Prepare For Your Kitchen Remodel.
Questions to Ask About the Kitchen Designer and Their Qualifications
Before hiring a kitchen designer and welcoming them into your home for what could be a long remodeling process, you need to ask questions about their experience and qualifications. We recommend asking the following questions::
How long have you been designing kitchens in Colorado Springs?
Having your dream kitchen designed for your home is a big step and a significant expense, so you want someone who knows what they’re doing.
Are you a Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD) through the National Kitchen & Bath Association?
This organization has rigorous requirements for schooling and experience before certifying individuals as experts in their field. For this reason, choosing a CKD for your kitchen design can give you additional peace of mind that the kitchen designer knows what they are doing and will provide exceptional designs within your budget.
How do you stay up to date with the latest industry designs?
There are numerous industry design shows and seminars that kitchen designers can attend to keep updated on the latest trends and new products. Also, ask if the designer has taken design courses or has gone to design school.
You might like: Kitchen Design Trends for 2022
May we see your portfolio?
The kitchen designer should have a portfolio that is both diverse and interesting. It should show different styles, designs, and colors. The more varied it is, the better the kitchen designer will be because it shows that the designer listens to the client and doesn’t force opinions on clients. It also indicates whether or not the work was well done.
Can you provide references?
Once you have seen their portfolio, ask the kitchen designer if you can speak to the homeowners of the designs you especially like. Ideally, these homeowners will welcome you into their home so you can see the results of the remodel firsthand. If that is not possible, perhaps they will be open to a Zoom video call or FaceTime so you can see the completed project. At the very least, arrange to speak to the homeowners over the phone. Ask how pleased they are with the work, if they have anything they would change about the process, and how long the remodel took to complete.
What warranties come with my new kitchen remodel?
Finding out how long the warranty is good for is important because a new kitchen is a significant investment. You want to be sure that all work and products are warrantied if there are any problems.
Questions to Ask About the Kitchen Design and Remodelling Process
How long does the kitchen design take?
If you’re working on a timeline, the amount of design time is critical. The design time could be anywhere from one to three weeks, but find out what it is so that you can add that into your timeline.
Will there be more than one kitchen design created?
Most designers will create more than one design that will follow across a price spectrum. The designs usually cover an assortment of options with various kitchen design ideas. If the designer you hire will do this, it’s well worth the extra money involved because it gives you different options for your money. After all, the kitchen is going to be there for a long time.
How much input will I have in the design?
The new kitchen needs to suit the requirements of you and your family. Look for a designer who listens to you and takes the time to determine your end goals with the remodel. The designer’s job is to let you know if your ideas are practical, especially when the budget is a primary concern.
Do you have a local showroom where I can see samples and designs in person?
There is no substitute for seeing actual samples and designs in person. This guarantees you get precisely the custom cabinets, countertops and appliances you want for your perfect kitchen. So, ask your potential kitchen designer if they have a local showroom.
How long will the remodeling process take?
A kitchen remodeling project may take anywhere between 4 to 6 months. That’s if everything’s already been planned out and what’s needed has been ordered. But if you’re at the beginning stages and don’t have anything designed and chosen, it could take a year or so. Too, if your cabinets are imported from Europe, the overseas shipping will take longer. So be sure that you’re getting what you want when you are ordering at the right price and that everything is warrantied. What you have to find out additionally is what is the timeline for each section of the project. This way, you can plan on everyone’s schedules as each section comes along, especially if you want to be there when the work is being done.
Hiring a Kitchen Designer Can Be The Best Decision You Make In Your Remodel
Remodeling your Colorado Springs kitchen is an exciting but daunting project. Hiring a kitchen designer with the experience and knowledge to provide you with the design you love at the right price can make all the difference in your satisfaction with the results.
Click here to speak with a Certified Kitchen Designer today.