10 reasons you should work with a kitchen designer
- 1. Designers spend time on-site A design professional stays with you from before construction begins till project completion. ...
- 2. Designers understand project management ...
- 3. Designers guide style choices ...
- 4. Designers see your kitchen layout with fresh eyes ...
- 5. Designers help with appliance selection ...
- 6. Designers source better materials ...
- 7. Designers can stave off wear and tear ...
- 8. Designers will improve your lighting ...
Full Answer
Should you hire a contractor to design your kitchen?
A contractor can offer advice on your new kitchen, but unless there’s a dedicated designer in the firm, the big decisions (gulp!) will be up to you. Likewise, your local home improvement store or cabinet dealer will likely offer the services of an in-house designer along with your purchase or for a nominal fee.
What are the pros of hiring a professional kitchen designer?
The pros can help you budget wisely, avoid mistakes, make the space beautiful and functional, and open doors to new and specialized resources. "They love designing kitchens, and they're super educated about how to make the most of the space and about what's safe," says Angela Lawrence,...
What does it take to design a kitchen?
Designing a kitchen involves choosing materials and appliances; determining a layout; working through plumbing and electrical configurations; and so much more. A professional kitchen designer can help put all of these pieces together so you get the kitchen of your dreams.
What should I know before meeting with a kitchen designer?
Before meeting with a kitchen designer, you should have an idea of your total budget, keeping in mind any professional designer or architect fees. However, it’s difficult to pin down the cost of a “typical” kitchen remodel. A survey by HomeAdvisor.
What is the benefit of hiring a kitchen designer?
How much does a kitchen remodel cost?
What is a NKBA certified kitchen designer?
What can a kitchen designer do?
How much does a kitchen designer charge?
How long does it take to get a kitchen design consultation?
What is a CMKBD?
See 4 more
About this website
How much should I pay for a kitchen design?
The national average for kitchen design services is $12,250, with the minimum range for an independent designer running from $1,500 to $3,000.
Should I use a designer for kitchen remodel?
A kitchen designer should always be in charge of your kitchen renovation - even if it is part of a larger architect-designed project. The kitchen designer brings valuable insights and expertise to a homeowner planning to remodel a kitchen.
What does a kitchen designer do?
A kitchen designer is a type of interior designer who works with clients to discuss all aspects of creating, remodeling, or updating the kitchen area of their home. You would discuss building materials, themes, colors, patterns, and room layout with a client.
How do you get someone to design your kitchen?
Start your search for a designer online at the NKBA website (nkba.org), which can point you to designers in your area. Then visit the websites of the designers or contact them directly. Get names from friends and neighbors who have remodeled their kitchens.
What is the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel?
CabinetsCabinets are the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel, regardless of whether you are installing brand-new kitchen cabinets or want to refresh your old cabinets.
Is $30000 enough for a kitchen remodel?
The average cost of a full 10x10 kitchen remodel is $15,000-$30,000, or $75-$150 per square foot. Whether you're planning a minor kitchen face-lift or a major rehaul, researching your kitchen remodel costs beforehand will help you stay within the budget and scope of your project.
What makes a kitchen look luxury?
Luxury kitchen designs utilize high-quality materials such as cabinets or countertops, professional space planning, modern technologies & appliances, proper lighting and beautiful interior design.
What are 2 things to consider when designing a kitchen?
5 Factors to Consider for Your Kitchen DesignLayout. The initial step to take is to set the kitchen layout before you even get into every detail. ... Storage. After the layout, kitchen storage plays a crucial part. ... Lighting. ... Flooring. ... Ventilation.
What should I ask a kitchen designer?
9 Good Questions to Ask Your Potential Interior DesignerWhat Are Your Qualifications as a Kitchen Designer? ... Are You Licensed/Insured? ... Are You an NKBA Member? ... Do You Have a Portfolio of Your Latest Work? ... Do You Provide Full Design Service, from Start to Finish? ... What Products Do You Use for Hardware, Etc.?More items...•
How long does it take a designer to design a kitchen?
All told, the Design Phase can be completed in 4-8 weeks. Smaller projects with fewer decisions can be done more quickly. Larger projects can spend 6-10 weeks in design. Maintaining a consistent meeting schedule keeps the decisions on track.
Will Ikea help me design my kitchen?
Our free kitchen planning service includes an in-store or online consultation with a professional IKEA kitchen planner. The IKEA kitchen planner tool can help bring your ideal kitchen to life. You will get a 3D layout of your kitchen and a parts list to make ordering easier.
What should you not forget when designing a kitchen?
Designing a kitchen isn't just about beautiful countertops and dazzling light fixtures....5 Kitchen Design Mistakes You Can Easily AvoidPoor circulation. ... Ignoring the work triangle. ... Ordering wrong size appliances & cabinets. ... Inadequate lighting. ... Not utilizing vertical space.
At what point of renovation do you bring a interior designer?
So at what point should you bring on an interior designer? The answer is, as soon as you begin to think about your new build or renovation. We are great sounding boards to bounce ideas off of to help get you to your dream.
Do I need an architect to design a kitchen?
Should You Choose an Architect or Designer? The choice comes down to the scope of your kitchen remodel. If your renovation will be a big one including structural changes or moving key elements like plumbing and electrical, then look for an architecture firm that has the expertise you need to make these changes.
Why do you need a designer when remodeling?
While not essential for every home remodeling project, their services have many advantages. The skills of an experienced designer can save you time and money and help you to execute your project with a level of precision that is difficult to do on your own.
What should you not do when remodeling a kitchen?
Avoid These 13 Mistakes When Renovating Your Dream KitchenFailing to plan. ... Underestimating the cost. ... Choosing appliances after cabinetry. ... Installing cabinets before floors. ... Choosing the wrong flooring. ... Ignoring the kitchen triangle. ... Improperly wiring kitchen outlets. ... Trying to find online deals for critical items.
Kitchen designer, general contractor, or both? - Houzz
I'm a little confused about who to hire for my job. I'm not changing layout much, but will need some electric work, possibly minor plumbing or moving of ductwork. Some of the kitchen cabinet retailers do not install, some do, some GCs insist you buy their cabinets (which I don't like--I'd rather cho...
Best Kitchen Designers Near Me - Yelp
Find the best Kitchen Designers near you on Yelp - see all Kitchen Designers open now.Explore other popular stores near you from over 7 million businesses with over 142 million reviews and opinions from Yelpers.
Certified Kitchen and Bath Designers (CKBD) - NKBA
Newly Restructured! NKBA’s Certified Kitchen & Bath Designer (CKBD) Program Start your NKBA Certification Journey Today! The NKBA has transformed our longstanding, highly regarded, Certified Kitchen & Bath Designer (CKBD) Program. The NKBA is dedicated to providing our members and the kitchen & bath community with the highest quality
What does a kitchen designer do?
If you have a kitchen-and-bath remodel in mind (or a kitchen and laundry room), a kitchen designer can handle the entire project, ensuring that the design and installation processes are streamlined and cohesive.
Can a kitchen be too small?
A kitchen that’s too small can really cramp your (cooking) style. If you need to creatively gain some extra space, consider adding a kitchen designer to your team. This design pro can come up with innovative ways to rethink your available space and make your cooking and eating area feel more spacious and light.
How many years of experience do you need to become a NKBA?
Not so with NKBA certifications, which are based on experience, education, client references, rigorous exams, and continuing education. CMKBDs have at least 17 years of kitchen design experience. Certified kitchen designers (CKDs) and certified bath designers (CBDs) have at least seven years. NKBA-certified designers know every aspect of kitchens, from mechanical systems to space planning and color.
What do designers want from a project?
The designer will also want to know the scope of your project . Some might turn down less-challenging jobs. "If you just need some drawers and doors in there, it's very easy for a lot of people to spec that out," says Pam Goldstein Sanchez, a CMKBD and NKBA member in Atlanta. "When you have very specific taste, a bigger space, more complicated needs, handicap accessibility, or you want to keep kosher, that's when you want someone like me."
What is kitchen design?
Designing a kitchen involves choosing materials and appliances; determining a layout; working through plumbing and electrical configurations; and so much more. A professional kitchen designer can help put all of these pieces together so you get the kitchen of your dreams. On the dusty, messy journey called kitchen remodeling, ...
How to choose a designer?
"Is this designer someone who you would want to perform heart surgery on your home? That's really true. A designer is responsible for tearing the guts out of the heart of your home. And if you feel comfortable enough, and trust a designer based on her knowledge, her creativity, and her needs, then that's a good vibe."
What is the importance of a detailed contract?
Designers work hard to achieve the latter. Having a detailed contract from the start can eliminate or at least minimize disagreements. Contracts often include a mechanism for arbitration in client disputes. Designers also might carry liability insurance or, like White, include a "due diligence" clause stating essentially that although the designer is there as a coach, you are responsible for the decisions you make.
What is Petrie's firm?
Petrie's firm is full-service, handling projects from concept to completion. He creates the design, provides custom cabinetry, and employs carpenters and installation professionals.
What to talk about when discussing scope of project?
Talking about the scope of the project should include a candid discussion about budget. "I call it a spending plan, because budget is sort of a scary-sounding word," Lawrence says. "Spending plan is much friendlier."
Overcome Your Space Challenges
You know what your pain points are in your kitchen. It may be that there’s too little storage or no place for the kids to do homework — whatever the issue, a kitchen designer can come up with creative and tailored solutions to those problems.
Go At Your Pace
In addition, designers evaluate your unique situation and go as fast or as slow as you’re comfortable with when it comes to the design process.
Offer Connections for Products and Professionals
A well-connected kitchen designer will be your best friend! Designers have access to a wide range of products — from cabinetry to appliances, countertop materials, flooring, lighting, and backsplash tile — a good kitchen designer can find the best options for your style and budget.
How Kitchen Designers Help the Overall Remodel
Some homeowners already have contractors they use for installation of cabinets and other products and wonder about the true value of working with a kitchen designer. Here is why it can be extremely helpful to hire a kitchen design company:
Need a Custom Kitchen Designer in the DC Area?
If you want to hire a kitchen designer in the Washington, DC metropolitan area, Jack Rosen Custom Kitchens is a good name to know! For more than 30 years, we’ve been designing beautiful, award-winning kitchens for homeowners throughout Maryland, DC, and Northern Virginia.
Check Out Our Showroom in Rockville, MD
Thinking of remodeling your home? We have a collection of FREE downloads to help you choose the best options for YOUR home.
What is design retainer?
Design retainer or flat fee. The fee that kitchen designers charge for their initial design services is often called a design retainer or a flat fee . These fees cover the time the designer spends planning your new kitchen — though often at a discounted rate.
Why do you need a kitchen designer?
Because kitchens are complex rooms to plan, adding a kitchen designer to your team can save you a lot of hassle. Not only will will a designer ultimately save you headaches by suggesting products and materials you might not have considered, but he or she can help you make the most of your space with strategic layout choices that your contractor might not suggest. More than likely, if you spend the money to hire a kitchen designer, you’ll be happier with your remodel in the end.
How much does a kitchen designer charge?
It may be as low as $65 per hour or as high as $250, but often it’s around $125 to $150. This rate could apply to design time, meetings, phone calls, time your designer spends at your project site and more.
How does cost plus work?
Here’s how it works: A designer buys products at a trade (or wholesale) discount and then marks up those products to the client, keeping the difference as profit. This is similar to the typical retail model in which everyone from boutiques to big-box stores buys from manufacturers and then marks up the wares to their customers. Just as the wholesale price won’t be listed when you buy a pair of jeans, the trade price and cost-plus markup is not likely to show up on your kitchen design invoice.
What is milestone based fee?
This means the cost of the total project is divided into several payments due at specific deliverables — for instance, once the permits are pulled, once the cabinets are ordered, once the kitchen is demolished, once the cabinets are installed and so on.
Do kitchen designers charge for their services?
Kitchen designers have different methods of charging for their services, and the way they structure their fees often depends on the way they structure their businesses. The main thing to know is whether your kitchen designer sells products. Many kitchen designers do, while others are independent (meaning they sell no products). Kitchen designers can be found in cabinet and kitchen showrooms, working for design-build firms or running independent businesses. Here are some terms you may hear when you meet with prospective kitchen designers and discuss their fees.
Is it worth hiring a kitchen designer?
If you’re looking to remodel your kitchen, working with a kitchen designer could be well worth the investment. These professionals can bring your remodeling project expertise and ideas that can result in a more beautiful and functional kitchen. But how much does it cost to hire one?
What is the benefit of hiring a kitchen designer?
The Advantages of Getting a Kitchen Designer. Hiring a pro to help with your kitchen design doesn’t mean relinquishing control of your new-kitchen dreams. It means putting those dreams in the hands of someone who can help you realize them effectively, efficiently, and with style.
How much does a kitchen remodel cost?
Before meeting with a kitchen designer, you should have an idea of your total budget, keeping in mind any professional designer or architect fees. However, it’s difficult to pin down the cost of a “typical” kitchen remodel. A survey by HomeAdvisor.com places it at $23,812, or $150 per square foot, with most homeowners spending between $12,587 and $35,039. The 2019 U.S. Houzz & Home Study placed the cost of a typical kitchen renovation a bit lower, at $14,000, up 27% from the year before. Estimates for upscale kitchen remodels, on the other hand, often exceed $100,000.
What is a NKBA certified kitchen designer?
The organization’s designations, which include Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer (CKBD), Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD) and Certified Bath Designer (CBD), require five years of full-time design experience as well as knowledge of construction, mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems. Certified kitchen designers must complete a professional development program, pass an exam, and maintain their certification by meeting continuing education requirements. A Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer (CMKBD) is a highly experienced designer with additional educational and professional credits.
What can a kitchen designer do?
A kitchen designer with that knowhow can help you make the most of your kitchen with an efficient floorplan, good lighting, ergonomic features, smart storage and a pleasing design. He or she can advise you on materials and appliances, and work with suppliers and your contractor to see the project through quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively.
How much does a kitchen designer charge?
Most independent kitchen designers charge by the hour with rates that can range from $65 to $250 an hour, and $125 to $150 being typical. If your designer charges by the hour, you’ll want an estimate of how many hours the designer expects your project will require.
How long does it take to get a kitchen design consultation?
Most independent kitchen designers will offer a free initial consultation (usually an hour or less) at which you can gauge how his or her style fits your plan and discuss practical matters such as design fees and timetables. Book the time in advance and be prepared with images of kitchens and kitchen features you like as well as a plan or sketch of your kitchen. You’ll also need to settle on a budget for your project that you can share with the designer.
What is a CMKBD?
A Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer (CMKBD) is a highly experienced designer with additional educational and professional credits.
