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Hiring a Kitchen designer? Don’t skip these questions.

Unless you are a designer yourself, hiring one for kitchen renovations is a smart decision. Not only will they help create an ideal kitchen design, but they can also assist with various other aspects of renovation; for example, budgeting your project. However, hiring the right designer is vital, which is why we’ve devised a list of important matters to discuss before bringing your dream kitchen to life.

  1. Do you have a portfolio?
    Portfolios allow you to determine a designer’s experience and abilities based on their previous work. Compare their style with yours to see if they are the right designer for you.
  2. What services do you provide?
    The offered services will vary based on the designer. Some only provide a design while others assist with the whole renovation. Knowing what services are offered prevents unpleasant surprises down the road.
  3. How frequently do you communicate with clients?
    Communication is key. For a smooth experience, make sure to find a designer who will be easy to reach if you have questions and communicate clearly and frequently.
  4. Do you have advanced training?
    A certificate in kitchen design, a record of training, or a membership in the NKBA is a good bonus, as it proves the designer’s knowledgeability. However, lacking these credentials does not necessarily make someone unqualified.
  5. What brands do you recommend?
    Many designers will have specific brands they prefer for kitchen items. Some designers may even have exclusivity with some brands and offer incentives such as a percent off those brands’ products. If you like a good deal, don’t be afraid to ask for one.
  6. Can you recommend a contractor?
    Many designers have a contractor they prefer to work with due to their reliability and quality. If not, they will generally be able to recommend a quality contractor for you to use.
  7. How many design options do you provide and what’s the turnaround time per design?
    The amount of input a designer takes and the number of designs they give depends on your requests. This will affect the turnaround time per design, so get an estimate to ensure it matches your plans.
  8. What are your rates?
    Designers will generally charge on one of three bases: By the hour, design, or project. Clarifying the rate base allows you to accurately calculate the total cost.
  9. Do you have any references?
    A designer’s references, namely, their previous clients, can give you a good idea of the quality of a designer’s work and what it’s like to work with them.  

Come Prepared, Leave Happy
First, go through this list of questions on your own and take note of the ideal answer to each, then go over it with potential designers and compare their responses to yours to see if they are right for you. Once you find the one, it’s time to get busy. Listen to your designer’s ideas, but make sure they are listening to yours too. After all, their priority should be creating a kitchen you will love.

We hope this helps you find the perfect designer to create your perfect kitchen.

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