Considerations for selecting a kitchen and bath designer or for other room spaces

Do you have a design for your new room space OR is the design required to purchase materials and accessories followed by construction?  When the same firm performs both the design and construction, it is referred to as design/ build.  If a design is required prior to engagement of a contractor, then here are some suggestions to get started on the project.  Step one is finding a professional designer for the project and it does not have to be an architect.  If a homeowner/ remodeler is going to make a $40,000 investment, or typically more in the home improvement project, how about beginning with a good, better, best design.

A lot of home remodel contractors indicate they install kitchens and baths. Do a Google search and you will find companies that claim a laundry list of projects they are capable of performing that include roofs, windows, decks, kitchens, baths, etc. These companies typically do not specialize in kitchens or baths, let alone perform a 3-dimensional design of the proposed room space which many professional designers will do to allow a visualization of the proposed project. The level of design detail might be very basic if it is from a “free estimate” versus a professional designer which may require a “design fee”. Think about the quantity of time required to get the data required from on-site measurements to processing the design into visual drawings, usually 20-30 hours. Typically, the design fee is credited to any product sale.

Home centers are another “go to” source because one can walk the aisles and visually see many options which may be limited to the brands carried at one location. Professional designers relate the home centers as being similar to perusing magazines or watching HGTV to get inspired and educated about available options. The goal of the home center is to get you to purchase everything needed for your project from one location…their store. This business model works for the store, but may not be in the best interest for you or your project. Another term that comes from working with a home center is “builders grade”. This term is frequently used as a term of reference to the basic functionality of products that may not have additional features or a life span associated with a better product. An example is a builder’s grade toilet compared to a toilet with a clog free design, or energy conservation or a sanitary coating. A clear indication of builder’s grade is the short-term warranty. Think of this as a good, better, best value.

Professional designers have special design training and many continue their training by being members of the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) or other professional design organizations. The NKBA is an industry association dedicated to advancing the profession and offers relevant and frequent training in lighting design, cabinet layout issues, plumbing choices, sanitary issues, coloring and texture, structural issues created by stone counters, code awareness for electric and ventilation, aging in place, safety, and more. Professional designers are working one on one directly with the homeowner to overcome layout issues, add desired amenities, and strive to comply with a desired budget. Materials can be sourced from multiple vendors to realize the desired project design and budget goals. Often, the professional designer has relationships with regional vendors that enhance project value without stressing budget goals. Designers with showrooms are enthusiastic to display different vendor materials to customers who exclaim, “I did not know there was another option available to source that product.” Designers, or contractors who team with a showroom want clients to see and feel the options available, in other words, “kick the tires” to prevent buyers’ remorse after the project completion. Professional designers are worth the engagement in the project to save overall money and help the homeowner through various pitfalls before, during and after construction. While the ads may indicate a new bath or kitchen in a matter of days, or the HGTV home makeover in one week, designers are ready to fill in the blanks about how this is accomplished and why this concept may not be the best option for your project. Amongst the professional designers, we say the space is more than “doors and drawers”. Think about that lifetime stone counter on a cabinet with a 5-year warranty. Professional designers want both the beauty to match products that will last for many years. They think in terms of a lifetime that you are living in your home. Do you really want to remodel the room space again in 5-10 years? This may also include universal design or aging in place considerations.

Professional designers rely upon a successful project completion to gain the best references for future work. If you have read this far, the question is how do I find a professional designer? Ms. Google is helpful as a search tool. Another resource is the NKBA website where you can go to a map and locate NKBA members near you. NKBA members represent the broad industry which is the network professional designers are tied into. Vendors and suppliers of products, kitchen and bath showrooms and professional designers can be NKBA members. One will notice that NKBA member showrooms are cozier and more relevant to the room space that you may be considering for your project compared to a home center having warehouse ceilings. Showrooms are decorated with textures and colors to provide a visual of how different features may look in your own home. Professional designers are proud to show off their designs in the showroom because it displays their inspiration capabilities and more than just a cabinet product, it is a statement of their design creativity to address issues you may face in your room space design.

Thank you for reading this far and hope you have learned something that is useful for your own room design. If you go to www.manorhouse.studio you can learn more on how the design process works. There is also another article about how to select a good, better, best contractor for your project. Remember, the design process is to achieve the best room space layout for the available budget. When the design is done, it is time to engage a contractor to perform the project work.

Already have a contractor you like? Many professional designers are willing to work as a team player to obtain the best value and results for the homeowner. Now go visit a kitchen or bath showroom near you and get inspired to do your project. Manor House Studio is a NKBA member.