Designing a new kitchen or remodeling your bathroom can be a fun experience when done right. A lot of people have the perfect ideas in their heads and are able to recreate them physically in their homes with little or no help at all. However, some homeowners, despite knowing what they want their kitchen or bathroom to look like, still need the assistance of a professional kitchen designer or bathroom remodeler to bring it all to life.
If you can handle your kitchen and bathroom remodeling project yourself, then great for you! If, on the other hand, you cannot, then you`d benefit greatly from seeking out the fresh and professional perspective of a certified kitchen designer. In this article, we`ll walk you through all that you need to know when working with a kitchen designer or bathroom remodeler, including costs, questions to ask, and financing tips.
Alright, let’s dive right in!
Why You Should Consider Hiring a Kitchen Designer and Bathroom Remodeler
Whether you`re looking to redesign your kitchen or remodel your bathroom, the most important thing is knowing when and why you need to hire a professional designer. That way, you`re better able to articulate your desires and ideas and have the designer do the perfect job. Do note that enlisting the services of a pro does not imply that you lose the right to decide how you want the project to go; rather it means handing the project over to someone who is capable of doing it better both in form and function.
According to a recent study by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), about 54% of homeowners used a professional designer when remodeling their kitchen or bathroom. Keep in mind that a bathroom remodeler or a kitchen designer will bring perspectives and ideas that an architect or interior designer may not be able to offer you.
This is because a bathroom remodeler or a kitchen designer specializes in cabinetry, kitchen, and bathroom fittings, unlike the others. Below are more specific benefits you can derive from working with a professional kitchen designer and bathroom remodeler:
- They are experienced and have the expertise and training
- They know the current trends and can advise you to make better choices
- Since they are in the industry, they know where to source the products needed
- A pro designer can help you manage costs and spread out your budget better
However, for simple projects like cabinet replacements, fixing a damaged sink, switching up the look of your backsplash, and other less technical aspects of kitchen remodeling, you can handle them without professional help. And that might probably be your best option if you`re running on a tight budget. But it’s still a great idea to at least consult a professional designer before you begin.
Wondering Where to Look or How to Land the Best kitchen Designer or Bathroom Remodeler?
Other important considerations are where to look and what to look for when hiring a professional designer. Fortunately, there are different options to try out. You can work with an independent designer or a designer who’s affiliated with a particular showroom/product line. Regarding what to look for, we`ll go over a number of relevant questions to ask the potential design or remodeler, ranging from their portfolio and styles to their popular projects.
Questions You Should Ask Before Hiring a Kitchen Designer and Bathroom Remodeler
Yes, to ensure you`re talking to the right individual or company for the job, you should ask some important questions during the interview process. Also, keep in mind that you might need to hold up to 2 or 3 interviews before you find the right candidate. Also, you look through their portfolio, styles, choice of materials, and assess their level of confidence, here are some questions you should ask:
- What are your certifications and/or affiliations? This will tell you the specific suppliers or contractors that they work with and possibly where they`ll be sourcing the materials to be used for your own project.
- Have you done any designs or remodeling projects that are similar to mine? This is one of the most important interview questions you should ask. In most cases, when the designer has already completed similar projects, it is easier for them to work on yours and you can be sure that there will be minimal to no errors.
- What’s your process from start to finish, and how long would it take you to complete my project? Ask them to walk you through the process from the beginning to the end. In the same manner, you need to have a picture of how long the project will take so you can plan accordingly.
- How do you source your materials? Knowing how and where the designer gets their materials also gives you an idea of which design centers or product lines they are affiliated with if they are independent or not.
- What is your charge, and do I need to make a deposit? You already know this one; you must count your cost before you begin. Very important. And if you don’t have enough funds, it’s better to source for it before hiring the designer.
- Can you provide any references? Designers who are confident in their work will be happy to connect you to satisfied clients and if indeed they have worked on similar projects before, they will surely have clients who can say a thing or two about their work.
- How am I expected to participate in the processor is my input not required? In some cases, the designer will need your input, maybe by simply monitoring and providing feedback. In other scenarios, you may be required to be physically present in case they need clarification regarding your expectations or the remodeler runs into a problem during the project.
- Can I make changes while the project is underway and what`s the cost implication? This is an important question to ask since there’s a possibility that you will change your mind about the design you picked.
- Will I see the design so I can follow up on the contractor’s progress? It’s essential to have a copy of the proposed design in your hands too or on your computer so you can follow up on the progress of the contractor when the project kicks off.
- How many designs are you going to show me? Having multiple designs gives you options and allows you to pick your favorite.
Do note that these are merely suggestions. Depending on the nature of your kitchen/bathroom designing and remodeling project, you can pick out more specific questions to ask. But before scheduling an interview or a meeting with any designer, be sure to have sorted out the following:
- Have an idea of what you want to create in your home
- Have photos from the internet or from neighbors that indicate or closely resemble what you want
- Select the appliances you want
- Have a realistic budget or budget range
Finding the Right Designer for Your Kitchen Designing or Bathroom Remodeling Project
The first place you’d probably want to check is online, where you can find local contractors that can do a satisfactory job. Also, you should look for a company that has a rich selection of unique designs and remodeling projects. For the perfect ideas, you can look through our portfolio at The UniqHouse. With more than 15 years of experience creating unique and outstanding designs, The UniqHouse offers clients a unique and attractive array of innovative designs.
Generally, there are some things you should look out for when hiring a professional designer to work on your kitchen or bathroom project. See more details below:
1. You`re better off With a Certified Kitchen Designer/Bathroom Remodeler
A Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer (CKBD) is a designer who has completed a professional development program, passed the requisite exams, and meets all educational and professional requirements stipulated by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA).
You can take it a step higher by going for a Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer (CMKBD); in addition to having a CKBD, a CMKBD is highly trained and possesses additional educational credits with a richer portfolio. Here are some reasons why you should consider working with a certified designer:
- Several years of experience designing kitchens and/or bathrooms
- Possesses advanced skills in design and space planning
- Broad knowledge of construction, plumbing, and electrical works
- Current knowledge of best materials, cabinets, appliances, and products on the market
- Up-to-date knowledge of building codes and local regulations
- A large portfolio of completed projects
2. Working With Local Contractors and Retailers
Another option that`s readily available to you is working with local contractors and retailers. While this is a less expensive option for you to go with, a local building contractor or architect may not be well-versed in cabinetry or picking out the best appliances, lighting, and other kitchen or bathroom fixtures. You might also get fantastic ideas from them, but when it comes to implementing those ideas or designs, you just might realize that you`re on your own the rest of the way. Additionally, they may not be as knowledgeable as a certified kitchen and bathroom designer on market trends.
3. Showrooms and Design Centers
If you don’t have the budget to accommodate an expensive kitchen designer, another affordable option is using designers that are affiliated with local product lines and showrooms. Their services most times involve a hybrid of sales of different products and offering professional consultations.
They may also refer you to reliable independent designers that’ll give you the best service. If you already have a designer, you may also get their professional opinion on how to get the best out of the appliances, cabinets, and other products you purchase from them.
4. Working with Independent Designers
These are professional designers that work independently, but they may also have contractors that they work with. Typically, they are not affiliated with any product line or showroom. One thing worthy of note here is that they will give you a factual picture of how things are on the market (without the possible salesman bias typical of showrooms and design centers) and how best to go about your remodeling project.
By and large, you`re still better off contracting the project to a certified designer. That way, you’re sure you`ll be getting value for your money and you probably wouldn’t need to worry whether the project is going the right way or not.
Financing Your Kitchen Designing and Bathroom Remodeling Project
There are a couple of options you can explore when it comes to financing your designing and remodeling project. However, let’s first consider how much it would cost to get the job done. You must be wondering by now.
Cost of Working With a Kitchen Designer and Bathroom Remodeler
The cost of hiring a pro designer varies widely. It mostly depends on the nature and scope of the project. On average, creating a new modern kitchen from scratch will cost you between $70 to $250 per hour when working with an independent designer. This, of course, is excluding the cost of the materials and appliances the person will install. This is why it is a good idea to have an idea of how long the project will take to complete. It allows you to calculate how much you will spend and prepare ahead of time.
Secondly, you most likely will also be charged a design retainer or flat fee. This fee covers the time the designer spends planning, brainstorming, and discussing how you want the project to go. At this stage, the designer creates several designs, one of which you’ll later choose from for your project. Generally, designers’ retainer or flat fee ranges from $350 to $550 for the initial meeting stage and $1000 to $3,500 for the duration of the actual project. The retainer is non-refundable and covers a specified duration and number of revisions.
If the project extends beyond this period or you ask for more revisions than agreed, then you will need to make additional deposits to continue the work. Keep in mind that these fees are often calculated as a small percentage of the entire cost of the project. Meanwhile, you’ll need to deposit a certain amount of money for the designer to purchase materials before starting.
Financing Tips for a Kitchen/Bathroom Design and Remodeling
Doing the following can help you avoid financial stress before, during, and after the entire kitchen and bathroom project:
Make sure you count the cost, including the cost of materials and that of hiring a designer.
- Create a realistic budget. This is why it is important to speak with a professional designer or at least walk into a showroom or design center where they are likely to give you ideas that work for you.
- Keep your expenses reasonable. There’s no need to go for an expensive kitchen with cabinets and appliances that you do not need unless you want to put the house up for sale after remodeling. That way, the money you spend becomes an investment you’ll reap from.
- Use your personal savings to finance the project.
- If the project exceeds your budget, you can get a personal loan or a payday loan. If it is possible to secure an interest-free loan from family and friends, then you should try it out. When seeking to get a loan, you probably should stick to loan options that are not burdensome.
What to Expect from Your Kitchen Designer and Bathroom Remodeler
Typically, when you hire a professional designer, there are certain things you should look out for. These range from the process the designer adopts to get the job done to the decisions the designer makes throughout the process.
1. Create Multiple Design Concepts
Your kitchen designer and bathroom modeler must be able to create at least 2 or 3 different designs to give you options to choose from. They must also be able and willing to make adjustments during the course of the project.
2. Envision the Client’s Idea and Create Matching Designs
The second and most important thing to look out for is that your designer must be able to capture your ideas and bring them to life. It is not enough to create designs — those designs must meet your expectations. To make this part easier for the designer, you can point out photos of similar works or designs from their collection or from somewhere else.
Keep in mind that the contractor or remodeler may also have ideas that are better than what you have in mind. So, be open to their suggestions. With their experience working with many clients over the years, they may know what fits best into your space.
3. Provide Suggestions Based on Your Budget
With the help of a pro designer, you can save money and create a realistic budget. What a designer does with your budget is to weigh it alongside your expectation and the current cost of products and material, then advise you accordingly.
A good designer is also capable of helping you create designs that are best suited to your budget.
4. Buy the Materials Needed for the Project
Once you make the initial deposit, they also take charge of offering items like cabinets, appliances, lighting, backsplashes, so on. They literally take over the entire process, tracking the orders until they are delivered to your home address.
Note that in some cases, they’ll only need to pick up these materials from affiliated sellers or showrooms. This happens when you’re working with an independent designer that has affiliations with showrooms and design centers or designers who work with a showroom.
5. They Select the Right Products and Materials for the Project
The designer doesn’t just buy the materials needed. They take the time source for the right ones by the design and, of course, in line with your budget. Where there’s a discrepancy in market cost and budgetary allocation, they’ll let you know and provide you with suggestions on how to manage the situation.
6. Proper Installation of the Designs
Kitchen and bathroom designers see a job through to completion. Even though they’re not builders or architects, it is still their job to ensure that the project follows the originally developed plan. And if any change is to be made in the proposed design, they will be there to advise whether or not it is the right thing to do.
Talking Action — Choosing a Kitchen Designer and a Bathroom Remodeler
At this point, you’re very much aware of what to do as well as how to go about it even it comes to redesigning or remodeling your kitchen and bathroom. Working with a professional designer is obviously the best way to get the bang for your buck. And if you can’t accord one, just try to have at least a limited consultation with one, as it is a good way to save and also get creative ideas for your project.
Why You Should Consider Working With the UniqHouse
The UniqHouse is a luxury remodeling service with more than 15 years of experience serving a great number of clients. With our expertise, transforming your new home, Kitchen, bathroom, basement, into very attractive and functional spaces. We help you make the most out of your space at a reasonable cost.
If you’re looking to switch the look of your bathroom or get new designs for your kitchen, do reach out to us today at (678)-218-1993 at our Roswell office or (470)-828-2939 at our Norcross office.
Our team of seasoned experts will reach out to you and discuss the best designs fitting for your space. You can also walk into any of our showrooms in Roswell and Norcross, GA, and meet with our representatives to schedule a consultation.