Designers - Worth Every Penny

Your journey into the world of Kitchen and Bath design will more than likely include a visit to see a professional Kitchen and Bath designer. Many of these people have spent years studying design in school or working in an apprentice like fashion for a design studio. Additionally, they must keep abreast of the latest trends in design, materials and the technical aspects of several major product categories - Cabinetry, Countertops, Appliances, Flooring and Lighting.

Whether or not your designer is a CKD (Certified Kitchen Designer) or CBD (Certified Bath Designer), you should always check their references. This is the best way to determine how you will be treated, how obstacles will be handled, and generally how good a designer they are.

Here's a list of questions that you may want to ask about your prospective designer.

• Was the designer able to take your ideas and incorporate them into your design?
• Did the designer offer any suggestions to make your kitchen better or more functional?
• Did the designer do an inventory of your needs and wants? Did they ask about your family and how they would use the kitchen?
• Did the designer stay within your budget?
• What surprises arose during your project and how did the designer handle them?
• Once the cabinets were delivered and installation began, how often did the designer come by to see that everything was going okay?

And make sure that you ask to see photographs of their work. If a designer is proud of their work, they will be more than happy to share these with you. But Always, Always, Always, call their references.

Remember, a major kitchen remodel can cost anywhere from $10,000 to well over $100,000. That's like buying a new car, but with a kitchen, it doesn't come pre-assembled from the factory. So, you'll want to find out who's installing your cabinetry as well. Have they worked with your designer before. Make sure you check out the installers references as well.

As a final thought, no kitchen or bath remodel in the history of kitchen and bath remodels was ever completed without at least one minor, and often times one major issue. This is normal. Don't be alarmed if this happens to you. What's really important is how your designer and you will handle these situations.