Kitchen Designers and Remodeling Contractors: Which Professional You Need and Why
Building a new home? Remodeling an existing one? Either way, the kitchen may be the most complex and expensive room to plan. Items involved in the planning may include:
- Cabinets
- Flooring
- Lighting
- Appliances
- Ventilation
- Architectural enhancements
- Decorative features
- Furniture
- Windows and doors
- Efficient work flow
- Budgeting and bidding
You may never have needed to research these items before; however, experienced kitchen designers and remodeling contractors work with them and stay current on trends and quality every day. Kitchens must be both highly functional and very inviting, as many families know that it's not only the cooks who tend to congregate in a home's kitchen during group get-togethers, but the whole gang.
Kitchen Designers
Kitchen designers may be certified by the National Kitchen and Bath Association, or may have either an associate's or bachelor's degree in their field. Get referrals from friends or retailers, and interview two or three of them to see whom you communicate with the best. Ask for references and visit or see photos of their work. Trust them to stay up-to-date on all the options available.
Kitchen Remodeling Contractors
Kitchen remodeling contractors may be either general contractors or specialists in kitchen renovations. Either way, they should be licensed and reputable. Besides personal recommendations, check your Registrar of Contractors, the Yellow Pages, and the Better Business Bureau. Get three bids on your job--costs may vary widely.
Do Your Own Kitchen Design Research
Do your homework before you contact either kitchen designers or kitchen remodeling contractors. Resources include:
- Magazines
- Online kitchen design sites
- TV programs about remodeling and home design
- Consumer-friendly computer design programs
- Home tours in your area
- Your architect
Get involved with all the tools and resources available to you, and you can have the kitchen of your dreams!
About the Author
Suzanne Clemenz designed her passive solar home and interacted with the contractors every day of the 6-month project. She started drawing floor plans and making models in the early '70s after purchasing several building lots. Recently she expanded and
