Are you in the midst of redesigning and renovating your home kitchen? Wherever you may be in the process, let me share some valuable insight that could save you from making some expensive mistakes. Did you miss the previous kitchen mistake to avoid, we can catch you up in no time! Check out our post Expensive Kitchen Mistake #9 here.
Mistake #10: Failing to Consult the Industry Professionals
So here’s the reality- you can learn to design or even build your own kitchen with the help of online tools and blogs like these. And while I truly hope there has been some incredibly valuable information that you’ve read so far, reading a blog is not the same as being an expert in any given area.
Whether it’s a quick consultation or even a complete experience from start to finish, the professionals have the education, expertise and knowledge to offer you guidance and walk you through the process. This can help save you from the remodel headaches and perhaps allow you to create a kitchen that you may never have imagined.
Which Professionals Should I Consult With?
Architects
An architect is often brought on to projects beyond just a kitchen. For example, a whole home remodel that requires drawings to be submitted for approval by the city in order to obtain a building permit.
It’s common for designers and architects to collaborate on large projects together at the early stages of a design, well before construction begins. Interior designers have a skill set of spatial awareness within the interior environment, including the kitchen and bathroom. In addition to space planning, architects have a wonderful understanding of structural requirements and exterior elements. I’ve collaborated with many architects myself on home remodel projects and am always in admiration of their contributions.
If you plan to add square footage to your home to accommodate a larger kitchen, like extending into your backyard for instance, having a chat with a contractor may be a great start to exploring the start of your project.
Contractors & Builders
Beyond just a consultation, these are the guys (or gals!) you’ll want to interview to help bring your kitchen design to fruition! Once you have a design vision and even drawings to accompany that vision, a contractor or builder can offer you clarity and guidance on the next steps. This would include a rough budget, schedule and expectations on the job. Also, if you plan to make some questionable structural changes, a builder or contractor can point you in the right direction of bringing on an architect and/or structural engineer.
Searching for the right contractor or builder can be a process in itself. Getting a consultation from a few different people will help you to narrow down the decision as to who might be the best fit. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) is definitely a great place to start that search for reputable, well-qualified building professionals.
Interior Designers
If you need one, I know where to find one! 😉
While the interior design professional can sometimes be overlooked, the skill and eye of such a pro is something that should be seen as a huge benefit and value add when consulting on your upcoming kitchen layout. I have seen designers consult on just about everything from color palette to cabinetry configurations.
However, more than just finding the pretty tiles and narrowing down paint colors, a well-trained interior designer can offer immensely valuable input from kitchen space planning to gauging investment levels.
Having a conversation with a designer should be one of the first steps when getting ready to work on your kitchen design or redesign. An interior designer can help you organize your thoughts, give you pointers or reassurance of what you’ve already envisioned and likely open your mind to ideas you had not yet considered.
When it comes to your search for a qualified interior designer, organizations such as the American Society for Interior Designers (ASID) or the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) are great places to start. You can find reputable design pros in your area.
What can be gained from a consultation?
The real question is ‘what do you have to lose’? Having a conversation or even an in-home consultation with any of these professionals will ultimately help steer you in a good direction for your upcoming kitchen remodel project.
Here’s a quick list of some items you can prepare yourself for prior to a chat or initial meeting with any of these pros:
- Scope of the Project. Have a goal in mind for your project. Is it just the kitchen you plan to remodel? Or are there other areas that might be impacted. For example, the adjacent living room or dining room. This will help all parties understand what you’d like to achieve overall.
- Project Schedule. While the pros will help you to identify current timeframes of trades availability and project completions, it’s always a good idea to come prepared with thoughts as to your own upcoming schedule. This could allow you to decide if it’s best to get started sooner or later.
- Project Budget. I actually love the word “investment” over budget as what you’re spending on any home project will absolutely have a return. But that’s a completely different blog post on its own. Having a “budget” range in mind is incredibly helpful so all parties can guide you as to what is realistic to accomplish.
RESULT OF EXPENSIVE MISTAKE #10
Failing to consult with the pros could mean not getting the kitchen that you deserve!
VALUE SAVINGS
A small investment in consulting with a professional could save not just your wallet but all the stresses that could come with a remodel project.
So there you have it my friends, the last of the expensive mistakes to avoid in kitchen remodeling! I hope you feel a bit more confident when you are ready to embark on your design project!
If you need a recap, get your hands on the “10 Expensive Mistakes to Avoid in Kitchen Remodeling” video by subscribing to our email list. Rock on Remodelers!
Xoxo, Megan
