Just when you thought the winter was over, we got
another six inches of snow on the first day of spring! I think we all had
enough because this unusual weather is delaying our seasonal compulsion of
remodeling something in the spring. It could be a kitchen, a bath, even a
closet or garage, it really doesn’t matter. Our species is predisposed to do
something to our home when the weather starts to warm. Like the swallows
returning from wherever they went, this need is not something to be ashamed of.
We have very little control over it.
If you are facing this uncontrollable remodeling urge,
you will probably need some help. But don’t despair; you don’t have to do it
alone. There are many qualified designers available to create a functional, as
well as aesthetically pleasing, kitchen or bath to satisfy your desires. Look
for a firm that is associated with the National Kitchen and Bath Association.
This is the largest organization in the industry and it sets the standards for modern
interior design. But don’t expect to get something for nothing, because you get
what you pay for.
Most trained and qualified designers charge for their
initial work, however their charges and pricing structures vary greatly. I know
of companies that charge anywhere from $100 to $1,000 or more, for this
service. Usually, this sum can be applied towards the purchase of designs or cabinets,
and I wouldn’t recommend contracting with a firm that did not adhere to that
policy. After all, a good design takes a great deal of time, effort and
creativity, so why should they give this away for free? However, if they’re
willing to credit these charges towards a purchase, you’re not taking too big a
risk.
An argument could be made that if you don’t like the
design and/or estimate you’ve wasted your money. I don’t entirely disagree with
this, and that’s why I recommend finding a firm with a minimum initial design
fee. This smaller expense certainly does not compensate the designer for all
the time he must spend creating your dream kitchen, but it shows a commitment
on your part, indicating that you are serious about the project.
Some firms have a staged design fee, which includes a
minimum initial design charge. If after reviewing the design, you wish to
pursue the project, they have a secondary fee (sometimes called a retainer) for
additional work on the design or releasing the drawings to you. This seems to
be an equitable compromise. The designer charges a minimal fee, confident that
they will create an exciting design, within the budget that you specify. You
get a chance to review the design and see how much the renovation will cost,
before laying out a lot of money.
At that point, assuming the design fits your budget,
you have to ask yourself three questions. The first is, do you like the design?
It doesn’t have to be perfect yet, but it must show promise, and you have to be
convinced that it can be modified to your satisfaction. The second question is,
do you like the company’s products? This includes the cabinets, countertops and
other accessories. The final question is, do you trust the designer and his
support staff? If the design or designer is not to your liking, or the cost is
out of line, you have the option of ending the relationship without incurring
additional costs.
If you answer, “yes” to the three questions, you’re
ready to move to the next step in a “staged design fee” program. If any of your
answers were “no”, look for another firm that you are more comfortable with.
Once you find the right company to work with, a design
you love, and a price that’s compatible with your budget, you can succumb to
your impulses. Don’t feel guilty. Just as the swallows fly home, spring home
improvement has been ingrained into our genes for a thousand years and it will
remain that way for a long time to come.
No comments:
Post a Comment