PROFESSIONAL DESIGN

General Information

Working With Design Professionals

 

A good relationship between the client and designer spell success for new construction or remodeling projects. Understanding that relationship can produce a home that captures the imagination. There are some basic steps to help you achieve the home of your dreams. When selecting a design professional, it is important to remember you are paying for their expertise and knowledge.

 

Communication with each other is vital; you will be working closely with your designer for a long time. A designer works from the inside out looking at the flow of the rooms, placement of windows, cabinetry and lighting design, helping choose finishes, colors and appliances, then coordinating everything into a cohesive layout. Clip magazine photographs and articles on things that are important to you in the design of your dream kitchen, such as wall color, wood verses painted cabinets, ergonomics and accessibility. The more information you can supply the designer as to how you live, the better and more effectively the designer can help you achieve the look you desire.

 

At the homeowners’ request, the designer can outline the kind of services to expect during your particular project. Some clients need help only picking cabinets and countertops, while others may need closer attention and guidance. Kitchen and bath designers usually charge an hourly fee, anywhere from $65 to $250 per hour; phases of work and the fee structure will vary according to the project.

 

Your designer will develop floor plans, elevations and perspectives to enable you to see how your kitchen will look. Take notes during meetings with your designer so there will be no misunderstandings later. After developing your design, you and your designer will add more detail to the drawings, including exact dimensions, colors and materials. It is easy to get bogged down at this phase because so many decisions must be made.

 

Unfortunately, many homeowners get into trouble when they hit this part of the design phase. It’s often easy to go way over budget when planning all the features and finishes you want for your dream home. It is important to do reality checks when it comes to pricing. It is best to put in all the bells and whistles and then remove less desired items from your design rather than constantly adding to your costs.

 

Building and remodeling projects rarely proceed without some unexpected development that affects budget or schedule. But if you have done your homework, have confidence in your design team, and have steeled yourself for the inevitable surprise by including that extra 10 percent in your budget for contingencies, you should be able to achieve the home of your dreams.