GC for designing is not a smart idea. Penny wise and pound foolish. Hire a designer and save money overall.

You want a Kitchen Designer, not an Interior Designer.

In most cases, Interior Designers (and GCs) don't understand kitchen design. It's best to see a Kitchen Designer.

What does your layout look like? Just because someone has a layout you like doesn't mean it will work in your situation or that it's the best layout for your space.

I'm still trying to understand the ins and outs to saving money by getting a designer. I understand how a person could be happier with their end result. Maybe in the end the GC would recommend something that doesn't work and it needs to be redone and that's where the money savings comes in?

As for our layout, my friend's house is pretty much the same house. We both have kids. There's not a whole lot that can be changed in the 1600 sq ft house. We'll be taking out a peninsula, adding an island, taking out a wall and a pony wall and soffit and moving the fridge to the other wall. The only difference with their house and ours will be they left bare wall space where we will extend our counters/cabinets. I need to figure out how to get the most counter space for the area but I don't think that's more than math, although I might be missing something that a desiger would add. I will say that my designer friend's island is a bit smaller than I'd plan on making mine but it might depend on where we get the cabinets... As for the look of the kitchen I think I have that figured out for the most part thx to pinterest. I know places like IKEA do inexpensive layouts but, again, my guess is that we're not going to use IKEA. I'd like to save money somewhere but I don't like that their cabinets can't be painted over and are particle board.

I think you do need the layout in order to get quotes from GCs. It also helps to have some ideas of your materials too, and who will provide what. Some floors are more expensive to install than others, for example. I ended up hiring the GC that my designer recommended, although he was also recommended by a friend who is in the business. I think it was helpful that my designer knew the GC (and his carpenter). And having a designer was so important in the end. There are so many little details in a kitchen that I would never have anticipated, plus it was nice having someone whose job it was to push or prod if there was a delay or error (and we had both).

Everything numbers is "fuzzy" until someone takes control of design & specifications.

That can be an architect, interior designer, contractor or the homeowner.

I wouldn't be concerned with so much with margin percentages as I would be with the bottom line. Your % is high for new but low for remodel unless you're paying for a dedicated onsite manager as a direct line item..... I find that contractors that give more cost detail have more ways to get their profit.

Again... focus on the bottom line.

A resounding YES! Your friend is right. Here are the benefits to paying for the design work before you get bids:

1. All the contractors you talk to will be bidding the job with the same information, i.e. the plans, elevations, and materials specs, so you can compare apples to apples.

2. The bids will be more accurate because they will be based on an actual design, not a verbal conversation.

3. A designer will make the GC's life far easier and the job will go faster when the design is done upfront.

I know contractors who won't even bid jobs without plans/designs. And they don't have to. So much work out there for them, they can afford to be picky about what jobs they take.

There are 715 variables that have to be nailed down in order to get an accurate price from a contractor. If you don't document all of those 715 variables, you have no hope of getting an accurate price. And if you don't have at least a couple of years of research into arcane things like the industry standard for tile layouts based on tile size and pattern, you are going to make costly mistakes in both material choices and project coordination.

You are being way ambitious and unrealistic about a contractor's role. If you don't have proper design documentation of everything, you aren't going to get it, and you will be frustrated.

90% of all customers come to us sure that they know the design they want. However because they are not kitchen designers they choose different designs when they are given the plusses and minuses of any design. Using IKEA cabinetry on an expensive construction project makes no sense except to DIYers who don't know what makes cabinetry durable.

Jeffrey, r u saying that I should focus on what the overall number they give me is and that it's easier for those who itemize to raise the price in other ways? It benefits me to not have the quote itemized? thx

If you deliver complete bid requests with fully detailed design and specs, only the total should matter. If you're in a "what if" mode, bring on a contractor to the team.

You want to make sure the bid states whether its "fixed" or "cost plus" and you want to understand if adjustments will be made from the bid to the actual work.

If the contractor itemizes "install XX lineal feet of cabinets" who pays the difference if wrong for example. My preference is "$xxxxx per plans & specs dated XX/XX/XX" with clarifications as needed. That is part of the reason you would develop a design and specs....

For a start, you could post your layout here to see pros & cons of what you think you want. It doesn't necessarily eliminate the need for a KD, but it will give you some ideas that will/won't work and why.

The Kitchens forum has a Layout Help FAQ thread that discusses information needed to come up with a good design using a combination of best practices/design guidelines, your family's needs/wants, and the reality of your space. FYI...the information we ask about will be useful twice -- once for us to help you and then for potential KDs you work with. In fact, if the KD doesn't ask you at least the same questions we ask, then I would move on b/c that KD probably isn't a real KD (probably a cabinet salesperson).

FAQ: How Do I Ask For Layout Help & What Information Should I Include?

• https://www.gardenweb.com/discussions/5500789/faq-how-do-i-ask-for-layout-help-what-information-should-i-include

Humorous discussion of workflow and other layout topics:

Looking for layout help? Memorize this first.

• http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/2699918/looking-for-layout-help-memorize-this-first

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Kitchen Design Best Practice/Guidelines FAQ Threads:

FAQ: Kitchen Work Zones, What Are They?

• https://www.gardenweb.com/discussions/5500762/faq-kitchen-work-zones-what-are-they

FAQ: Aisle Widths, Walkways, Seating Overhangs, Work/Landing Space etc

• https://www.gardenweb.com/discussions/5500771/faq-aisle-widths-walkways-seating-overhangs-work-landing-space-etc

FAQ: How Do I Plan For Storage?

• https://www.gardenweb.com/discussions/5500787/faq-how-do-i-plan-for-storage

Buehl, Thanku for that info. It's very generous of people to share that much of their time helping others design kitchens and the such!!! I will say in looking at the links u sent me I'm wondering if overlapping my kitchen and bathroom remodels is a bit much. I think I mostly got the bathroom figured out and I'm just still working it out with who will be the tile guy and so plumbing is on hold until then but we'll start electric and drywall next week and I have glass doors picked out. We had a kitchen flood and I figured maybe whatever GC we find to do the kitchen can help with the tile in the bathroom if we get stuck. I'm eager to have a dishwasher and I thought the kitchen wouldn't be as much work as the bathroom but I'm seeing I was wrong. The bathroom took me so long since I want to make sure it's all getting done right to avoid leaks but I can see that the kitchen will have a lot more details to think about. I'm glad to know to not look for a GC, though, until I have a design, which is going to delay things but hopefully move things along later. My worry is that many GCs are booking out as it is...

Buehl, I can't find where to post exactly as far as the kitchen layouts. Also, for my bathroom I used graph paper. For the kitchen layout should I do that and take a pic, then download, or is there an easy way to draw it on the computer? If this is too much to explain, no worries. My hope is paper and pen will suffice if that's the case. thx again!

You would make a post (making sure to include any layouts/pictures/etc) like you did here. Just make sure to select Kitchens in the list of topics/forums. The folks here are invaluable in helping design your space. Even if you go with a designer, they can help you clarify what you want to ask/do.

Hi, Kim,

Design and construction are not separate but related activities. They are highly interdependent activities. Every design choice has cost implications. In the case where you want to stay within a particular budget (and everybody has a budget) you'll be well served to get both your contractor and your designer on board from the outset and use a team approach.

Designing without the reality check of a contractor's input risks paying for a design that you'll fall in love with, but breaks the budget.

To get a general idea of what you can expect to spend, you can review cost data for kitchen remodels in your market area that are published annually by Remodeling Magazine in their "Cost vs. Value Report":

https://www.remodeling.hw.net/cost-vs-value/2018/

Best wishes for a successful project and many wonderful experiences in your new kitchen.

BTW I am a designer that specializes in both residentail and commercial kitchen design.I have put Ikea kitchens in every level of housing they last a long time are wll built but their designs are mostly more on the contemporary side.I have also painted Ikea cabinets to make them work in certain spaces. You can save a lot of money going the Ikea route but you will need to do some work yourself to really save. As for the question you of course will need a kitchen design to get actual quotes and GC are exactly that they oversee all the trades , handle the timing of the projects from start to finish but they are never KDs get one it will save you money in the long run.Ikea has some pretty designers on staff who of course are good at Ikea cabinet layouts.

Get a very good KD. That person has the trades necessary at her fingertips. Be honest about your budget. Don't attempt a kitchen and bath reno at the same time is my advice.

Tip ? I have been at this for nearly three decades. I wouldn't design my own kitchen beyond the basic wish list layout, fine tuning is for a trained KD, a separate study from interior design. I would NEVER, EVER, EVER act as my own GC. Now, what does that say : ) Mmmmm? Bear in mind I can call any sub by first name, and know the name of their DOG too.

You've posted many, many, many times in the last month or so and from your questions it is obvious that you are lost and you need help and direction. (Not trying to be critical, this is not your line of work.) You don't know what you don't know - and that is one of the most dangerous things for a consumer going into building a new home or a major remodel. You need someone to help you take control, sift through your many ideas and land on something that will work for your space. That someone can be a kitchen/bath designer or a design/build remodeling organization.

Once you have a cohesive plan, then you can start a pricing process. Even with a good plan, each GC will price based on their interpretation of the plan so there is never a perfect apples to apples, but should be close. If a price comes in way over or under the majority, then there would be more exploration on these. The high bidder may see a structural issue that everyone else has missed, or maybe they are just higher but you shouldn't just make assumptions. Ask lots of questions to anyone that you are considering using. Go see their work.

If you do a couple of searches using the Houzz search bar there are hundreds, if not thousands, of existing discussion threads on this very topic of how to choose a contractor. Lots of good information out there to help you.

Being truly knowledgeable in the field of kitchen design means recognizing your limitations. For example Jan Moyer who is a experienced interior designer would seek out a expert kitchen designer when designing her own kitchen. I have designed and sold well over 2000 residential kitchens in the last 20 years but would not touch a commercial kitchen because I just am not experienced enough.

Knowing that you could use some help actually shows that you probably need less of it. While considering yourself an expert in residential and commercial kitchen design without an extensive portfolio and espousing IKEA cabinetry tells another story.

Main Line, I could NOT have said that better. Success in any endeavor is the recognition that you do not know what you do not know, and that you can not do as well, what others do every day of their professional lives. My GC would call me if he was even thinking of a new living room, or any other room.So would my two favorite KD's. I can't speak to the IKEA thing at all- not a popular consideration here in my woods: )

@Main Line Design, meh. I am a CID, not a CKD/CBD, and yet I still win awards at NKBA design competitions. Some designers do the full gamut and do it well. Yes, if the kitchen is the only piece you are remodeling in your home, a CKD would be an ideal choice. But if you plan to also remodel other areas of your home, there's no reason to hire two designers. It's an unnecessary expense.

Bottom line? Do your homework on the designer before you hire them. Get their client references, not just reviews. Look at their work product, not just their portfolio. Have a long conversation about their process and how they sync with the general contractor.

Some truth in Sabrina's comment, certainly. BUT. A kitchen is minute fractions of inches. Design a kitchen? Yes I do that all the time!! Every kitchen on my Houzz page is my design, as is every bath! But I never place the cabinetry order, I generally like custom build and get with a local craftsman for that. I put necessary people together. ........I simply know my limits, and not to know could be expensive, indeed : )

Patricia is right, IKEA has it's place in the cabinet market, just allow for assembly as well as installation in pricing considerations. Where plywood boxes are great, furniture board (what you call particle board) is plenty sturdy and will do a fine job if your budget won't handle plywood costs.

When you talk about an "itemized" quote, do you mean that everything is priced and broken out separately? It's important to know what's included, so asking for a quote that spells that out is reasonable. Asking for one with prices listed for everything isn't, as long as you have the bottom line in front of you. If it's not clear, ask what "cabinet allowance" means? Is this a price just for the boxes or boxes and installation?

Your contractor isn't necessarily the best person to install your cabinets. The cabinet retailer will know exactly what's needed and how it goes in. They often work very closely with their installers and are used to what each other means and can do. If the GC wants to install, ask about the experience level of the installer. Not every trim carpenter has the experience or training needed to install kitchens. Ask to see pictures of his other installations and ask how long he's been doing this.

We and many other reputable cabinet dealerships sell many cabinet lines that are far better built than IKEA AND THE SAME PRICE OR A TINY BIT MORE. And if all you want is a well built box and no one who knows anything about kitchens don't go to IKEA? Costco is a better choice and cheeper.

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These better made cabinets all come assembled and are the same price as IKEA cabinetry for many lines or no more than 20% more for the top lines in this class of cabinetry. And most cabinet dealerships do NOT charge for their design time. These cabinet lines are all fully assembled with plywood sides and backs and dovetail soft close drawers and soft close drawers. Ad to this that IKEA just changed their construction, so what was a bad box before is just junk now.

Being knowledgeable about kitchen design means keeping up with the industry and knowing what is available for what price on top of a complex design and construction issues.

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Certification in kitchen design means very little. Some of the best and worst designers I know are CKD's. We win lots of design awards too but that is also meaningless in my opinion. The people that judge competitions are often idiots and I have seen kitchens far better than mine lose competitions while we have won because we spent more on the photographer. Every year when I go to KBIS, The National Kitchen and Bath Industry Show, I have to avoid even hearing some of the nut jobs in our industry speak or I'd pull what hair I have left out.

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Worst of all the NKBA had several years where the award winning kitchens were actually dangerous and against building code. Some of the award winning kitchen and bath designs have also been very expensive but bordering on ridiculous. See example of this 2014 bath winner below.

The bottom line is that it is very hard to ascertain who is a good kitchen designer in an industry so unregulated and that has so many inexperienced and unqualified people in it. But the one thing that is most certainly true is that you can not be a good kitchen designer unless you do it full time at a cabinet dealership for possibly a decade. And thinking that the job is easy and that you can do it with little experienced means that you are an incompetent.

I guess I'm the rare GC who does design work...we design and build 99% of our kitchen projects without designer input. And we use IKEA kitchens almost exclusively (check our Houzz page).

Just want to comment on two of OP's observations: (1) that IKEA doors "can't be painted over" and (2) and that they are particle board. Neither is true in most cases. We often use IKEA doors (like the ash wood "Torhamn" shaker door) and get them custom-lacquered; and many of IKEA's door styles are solid wood + veneer, or MDF, or a combination thereof. Some have particleboard components (e.g. the wood-veneered centre panel of the Torhamn door), but this in fact desirable as particleboard is a highly stable, flat and uniform substrate for veneers. And finally, if you don't like IKEA's stock doors, there are many aftermarket suppliers.

@Main LIne, not to contradict you, but of all the competitions out there the NKBA design competitions are the ones LEAST influenced by aesthetics and most on (a) NKBA guidelines--which take building codes, clearances, etc. into account, and (b) on the clarity of the drawings/plans based on their drawing standards. So, without having seen the before/after plans of the bathroom you posted above (which, agreed, is not my taste), it's quite possible it adheres to all the NKBA guidelines and it could have represented a huge transformation from the original bathroom. I'm sure it's true that not all competitions and judges are created equal, but as someone who operates in the SF Bay Area where the competition is pretty stiff and the judges are all industry veterans, I'm pretty confident those awards mean something.

As to your assertion "you can't be a good kitchen designer unless you do it full time at a cabinet dealership", I say "horse hockey". It's incumbent upon me, as the designer, to partner with great suppliers who know their cabinet lines and can deliver on the design. I tend to do a lot of custom cabinetry, mainly because the quality and ease of installation is worth the upcharge for my clients who are already spending significant amounts of money. For a little bit more, they get the best of the best.

As I said, being confident you know what you are doing and talking about in kitchen design without the experience to know what you don't know is the problem. In this funny video we make this point and a CKD and myself discuss the issue of not knowing what you don't know:

Cute video!! Especially love the engineer, ( who hasn't had one ?) and his crazy eight DW idea. I have to think it may solve the omnipresent $#@!^)**&^%# DISH DRAINER that louses up my design and lovely result !! Although I do have a second concern as to who does the transferring and unloading of the eight dishwashers as at some point you're completely screwed up???

Main Line, I agree with your assessment of IKEA cabinetry but for many homeowners, IKEA is the only thing that fits in the budget.

kimromen: Just to clarify: Particle board or furniture board would be used for the sides of the boxes, MDF is what's used as the raised panel in a door, for instance. It is denser than particle board and can be shaped with more definition.

Not at all a cute video. It's patronizing and pretentious, and it's ridiculous to assume that all potential customers have the same level of knowledge.

It's best to have a kitchen designer prepare the kitchen design for GC quotes. Otherwise the GC is guessing what you want and chances are you will change your mind about what you want once you visit a showroom. Many GC's can recommend a kitchen designer they work with and the design is typically free. Don't pay for an interior designer. Also, there are many details in the cabinets themselves that can make a big difference in the price. If you don't specify box construction (plywood or particle board), Doors (Solid Wood or Other), Door Style (Shaker vs slab, vs raised panel), painted or stained, drawers or shelves, added accessories, you are going to get quotes that are not apples to apples. All of these things can affect your price tremendously. One GC might come in lower, but they are quoting something completely different than the other.

@Main Line, before we dismiss his idea, we really need to know more about the particular engineer in the video, his engineering discipline, level of training and experience, and whether he's licensed. We'd also need an economic analysis...

What we do know, is that the notion of multiple dishwashers is a clear illustration of "batch process" thinking. I submit that a single, continuous dishwasher (think school cafeteria) with a conveyor could do the job in lieu of the multiple dishwashers and eliminate the need to transfer dishes, too. While we're at it, let's make it "green": Solar energy could be tapped to heat the hot water for the dishwasher. Photovoltaics could generate the needed electricity. Some of the waste heat from drying the dishes could be recuperated to pre-heat domestic hot water. The wastewater generated could be stored and used for flushing toilets and watering the lawn. The biomass produced by the irrigated lawn could be fermented to produce ethanol for a variety of uses including--but certainly not limited to-- transportation. Problem solved. Keep those kitchen design problems coming!

Happy New Year, Houzzers!

We interviewed some GCs last fall for our eventual kitchen and bathroom remodel projects and quickly learned the difference between a build contractor and a design/build contractor.

I'll discuss the two extremes: youngish design/build contractor with a focus in kitchens and bathrooms, and the generalist Amish build contractor. We wanted a general sense of the work involved and the expectation we'd be supplying materials (that's how my dad does it), but the design/build contractor ended up giving us a quote with detailed line items for fitting the kitchen completely, with materials into the cost. The problem with this was that in order to make the impressive detailed quote, he made a heck of a lot of design assumptions. Not really our style - I absolutely do not want the GC making design decisions for us. The Amish GC's MO was completely different. For this GC and his crew, you hand over detailed plans and instructions, as well as materials (beyond basic incidental stuff like nails), and they will execute and do an excellent job at it. The quote and timeline estimate was based on pretty much all labor and installation. We would need to do a lot more work, like provide highly detailed designs, procure materials, handle permits, etc. So, zero assumptions about anything on their part, and we would have complete creative control.

I'm early in the design stage for the kitchen. I'm acting as my own designer because, while I'm not specifically an interior designer, I'm an industrial designer with shop skills and interior design experience. Having family in construction helps too. Most other folks who are not insane like me would do well to hire a designer (if they don't want a design/build contractor, which can be expensive). Then you just hand your designer's plans to your build contractor and have them execute it.

Bottom line, doing the design work to a high level of detail and specifying materials and finishes beforehand is a very good thing. You'll br able to weed out design/build contractors and get more accurate quotes from build contractors.

You needed a K&B Designer for your current project. And you needed to NOT act as your own GC. There's way too many red flags associated with your multiple posts that show that multiple things are going wrong. You don't realize most of the issues, or their significance, and that only shows that you don't know what you don't know. You should put that project on pause while you find some experienced help. NOW. Before your project becomes yet another sad "Help this can't be right" posts.

Design is not about the pretty colored tile selections. That is decorating. Design is about functionality, and code changes, and proper waterproofing, and choosing legal lead free fixtures instead of junk brands. A thousand things that aren't paint colors.

You need a K&B designer for the next project too. It's 2-3x the money, and complexity, and code issues. Mistakes like are currently being made in the bath cost money and time both. If they aren't prevented up front, they cost more in the end.

I've forgotten the question, but I'll contribute an answer.:

All things design involve three words. Price, quality .delivery. ( delivery is time )

I can follow that with these words: Pick two of the above.

How does this work? Like this:

You don't want to be without a kitchen for long, but you don't really want to pay a GC to ensure timely subs. An answer is take lots of time from other things you do, and devote yourself nearly 24/7 to the project. You keep some money you give away your TIME and delivery of your finished project. The more quality you want, the longer shall be your time.

Another: You get design help, you get a GC, you carefully plan, you buy quality components within the design. It's executed with perfection. This also takes TIME. Meaning the delivery of the end result will be delayed ........you will have spent more for the lovely result, and you will have the quality. This is the optimum, and the option nobody loves............either because of the time, or the $$$.

This is why we say................pick two.

Dear Kim,

I think you are a little ahead of yourself. Like the majority of people wanting new kitchens you are trying to get your new kitchen done. And Without being able to communicate what it is you really want and expect to Get AFTER your new kitchen is done.

You are designing the kitchen but not Your Life You expect to be Living In It AFTER it’s done.

“ I already have the kitchen layout chosen for the most part since a friend of mine who is a designer has the same layout and I'm probably going to go with a similar layout.”

I believe a kitchen is a Home & Life Improvement Project, and NOT a get a new kitchen project to satisfy your urge for something new. Because you don’t like your existing kitchen, with the Hope of getting what you truly want and desire.

This is a recipe for kitchen project failure almost everyone blindly follows. This is the Wrong approach and I believe the Wrong destination for you!

What you truly want, if you think about it, is a new, different, better, easier life than the one you’re living now in your existing kitchen. That you know from your own experience doesn’t work for you.

Because it’s Not Your Kitchen but the kitchen you inherited from the previous owner. That you had to Adapt to by putting your items where ever they fit and as long as you know where everything is you’ll make do.

What makes you believe your new kitchen will be any different? What makes you believe you won’t Have To ADAPT to your new kitchen?

If you want to get the new kitchen and new life you truly want and expect your new kitchen project to deliver, and not do any of the work yourself. I believe you will need to hire a designer and a GC.

Your budget is going to dictate what you can actually get in design, product, and services. You can’t make a silk purse from a sow’s ear.

Is your budget realistic?

Fact: You are NEVER going to renovate this kitchen again for as long as you’re in this home.

I believe that if you are going to take on a new kitchen project, Your Ultimate goal is Home & Life Improvement. And as dramatic an improvement in Home and Life, for your money, as possible.

However, price shouldn’t be the Determining Factor. Why? Because you are NEVER going to renovate this kitchen AFTER it’s done. No Matter What Happens! You will be living with it, for better or worse, for as long as you own this home.

Imagine, you’re in this home just 10 years from now. Will it matter then that you saved thousands of dollars, but have lived with disappointment and regret. That you didn’t get to live your new life you were hoping for, for the last 10 years? Or that you spent thousands more to get the new life and new kitchen you still love and enjoy living in every single day?

Buyer Beware…Hiring anyone in the services industry is tough for everyone that has had to do this. Doctor, lawyer, plumber, electrician, GC, designer it doesn’t matter. Too many choices and it seems no easy way to tell service providers apart.

You may want to hire a GC that does kitchens so you don’t have to find tradesman and do it yourself. That comes at a cost.

You may want to hire a designer to create your kitchen design drawings for you so you can get bids and shop for your best price and value. This also comes at a cost.

Which route is the best one for you to take?

You can’t answer this question because you don’t have enough information. You are in the forest among the trees. So let’s see if we can get you above the trees to get you a 30,000 foot 360 degree view. So you can see clearly what is involved in what you are about to do.

Every GC you talk to is a GC and every designer is a kitchen designer so far no help.

We are all individuals and as individuals we are all uniquely different. We have different ways of doing the exact same things, we have different levels of perfect that need to be met. We all feel differently about what we do. And We all add different levels of value to the work we do.

So although on the surface service providers are grouped together in your case GC, designer, every GC and every Designer is different and will produce dramatically different results at dramatically different costs.

So How do you compare them to discover their differences and who’s best to work for you? You ask this simple question, “What do I get if I hire you that I won’t get from anyone else?” You care about What You Get not what they do.

If you’re looking for a GC to do your entire new kitchen project chances are they design kitchens or are going to farm out your project to a kitchen designer anyway. To a designer you didn’t get to interview. These designers will design a kitchen (not your kitchen) that suits your budget.

You’ll truly believe you’re designing your new kitchen too. Because you’ll get to make choices but you’re not. Because you’ll only get to see and choose from what they show you that fits within your budget.

You’ll realize this is true, AFTER your new kitchen is done and you’ll blame yourself and regret that you didn’t do this project differently. NOW that you have the experience of HOW Not To do your new kitchen project.

You don’t have the luxury of gaining experience this way. So what do you do?

Think about your new kitchen project like a journey you’re going to take. To get you from where you are now, Your existing kitchen that doesn’t work for you.

To the world’s perfect kitchen for you, that resolves all of your existing kitchen’s performance problems esthetically and functionally. And delivers that new, different, better, easier, more enjoyable life, that you don’t experience now in your existing kitchen. Where you want to be Living AFTER your new kitchen is done.

How?

1. You start where you stand in your existing kitchen. Analyze it to discover what performance benefits exist that you’d like to keep and what performance problems it has that you need to resolve, fix, or eliminate.

Now you are clear about what works well and what needs improvement in your kitchen’s performance of the 5 Basic Tasks (storage, preparation, cooking/baking, delivery (food & beverage), and clean up).

Reproducing the benefits and resolving the problems gets you to the world’s perfect kitchen for you! And all of this space planning work should be done BEFORE interior elevations are ever done. Your goal is to create the world’s perfect plan that’s uniquely your own. Creating the Foundation your new kitchen will be built upon.

How?

2. You create every possible appliance and cabinetry combination to create every possible new kitchen layout that provides a solution, to your unique kitchen design dilemmas discovered in step 1. Use the following link to see what I mean. https://www.kitchendesignco.com/layout-laboratory/

Analyze and Compare all of your new kitchen options you were able to come up with (there should be at least 5). If you need DIY kitchen layout help use the following link: https://www.kitchendesignco.com/diy-kitchen-layout-help/ 

Just like you did in step 1 so you are clear How each layout (plan) works day to day and when you entertain. After you’ve gone through all of them…do it again.

Only this time by direct comparison and using the process of elimination you’ll get down to one plan. Your perfect new kitchen plan. How do you know for certain? You’ve seen and compared all other options leaving no doubt that you have your perfect plan.

3. Now that you have your perfect kitchen plan. Having your interior elevations and 3D perspective drawings done is easy. Actually you should be able to get an estimate on how much your kitchen will cost using your layout (plan) alone.

However, if you have a complete set of kitchen interior design drawings done, like these (to see examples follow this link): https://www.kitchendesignco.com/kitchen-design-drawings/ 

Once you select your finishes you can get accurate pricing from EVERYONE on EVERYTHING you’ll need to complete your kitchen project and long BEFORE you build it.

So you can discover definitely if your budget will get you the new kitchen, home and life improvement you truly want, and expect it to deliver.

REMEMBER...You are NEVER going to redo this kitchen for as long as you'll own it. For better or for worse live with it and make do, or get what you truly want and expect.

It’s your decision.

Hope this has been helpful.

Joe Brandao

Kitchen Design Company

Thank you everyone for your thought out comments. I'll start looking for kitchen designers. The kitchen is falling apart before our eyes so I'm hoping it's not going to be 1/2 a year before it's done. Every major appliance in the house has broken accept the stove within the last 6 mths. The dishwasher leaked and flooded the kitchen so we are living with partial cabinets. The sink started leaking right after that and 2 days ago the garbage disposal stopped working. Now it's leaking and we can't use that side of the sink. With 3 children and special needs there couldn't have been a more inconvenient time for this to happen than right before Christmas and 2 days before we were going to start the bathroom tear out due to a different leak. I hear this is the busiest time of the year to get GCs. I stopped looking for dishwashers figuring it might get banged around in the remodel and now to spend money on getting the sink issues fixed temporarily. ugh, it's a bit disheartening. I'm just hoping for the stove to hang on until the remodel! Lots to think about at an inconvenient time. I'm hopeful we can find a good kitchen designer and GC to take some of this off our hands and get some movement.

Drywallers come for the bathroom tomorrow, so making slow progress there but it will be good to have the hole in the ceiling blocked up (where we tore the soffit out). Electric was started and the electrician will finish up after that :). Small steps in that direction. I need some bigger leaps in the kitchen direction, though. thx much!

My wife and I have done 5 houses, total remodels and have always used a Design/Build firm. They do the design to our specification, they spend the time to really get to know how we want to functionally use the space and the most cost effective way to get the job done. They do the process of getting 3 bids from each subtrade and because they do so much work they get the "A+" subs working for them. Each house that we have done and sold has made such a real profit because the houses were done so well with great function in mind and a cohesive plan. So for me a really good Designer/Builder are way worth what they charge, hands down.

I love the post from Jan Moyer about Good-Cheap-Fast. My wife and I say "if you pay peanuts you will probably get circus monkeys". We respect what these professional do and feel that good professional more than pay for themselves.