The 1st Thing to Do if You’re Considering a Kitchen Reno

If you’re like most homeowners, imagining a beautifully renovated kitchen is fairly easy. The hard part is knowing how to get from the kitchen you have now to the one you really want. Where do you start? Who should you hire and when?

I won’t keep you in suspense here. The single best thing you can do at the outset of your renovation is… Hire an interior designer. 

If you’re surprised, rest assured that the rest of the blog post is going to shed some light on what designers do that is so important — essential, even — to your project’s success.

1. Less Stress & Fewer Mistakes

Most homeowners don’t know that there are hundreds of decisions to make before your kitchen renovation even starts. Yes, hundreds. Kitchens are notoriously complex, with carpentry, electrical, fixed elements (like countertops and backsplash), and plumbing all in one room. And these elements are all interconnected.

When it comes to making sure that your kitchen renovation will look, feel, and function like you hope it will, you need an interior designer. We use our years of experience to help you avoid pitfalls and guide you through the hundreds of decisions you’ll need to make to complete this new space. Yes, even the decisions you don’t know you need to make!

2. Efficiency that Saves

We’ve all seen TV shows with homeowners going wild with sledgehammers on Demo Day. TV shows make it seem like this is the first step in your renovation process. It isn’t. There are weeks of designing, planning, hiring, and purchasing that take place loooong before demolition.

Without proper timing, you could be left without a kitchen, running water, or working appliances for weeks. And time is money. The longer your project drags out, the more likely costs are to rack up. Hiring a designer first means that you have an expert who can plan out your renovation properly and keep it moving as efficiently as possible.

3. Functionality for You & Your Family

Designers approach kitchen renovations differently than general contractors do. Contractors ensure that all the pieces and people are in place to start building (and then, of course, they build), but the designer's number one priority is designing for livability and functionality.

We can look at a floor plan or elevation rendering, see potential issues (maybe you need more pantry storage or a place to charge electronics at your new island), and solve them before construction begins. This results in a kitchen that fits so seamlessly into your lifestyle that everyday tasks truly become easier and more enjoyable. And isn’t that what it’s all about?

Note: With CKD Remodeling, you get an Interior Designer (me) and a General Contractor (Steve) under one roof. That’s the best of both worlds!

We designed the Coastal Kitchen in Milton with incredible built-in features.

4. A Focus on Longevity & Durability

Part of my job as a designer is making sure that we identify the best materials and products for long-term durability. The last thing you want is to invest in a kitchen that won’t weather the years beautifully. And we don’t want that for you either.

For example, our top recommendation in kitchens is to invest in high-quality custom cabinetry. However, before making any decisions, we’ll discuss your goals, your budget, how you use the space, whether there are children or pets around, and more. Then, we use our knowledge and extensive resources to pick the most ideal options for you.

5. Optimizing Your Investment

Have you heard the saying, kitchens and bathrooms sell homes? It’s absolutely true. A kitchen renovation is an equity investment. We take pride in making sure your choices for materials, appliances, storage, etc. will benefit you now and in the future. 

As a designer, I also have unique insights into optimizing your budget, stretching it to save in places that matter the least and investing in places that will pay off down the road.

Read more about our beautiful Tuscan kitchen refresh here.

6. Long-Term Project Management

Okay, the planning is officially done…but our work isn’t. Despite common myths, project management is 80% of what designers do. 80%! We quite literally handle all the details. For example, we procure, order, track, and install. We also schedule and manage trades alongside our General Contractor. 

Why is this a huge benefit to you? Because we take on the responsibility and stress of your renovation. You get to enjoy your time, live your daily life, and have complete peace of mind that we are handling everything behind the scenes.

7. An Incredible New Kitchen

Of course, it would be remiss of me to leave the biggest benefit of hiring a designer off this list: the results. All of the above contributes to a kitchen remodel that will meet or exceed your expectations. With a designer at the helm of your project, the result is professional quality in the way it looks, lasts, and supports your daily lifestyle. Believe me, you’ll feel the difference!

Are you thinking about starting a kitchen renovation? Then, take the first step and schedule a complimentary discovery call with us. No commitments required. Just a chance to get to know each other and see if we’d be a good fit. We can’t wait to meet you.

Warmly,
Sarah (& Steve)