What can an Edinburgh kitchen planner do?
Kitchen designers are professional interior designers who help homeowners in designing kitchens that meet the demands and style of the home’s occupants. Professional kitchen designers meet with clients to discuss how to meet their goals relating to their kitchens. Clients can consider remodeling an existing kitchen, building a new home or commenting design issues during the initial home design phase. They can also work with a design professional such as an architect to help improve design ideas associated with the kitchen.
Kitchen designers can also work with professional remodeling contractors who specialize in kitchen remodels. The contractor can provide feedback and advise the kitchen designer on whether a particular design can be achieved.
The professional kitchen designer gets involved throughout the course of the project or limits their involvement to the initial design. As most residences have kitchens, the professional kitchen designer works primarily on residential projects. There can be instances where a kitchen designer works on a commercial project. These include the remodelling of a hotel or a workplace kitchen. Building codes may be more strict for commercial projects. Certain states require licensing for kitchen designers who consult on commercial projects. Kitchen designers work either as independent designers working for themselves or they work as part of a larger team. They are employed through an interior design firm or architectural firm. They may also work for a design-build contractor who handles both the project design and the installation of the new kitchen.
What are a kitchen planners job duties?
A kitchen designer is a type of interior designer who works with clients to discuss aspects of creating, remodeling, or updating the kitchen area of their home. You would discuss building materials, themes, colors, patterns, and room layout with a client.
As a project begins, you will need to install lighting, flooring, appliances, windows, paint, drywall, doorways, counter tops, and other furnishings. You need to work with your clients to make it clear that their project stays within budget. The duties also include working with building contractors, electricians, painters, plumbers, and other professionals to get the job done. You could also suggest particular kitchen accessories, such as tables, dishware, glassware, serving pieces, and decorations that will match a client’s aesthetic taste.
How can I prepare for hiring a kitchen planner?
To hire an ideal remodel experience, do extensive research before you consult with contractors and ask for bids.
There are several steps to hire a kitchen planner.
1. Decide how much you will spend on the project. Develop a budget which includes items for labor, materials, and permits. Unexpected expenses will usually take up at least 10% of your budget. The proportion of the budget usually consist of cabinets (26%), appliances (18%), countertop (14%), install (13%), lighting & electrical (10%), plumbing (8%), ground work (7%), back splash (4%).
2. Must-haves vs wants
Make a list of everything you hope for in a kitchen (specialty storage, traffic, glass door cabinets, type of appliances, etc.). Make a priority, classifying each item as: must have, can compromise, or can wait.
4. Your style
Be clear to share images of kitchen features you like with your kitchen designer and your contractor. Prepare an idea file with pictures, notes and links. Photo gallery, Pinterest and Houzz are good sources of inspiration.
5. Appliances
Consult with your designer before purchasing appliances, asking for suggestions on the ideal value and fit for your space and your cooking style. Visit an appliance showroom and look at models, check out Consumer Reports for quality reviews, then check online and at clearance outlets to find the ideal prices. If you are on a tight timeline, be cautious about special orders. Provide model numbers to your designer for a perfect fit in your cabinet layout.
6. Cabinets
Cabinets show a major share of your remodel budget and take years of hard work. So quality is as important as style for the model. Cabinets need to be on site early in the remodel process, so be clear that the company you purchase from can deliver consequently in short time.
7. Professional kitchen design
Consult with a professional designer early in your planning process. Draw on the expert’s experience for suggestions on saving money, increasing storage, adding a unique personal touch or otherwise getting the most out of your space.
8. Countertops, flooring and backsplash.
The type of countertop and flooring you select (quartz or laminate countertop, hardwood or tile flooring, etc.) will affect your contractor’s timeline and budget, so those decisions need to be made shortly before you begin getting necessary bids.
What are the cost factors for an Edinburgh kitchen planner?
Kitchen designers will usually charge a percentage of the total cost of the kitchen project. The industry standard is 10%, but depending on your region and its current pricing trends, it would be ideal to compare estimates from local kitchen designers to get a clear assumption of approximate costs.