A Project in the Life of a Kitchen Designer-Week 3

Last time we took a look at the behind the scenes events that occur in the second week of a kitchen remodel. We are getting close to the end with week 3.

 

Day 11: A new week starts off with a bang. It is off to the tile showroom to make selections for the backsplash. I have brought the cabinet and granite samples with me so we can coordinate these finishes and colors. The homeowners have brought a few pictures of things they like. This is helpful in narrowing down our options. One could very easily get overwhelmed walking into this showroom. Everywhere you look there is another color, style or design option. After experimenting with several design layouts and different tiles, a decision has been made and the homeowners are thrilled with their selection.

 

Day 12: Paperwork day! Send layout of countertops to granite fabricator for estimate. Figure square footage of tile backsplash and send to the tile showroom. Contact other trades to get estimates. Begin compiling numbers for the cost estimate.

 

Day 13: Most of the new lighting in the kitchen will be recessed can lights, but we do have two pendant lights over the island. Normally we would begin our search at Lowes and then go to Progressive Lighting in Atlanta, but the homeowner has fallen in love with a fixture from Pottery Barn. Layout the placement of the can lights. Make copies for the homeowner and electrician. Order lights from Pottery Barn.

 

Day 14: Answer questions from the granite fabricator on details for the countertops. Follow up with trades that still owe you an estimate.

 

Day 15: Finish compiling and collecting estimates. Schedule a time to meet with the homeowner to go over final numbers.

 

The selection process is winding down and now we are into the detail collection and estimate gathering stage. If there is one thing I have learned by being in this business, it is that flexibility is key! Things may not go the way you planned or happen as fast as you would like. Be flexible and willing to roll with the punches and it will make the process so much more fun.

A Project in the Life of a Kitchen Designer-Week 2

Last time we took a look at the behind the scenes events that occur in the first week of a kitchen remodel. Let’s dive in to week 2.

 

Day 6: Meet trade contractors at project site. Allow a 2-3 hour block of time for this and stagger the times of when each person is coming. Everyone there at one time equals chaos and the potential for missed details.

 

Day 7: Meet homeowners at local granite yard. Get samples of potential selections. Look at stainless steel undermount sinks. Chose an edge profile for the granite tops. The homeowners are not completely satisfied with the granite selection at the local yard. Schedule a time to meet them in Atlanta to walk through a granite slab warehouse.

 

Day 8: Meet homeowners at the granite warehouse in Atlanta. I have made sure to wear comfortable shoes. This is going to be a long day walking on concrete. Wow! There are hundreds of colors of granite, marble, onyx and travertine. Up and down the aisles we roam, pausing to look at many slabs that catch our eye. After an initial once-over, we walk back through to narrow down the most promising slabs. We have narrowed it down to two colors. Thankfully they have small pieces leftover from another slab we can take with us. They will not break a chunk off of a whole slab for you. This will be helpful in choosing tile and finalizing the cabinets.

 

Day 9: Meet homeowners at plumbing supply house to choose a faucet. The technology in faucets these days is amazing!

 

Day 10: Day off!! Well, not really. I am working on remodeling the bathrooms in my office. Today I will nail down selections and design for these spaces. And of course, I am still answering the phone and responding to emails.

 

Making these decisions and selections is fun, but could be overwhelming if you didn’t have a plan. I hope that this insight is helpful to you if you are considering a kitchen remodel and is a look in to the time that is required and the value a professional can be in walking through this process with you.