Builders know that kitchens represent vital components of home builds and remodeling projects. The kitchen is often a home’s central hub and as such, homeowners tend to hold strong opinions around both how they look and how they work. Partnering with an experienced kitchen designer can prove to be an invaluable asset to help your project become a success. Here are five benefits a kitchen designer can offer a builder working on a kitchen project.
1 - SAVING YOU TIME
Kitchen designers work with clients to help brainstorm, discuss, design, and revise plans–leaving builders with more availability to move other projects forward and meet deadlines. This is why one of the most valuable resources designers can provide is time. Homeowners often want to see their kitchen ideas previewed several ways to show different combinations of colors and styles. Once all of that is sorted, there is still hardware, countertops, fixtures and additional decisions that need to be made. The time spent weighing these decisions can add up quickly. By working with a designer, you can take those hours back.
2 - AN EYE FOR AESTHETICS
Specialists earn their status because their wealth of experience makes them the best at what they do. A seasoned master carpenter can tell you the benefits of a specific type of joinery or wood species because they have spent years gathering first-hand experience. Plasterers know the precise ratios of water and plaster mix to achieve a perfect finish. Skilled painters can cut crisp lines and smooth, even coats. Kitchen and bath designers are no exception. They watch as trends evolve while they complete different styles of projects. As a result, designers are experts in helping a homeowner find the combination of look, feel, and function that works for their taste and budget.
3 - PRODUCT KNOWLEDGE
At first glance, it can be hard to differentiate between many different products on the market. For example, many cabinet manufacturers on the market today appear to offer similar styles, including frequently used styles like a white shaker or natural maple. However, not every company offers the same sizes, modifications, or build quality. Some allow for in-depth customization; others offer unlimited paint options. With ever-changing product catalogs, keeping track of the options can be a full-time job in and of itself. Designers are engaged with these different options on a daily basis and, as a result, have the knowledge needed to select the right products for each individual job, which helps get the homeowner as close as possible to their dream kitchen.
4 - PRICING BENEFITS
As a builder or remodeler, you know the difference between winning or losing a bid often comes down to small price differences. Designers can help because they often have access to advantageous pricing with many manufacturers as well as different product lines within larger company umbrellas that the general public does not. For example, a particular brand might offer a similar product at a lower price point, or perhaps another brand is running a promotion that could bring your total cost down. These price differences add up and can be the difference in whether or not a bid is won.
5 - CUSTOMER SERVICE
Building or renovating a home can be a taxing experience for homeowners and builders alike. Customer questions and concerns, as valid as they may be, can be challenging and time-consuming to address. Working with a designer provides a customer relations buffer since the designer can take questions like, “Which countertop surface holds up best to heat?” or, “Which shade of white better compliments my custom, imported light fixtures?” in an educational and helpful way that keeps things positive and solution oriented.
It can be tempting to want to keep every aspect of a job in-house to be able to maintain control over everything. However, it is important to recognize areas where partnering with someone with a complimentary skillset can save you and your customers time, money and frustration. Professional designers can do all of this and more, ensuring your project is completed smoothly and satisfactorily for everyone involved.
