I am always reading interesting articles about all things design. I recently came across an interesting piece about kitchen remodels. The link is posted if you want more information regarding the most popular items in kitchen remodels, where consumers get inspiration for remodels, trends, and statistics on remodeling projects.
What I was most interested in, however is that most DIYers would have appreciated shifting some of the responsibilities on to a designer if they could. Kitchen designers, like me, are constantly researching and sourcing materials. They know who is reliable to work with and who is not. They know products which are reliable and which are not. They have a trained eye for mixing and matching materials. Designers can even help you to stay on budget and may even save you money in the long run.
Below is an excerpt from the article:
• The demand for professionals. Despite the economic downturn, the incidence of hiring outside help for all of a kitchen renovation project remains relatively steady (26% in 2006, 28% in 2010 and 24% in 2010). A professional designer or architect played a role in three in 10 kitchen remodels costing more than $2,500, up significantly from prior study periods.
Three -quarters of “kitchen remodelers” did the project with some level of help, either doing it all themselves (34%) or having help with some of it (42%). However, given the opportunity to do the project over, DIYers are most likely to want to shift some of that work to someone else.
• 20/20 hindsight. About a quarter of “kitchen remodelers” say they would do nothing differently if they could do their kitchen remodel again (23%). Among those who would do something differently next time, the top desired changes are different appliances (“I would have spent the extra money and bought the newer more efficient appliances”) and plan better or do the project sooner (“take more time… less rushing,” “I did a lot of research, but I would probably seek more professional advice”).
When asked if they were doing the same project today, balancing what they want in a kitchen with the realities of their household budgets, around one in three “kitchen remodelers” (31%) say they would spend more on the project if they had it to do over—closely mirroring the percentage of “kitchen remodelers” who said so in previous years (30% in 2008 and 33% in 2006).
Call me today for your kitchen remodel. I will save you time and the feeling of regret. I will work closely with you to make sure all of your needs are met and on budget. We will plan together what works best for you and you will have a functional and beautiful kitchen.
