The Easiest Way to Avoid these Common Mistakes

Check out what Consumer Reports has to say about Kitchen Remodeling and some of the common mistakes that are made. Then come back.

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine-archive/2011/july/home-garden/kitchen-videos/overview/index.htm

Now, how do you avoid those mistakes?  One easy step-hire a professional.

Where can I find a professional who specializes in Kitchens and Bathrooms?  Start with the National Kitchen and Bath Association-http://www.nkba.org.  According to their website, the NKBA is "the premiere association for kitchen and bath professionals." 

The NKBA home page has a link, under "Homeowners" where you can find a local professional.  Listings are broken down into specific categories- Designers, Contractors, and various Trade Professionals.  The individuals and businesses that are listed, concentrate their business in the Kitchen and Bathroom industry.  While everyone listed is a professional, some have additional letters behind their names.  Those letters indicate members who have been tested and certified by the NKBA to have several years of industry work experience and posses a broad base of knowledge in the kitchen and bath industry.

There are many talented individuals and firms available to choose from.  The lack of certification does not necessarily translate into lack of qualifications.

A certified designer can prepare the drawings, and specifications that you will need to compare bids among contractors; thus, alleviating comparing apples and oranges, and possibly not having the end result you want at the price you expected. 

A certified designer can help you with space planning, functionality, design aesthetics, appliance recommendations that fit your needs, color, materials.

A certified designer can refer you to qualified contractors that they have had experience working with.  Some designers even have their own design/build firms.

So, don't be like the consumer in the video link above, and not be able to open your cabinets because they collide with the appliances, or vice versa.  Hire a qualified professional.  The money will be well spent, and might even save you money in the long run.