Preparing for Your Kitchen Designer
Setting out to redesign your kitchen? As you know, this can be a big undertaking. It’s a project you should thoroughly prepare for before diving in. Let’s face it, the kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s the room where we share our meals, laugh with friends, and often labor over homework and projects at the island bar. You want this space to be perfect - pretty and functional - not only one that looks good but one that simplifies the demands of everyday life. To get the most out of the design, layout, and functionality of your kitchen, Paquin Design Build and Paquin Interiors always suggest that you contact a professional kitchen designer early in the process. Depending on where you decide to purchase your kitchen, designer fees are often waived or discounted upon purchase.
Before you head out to any kitchen and bath showroom, make an appointment to ensure one-on-one attention. We suggest you bring a rough measurement of your current space at the very least, but you can also bring along other details to help your designer get a better start at designing your new kitchen.
Measurements. Be as accurate as possible and measure every wall, door opening, window opening, outlet, and switch box. Measure from the floor to ceiling and the distance from each opening to one another. Note things like plumbing, gas and electrical hookups, and the locations of each. If you are remodeling a bathroom, note the location of shower heads and toilets. Measure appliances (height, width, and depth) and pull model numbers of each that will be included in your new designs.
Take pictures of your current space which can reveal opportunities or obstacles to your designer that you have overlooked.
Have a budget in mind. Set a target and the maximum investment you’d like to make on your project. A target is great but keep in mind that you may encounter unexpected events along the way.
Provide your designer with inspirational images to assist with a starting point and one that can be built on. With cabinets ranging from ultra-traditional to ultra-modern, it’s a timesaving measure and one that reflects your likes and dislikes. Utilize sites like Houzz and Pinterest for interior solutions and ideas.
Conference your family and get ideas on what they would like included in the space.
Use the list below to get you thinking about your current space and how you can make your new space more functional.
How does traffic flow through your current kitchen? Are there blockages? Do you want changes made?
Is the storage adequate in your current cabinets?
Do you have enough counter space?
Do you have enough doors and windows in your space?
Would you like to remove walls, doors, or windows?
Do you need to accommodate special needs?
What’s on Your Wishlist?
What type of countertop do you prefer?
Is there a type of sink you love?
What type of faucet would you want to include? Will it work with your sink of choice?
Would you like any built-ins such as a nook, bookcase, desk, wet/dry bar, or dedicated pet kennel?
Would you like an island? If so, what size? Do you prefer one or two levels?
Do you want your island to include a stove or sink? Will this addition require additional plumbing or electrical work?
What type of backsplash would you like?
Would you like space for an under counter appliances such as a microwave, trash compactor, or mixer?
Do you prefer space for electronics such as a TV or a sound system?
Would you like docking stations?
Sketches
Jot down or sketch any ideas on paper. Even if the drawings are rough, the visuals will help your designer to get started.
Floors
Options for flooring will include wood, ceramic tile, vinyl, laminate, and even concrete. If you can determine your floors before designing your kitchen, it will help your kitchen designer accommodate cabinet build-up and ceiling height restrictions without having to adjust for the floors later.
Setting Your Budget
With so many cabinet manufacturers out there, you will certainly find something that will fit your budget. At Paquin Interiors, we carry three cabinet lines that are quality built and quality guaranteed. Our lowest line has been estimated at approximately $200.00 a linear foot. Our mid-line will fall in between $300.00 and $500.00 a linear foot and our semi-custom line can be achieved at $600.00 - $900.00 a linear foot. The cost will obviously depend on what you include in your designs. There are so many extras that can be added such as trash can inserts, standing mixer stands, spice racks, cookie sheet cabinets, roll out trays and more. Moldings vary as well and can be singular or layered for more sophisticated designs. Choose accessories and cabinet finishings to achieve the custom beauty and functionality you’re trying to create.
Timeline
A new kitchen won’t happen overnight. From initial concept to installation you’ll be looking at approximately 12 weeks. The initial meeting and design phase will take anywhere from 3 to 4 weeks. This bracket of time includes your meeting with the designer, the artist renderings, estimates on the designs and the approval by the client on all that has been created. Once the cabinets are ordered, lead time on delivery of most lines is 6 – 8 weeks. When delivery is made, Installation of the cabinets will be scheduled, then counters must be measured, templated, cut and installed. This process will add an additional week to ten days. After counters have been installed, your closing in on completion by scheduling the installation of all accessories like the backsplash, lighting, and faucets which should complete your order.
Paquin Interiors is a new kitchen and bath showroom located in Grasonville, MD. The showroom showcases everything for kitchens and bathrooms, lighting, plumbing fixtures, and flooring. Visit our showroom Tuesday – Friday from 9:00 am – 6:00 pm or on Saturday from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm. Appointments are available by calling Hilary Schatzman at 410-304-2085.
