There are several steps a client can take before the Initial Design Meeting to help ensure their Remodeling project goes as smoothly and efficiently as possible. Preparation on behalf of the client allows for the initial design meeting to be more in-depth and decision oriented, instead of generalized and introductory. Designers are happy to educate their clients, no matter their knowledge level when they arrive, but if the client spends time educating themselves and gathering their thoughts, the design meetings can be more in-depth in a shorter amount of time. This leads to an overall shorter design phase, which allows for a shorter remodeling project on the whole.
The first thing you can do to help out your remodeling designer is to meditate on what exactly it is that you want out of your remodel. Spend some time looking through magazines, online pictures, and in Kitchen design and remodeling books, making sure to mark and collect images that you like. Kitchen designers often call these inspiration images. The better your kitchen designer knows your tastes and what the picture is in your head of how this remodeling project will look when it’s done, the better they can design for it and help you achieve the look you are going for.
Next, think carefully about what your budget is and how long you can afford to be in the construction phase of your remodel. Be as honest and upfront with your kitchen designer as you can possibly be. Both budget and time frame determine how in-depth your remodeling project will be. Also, by knowing your expectations in terms of cost and construction time, your kitchen designer can ensure that you get the best possible result from your remodeling project within these restrictions.
If you have decided that new appliances will be a part of your remodeling project, start researching what brand, types and sizes you are interested in. Your kitchen cabinetry design will change depending on the specific appliance you choose. The sooner you have made a decision on what specific appliances you will be using, the sooner your kitchen designer can finalize your cabinetry plans.
Self-education is another way you can expedite your remodeling project. The Savannah Cabinet Shop’s website and blog are an excellent place to educate yourself. Everything that the kitchen designers at The Savannah Cabinet Shop would like our clients to know, we have published in some form or another in these places. The Savannah Cabinet Shop blog features articles covering the basics of stock, semi-custom and custom cabinets, and kitchen design. The design library on our website features visual aids illustrating construction basics, finish options and design style choices. Our website’s portfolio can also be used to collect your inspiration photos.
Lastly, coming into your initial design meeting with a rough sketch and some initial measurements of your remodeling space will greatly help your kitchen designer. A professional measure will take place at a later time, so don’t worry too much about detailed accuracy. A measuring guide is available on our website to assist you with this step. Brining in your own measurements allows your kitchen designer to be able to talk more specifically about your remodeling project on your initial visit.
Whether you are as prepared as you can possibly be or not really sure about anything, your kitchen designer will be able to guide you throughout your remodeling project. These steps will simply help cut down on the amount of design meetings needed to complete your custom cabinetry plans. At The Savannah Cabinet Shop we are eager to help clients with all types of remodeling project, regardless of their knowledge level. Call, email or come by today and we’ll start the remodeling process together.
