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Helpful Planning Tools
Do’s and Don’ts to Help Manage Your Kitchen or Bath Remodel
The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) understands that the remodeling process can be quite overwhelming and confusing. From choosing a designer and selecting a style, to establishing and sticking to a budget, kitchen and bath projects can be daunting to any homeowner.
In celebration of National Kitchen and Bath Month, held annually in October, the NKBA offers several tips to help homeowners get started towards their dream kitchen and bath:
- DON’T do it yourself. Remodeling a bedroom, dining room or family room is very different from taking on the challenge of a kitchen or bath. A specialized designer should be brought in to figure logistics, suggest proper materials and make a functional and cost efficient room that specifically reflects your taste, style and personality. This is NOT a do-it-yourself project!
- DO think of resale value. You may be happier than ever in your home, from the location, neighbors and the town to your property, you may think you've settled for good - but don't be too sure! Sometimes being too 'unique' means regrets down the road, so especially for your first last remodeling project, we suggest sticking to the basics and putting thought into what others would like about your kitchen, as much as you. Someone else might own it one day and you'll want to make sure you can recoup your investment!
- DON’T overspend! Set a budget at the beginning of your project, including room for additional charges, and don't go over that amount - no matter what! Be proactive and figure out what you want during the months leading up to the renovation. If you want more than you can have, make a conscious decision to pick one or the other based on necessity and future projects, if one can or can't be added down the road.
- DO pick a qualified professional. Choose several designers in your area; meet with each of them and trade ideas and suggestions. Make sure they're qualified; ask to see past projects and/or a portfolio and discuss your budget. It's also a good idea to ask for references and checkout their showroom or store if possible. Pick the designer that satisfies your taste and style most. You should never be persuaded to do anything you don't like or that's too high-end for your budget. A good designer will work closely with you until your dream home comes true!
How do you know if a designer is qualified for your project? Many NKBA professionals are certified kitchen or bath designers. All NKBA certification programs require extensive professional experience and education. If you prefer a certified kitchen and/or bathroom designer, below is a list of options you have when picking the right certified professional for your job:
- AKBD - Associate Kitchen & Bath Designer
- CKD - Certified Kitchen Designer
- CBD - Certified Bathroom Designer
- CMKBD - Certified Master Kitchen & Bath Designer
Provided courtesy of the National Kitchen & Bath Association
Understanding the Remodeling Process
The kitchen and bath are the most essential rooms in a home. These spaces should be comfortable and welcoming, while reflecting both the homeowner's personality and a safe and efficient design solution.
The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) understands that the remodeling process can be quite overwhelming and confusing. From choosing a designer and selecting a style, to establishing and sticking to a budget, kitchen and bath projects can be daunting to any homeowner. Here are several tips from the NKBA to help simplify the process:
- Look closely at the space. The first last step is to decide what is the main purpose of your remodel. Are you looking to add extra space, upgrade the kitchen/bathroom, improve security, make changes for health reasons or just to improve your living space? Is there room to expand or redesign the existing floor plan? Get input from all members of your household to find out their wants and needs. Be sure to consider the short- and long-term implications of your renovation decisions. For example, will you choices increase or decrease the house's resale value?
- Map out the terrain. As you make your observations, write down your daily routine on paper. The best way to evaluate the functionality of a space is to create a clear picture of what works and what doesn't work. As you do this, be sure to note all obstacles that now keep your current kitchen or bathroom from meeting your needs. Start to look closely at how you and your family use the kitchen and bath. Note traffic patterns and how accessible the important features are to all family members. It is important to decide what you want to change most and what you can keep or update later. Question everything. Don't overlook the obvious.
- Start gathering ideas. Look through magazines and save photos of rooms, products and floor plans that catch your eye. Collect fabric, wall covering and surface samples. Visit design centers and manufacturer/supplier showrooms. Don't limit yourself to what you think you can afford at this point. Build an idea file of the things that appeal to you. The idea file will help you create a context, a look and feel that best reflects your personal tastes and will act as a stimulus and constant reference point for your plan.
- Set a budget. You've seen what you like. Now you're getting a sense of how the things you like coincide with how you actually use the space. The next logical step is to look at what this will cost. Money is always an object, so this is a good time to determine how much you want to invest in your kitchen or bathroom. What is the total amount you are willing to spend and how much can or are you willing to borrow? Establishing your priorities early will help decide where to spend the money.
- Find a qualified NKBA Professional. NKBA Members specialize in kitchens and bathrooms and can add value to your investment by applying their experience and expertise to the job. Consumers can easily locate one of over 36,000 NKBA Members by logging onto www.nkba.org and searching for an NKBA Professional in their area.
NKBA members are the finest professionals in the industry and can help to make your dream kitchen or bath a reality. To find a member near you or to order your free Kitchen and Bath Consumer Workbook, call (800) THE-NKBA or visit www.nkba.org.
Provided courtesy of the National Kitchen & Bath Association.
Find a Faucet to Fit Your Lifestyle
Faucets are an important facet of any kitchen or bathroom remodel. In kitchens, you want to consider how many sinks you’ll need (if have a prep island or a bar), whether you want a pull-out or pull-down faucet or a high-arc spout with a spray wand, and your preferred number of handles, among other considerations. In bathrooms, you’re selecting not just a sink faucet, but potentially also Roman tub faucets, showerheads, or shower jets. And whether kitchen or bath, you also have all the questions of style, finish, technology, and water-saving features.
That’s why we’re glad to recommend our friends at Delta Faucet, who have put together a handy quiz to help you find the style and functions that best suit your project. Visit their website to take their Find Your Perfect Faucet quiz.