OT - Kitchen Remodeling
Angie & Dave
cartoon cheese wrote in message
>
>- What exactly can a kitchen designer do for me? Will
he/she provide
>blueprints or just a computerized rendering?
Ask them! Should be blueprints. (The computer rendering is
really just a slick sales tool, but for the imagination
impaired, like me, an effective one.)
>
>- How much can I expect to pay a designer for help in
redesigning a
>small kitchen?
Depends on the part of the country you're in. Between 400
and 800 dollars. If you're knocking down walls or adding on,
I'd get an architect involved.
>
>- Say I did end up with a set of plans. Will most
contractors look
>negatively upon taking them from someone else? As in, "I
didn't do
>these plans so I can't guarantee the price" kinda thing?
No, but they may have suggestions on how to change a few
things here and there. The KD should stay involved through
the whole project, BTW, to give you guidance.
>
>- Other than Home Depot, how do I find a reliable,
not-too-expensive
>designer? Should I let my fingers do the walking and check
them out
>with the BBB?
Friends, family and neighbors are better. Check them out
with the state's consumer affairs division. Also, check
licensing requirements. Varies state to state. And make sure
they have insurance! Remember, the BBB only reports
unresolved complaints. I used to work for a company that ran
big AC scams, and their BBB resord was as clean as a
whistle.
>
>- Any tips on how to choose and work with a contractor?
Do not pay them in advance. Dole it out in progressive
payments. If they insist on the whole job upfront, run like
the wind. Or, ar least get an escrow account set up with a
banker you trust. As long as you have some of their money,
you have power.
Angie
ElmerCat
the fire that Esther caused.
ElmerCat