How to evaluate a Good Design/Quote-What Elements to Consider?

6 years ago

The value of a good kitchen design is always stressed as just as important as price and quality in many of the cabinet threads here. So how do you evaluate if a design is "good" when receiving an initial quote? I'm referring to design details that impact the aesthetics of the overall look versus just the layout. My experience so far is the initial quote does not provide enough details or take aways to allow me to evaluate the design. I've received 3 quotes and have walked away with no drawings or 3D renderings from 2 of the KDs. I paid $350 for one of the layouts. I'm left with a vague memory of the proposal and trying to make a decision.

What design elements should I look for that would be provided at this stage of the process? Do you rely solely on the demos in the Showroom to represent the design quality? When a Cabinet place has several KDs, do you trust that they are all of the same caliber? KDs website Gallerys are another good source but they always seem to represent much grander spaces, appliances and potentially budget than I may have.

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Comments (5)

herbflavor
6 years ago
My impression is the detailed design characteristics of your plan, as well as the capabilities offered by the designer don't get full "airtime" until you commit to going forth with the process. It is time consuming. Focus on the collaborative connection you feel will work based upon how far you have gotten. A good designer will for the most part know the basics.....the relationship they have with the cabinet company in terms of getting all the pieces to fit together the best way is important.....then can you imagine they can help you implement that special quality you want out of your kitchen? Not being in possession of the drawings or 3-D wouldn't bother me, as things get changed as the process unfolds. Where did you have a good feel....where did you feel the project would get the best traction and you liked the process they described? Depend a little more on yourself-your impressions...your visions...your gut instincts...and of course, "have you done some homework?"
PRO
Anglophilia
6 years ago
Are you using your existing space - no walls torn down, no moving plumbing, gas, electrical? If so, your options are pretty limited and you should quickly realize if their design improves your space as you've been living in it.

If it's a new build or a total gut job, at some point, you will have to go with your gut and choose someone whom you feel best understands your vision for this space. You do have a vision? If not, you're going to have to really trust someone.

Do you cook? What works for you in a design? If you don't cook much, it won't matter a great deal except for resale.

No, all designers at a kitchen store are not the same. But it's pretty hard to change designer unless you really are looking for something quite different than what this designer is proposing. One could then speak to the owner and ask if another designer might better share your vision.

I guess I just got lucky. I also very much knew what I wanted with the exception of the placement of the refrigerator - my "elephant in the room". It finally became apparent that it really belonged in one place only. But it became apparent only after I spent hours with a chair pulled into my existing kitchen just staring at the space! Yes, I AM crazy and obsessive, but I'm only doing this once at my age!

My KD always said I designed the kitchen - he just ordered the cabinets and had them installed and that's probably pretty much the truth.
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User
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Look at the designer's portfolio. Make sure to study not only the most high-end, huge kitchens, but also small and budget projects. If those are beautiful spaces, look highly functional, you got yourself a winner. In all likelihood, you will reap the benefits of the designer's talent, attention to detail and experience, just as past customers did.
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Joseph Corlett, LLC
6 years ago
You're suffering "always-get-three-bids" syndrome. You're trying to evaluate designs when you should be evaluating designers.
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Debbi Washburn
6 years ago
Your initial quotes will not be very detailed because they are just that - quotes - estimates to see if what you are looking for will fit your budget and if the designer and you are on the same page. I won't speak for others but once I have a commitment for the job, I will redesign a kitchen several times to get just the right components for how you work in your space. Your initial visits with designer should be about seeing if they can get you to your best space possible - as Joseph said - evaluate the designer not the design.

When you go to your initial design reviews, don't get caught up in the cool design program or the pretty pictures or door shapes countertop colors, floors or the perfect shade of white! You should see what sort of questions the designer has asked during the qualifying stage and if those were answers/wishes/needs were applied to the plan. For example - if you are an avid baker, is there a lower top with marble for rolling doughs or a special cabinet for a pullout mixer. Did you ask for seating for 5 and only see 3? Also pay attention to drawers ( cutlery height ) - make sure you have enough. You also want to see balance in the wall cabinets - door sizes being as close to equal as possible ( it doesn't look great when there is a 12" door next to a 21" wide door ) . Ask about walkways and work zones etc. Try to imagine the plan you are seeing when you have a house full of people and you are trying to prepare a huge meal - will it be easy? Will you have to push through people to get to the ref? Will someone be in the way of opening a wall oven??? How big are the walkways ( especially in a 2 cook kitchen )?

Ask a million questions and then ask a few more - is there something else I may be missing? Do I understand everything I am getting? Are we on the same page? Do I love it?

Good luck to you!!

How to evaluate a Good Design/Quote-What Elements to Consider?

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herbflavor

Anglophilia

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