interesting d-d.... As a potential client, I wouldn't care about having all those details written out, although I can see why you might want them in writing in case of disputes. We had a rough time line for the house renovation/addition but it was not written into the contract. We had a desired completion date but it was not a hard-and-fast thing because we were all well aware that things never go quite as planned and our desired completion date was somewhat(!) unrealistic (and in fact completion happened 6 weeks later than we had hoped.) There was no time-line/phases written into the contract with the architect either. I found verbal discussion (supplemented with e-mails with the architect...) was sufficient for both sides to understand what was going to happen and when. The relevant issue that I would be looking at if that quote was provided to me is the total cost and a target date for completion. The ultimate question would be whether I thought that it was worth paying that price for your particular skills and experience or whether I thought I could use a less experienced/less expensive designer and still get an acceptable design. The details in that quote aren't going to have much of an impact on that decision. Reviewing your portfolio, checking references, seeing examples of your previous work - in person perhaps - are the things that would help me make that decision. How you present your fees (or what goes into that $125/hr.) is of less importance than how you present yourself (i.e. are we compatable/am I comfortable that you understand and can deliver on what I'm trying to achieve...) and how your previous work presents itself are much bigger factors.

You can use beams and/or posts to open up the stair. The advantage of walls is that they are cheaper and allow greater separation and storage. Don't forget the stair is going up through a floor/ceiling opening so not all of it can be exposed.

Our interior designer also has a retail shop and can order from an array of manufacturers. The prices on items we have ordered from her only appear to have the typical retail mark-up (not an additional mark-up) and in one instance she passed along a discount. For design services other than furniture selections ordered from her, the rate is $110 an hour, but she is conservative on her hours. I appreciate the fact that she is aware that we have a budget and keeps that in mind -- she is good at advising us where something more costly is worth it the bang for the buck and and where we can get by with less expensive items.

This is a perennial question. I'm a KD and I sell cabinets. Nowadays (more in the past year or so) I also do freelance design and drafting (heavy on the drafting) for other professionals (not homeowners). Here's a bit of rambling- bit of a summation at the end if you want to skip the drivel. When I first went out on my own I expected to be emphasize just design, not sell cabinets but quickly gave that up for a lot of reasons. In this region the business model for selling cabinets is "the design is included". There are those, myself included, who require a retainer which is credited toward the cabinet purchase. But the design fee as such does not change. So how does that work for the consumer? Depends. First let me say that It can be very difficult to find a good designer-of any kind using any business model. I find that many cabinet sales designers do minimal drawings (which is where my other work comes from) often lacking in detail. Many do not work with more than the walls that the cabinets are on (don't even ask my opinion of that). Is there incentive to charge more? I don't think so, making budget is always an issue. Don't make the budget you don't make the sale. BUT I know that some KDs will up the charge if things drag on-of course that is well within the clients control. Will a GOOD designer do minimal work-by definition NO, pride comes into play. Still, I can only speak for myself and I don't really care how long it takes so long as we move forward not backward. Some take less, some take more but it's all pretty much built around the best possible project for the budget. I don't think I'm alone in that. Freelance kitchen designers who does not sell cabinets can be difficult to find and there is no guarantee they are good. The good ones often charge between $75 and $130 per hour which adds up quickly. That can quickly reach several thousand dollars, especially if there are other spaces involved. Drawings alone can be a couple of thousand for a complete set on a full reno. Flat fee- I do flat fee work for some of my pro clients but in those cases: drafting is the major component, there is a clear idea of the scope of work, how it will proceed, AND they are regular repeat clients (so it comes out in the wash) Alternatively "Some" architects do well with kitchens, as do some interior designers. but many not so much. Very few are familiar with all the possible cabinet specs. Rarely for manufactured brands. Most often they are leaving the fine details of the cabinets to the "cabinet person". In either case the net cost is higher since very few cabinet dealers or makers will give an adequate discount for coming in with plans drawn. They still have to write an order, double check it with the client, check it with the factory acknowledgement, assume delivery and be responsible for it all. Professional certification may or may not help in selection. II personally don't put any stock in it on it's own. Summary-if you are a pessimist thinking that everyone is likely to be out to overcharge you, if you have a hard time trusting. No professional will solve it for you. That is always a relationship of trust. This forum-if you know what you want and are willing to invest the time then using the good folks here on the forum may be your best option. Realize it will take longer and that the "design" you end up with is incomplete. Someone still has to turn it into an order of some sort and do final drawings. That is likely easier taken care of with a custom builder but again YMMV. A good KD that sells cabinets. This can be the best value for the average consumer is to find a really good KD that sells cabinets, knows something about space/structure/building, supplies thorough drawings, and is capable of keeping you on budget. You will find none selling low end brands and only a few selling base semi custom. It gets to a question of being lucky. Region matters but that too has no clear indicator. Shop for the designer NOT the cabinet. Most people work the other way and many suffer for it. Architect- will always supply good drawings, that's what they do. I know two who are very good with kitchens, many without a clue. A good one will be great with space. Some architects have a good KD they work with all the time. It would be wise to interview both. Interior designer- I know fewer of those that are good with kitchens. They should be good with finishes, may or may not care what you like. Some are paid to be tastemakers. Beware of the artist/houseperson/SIL... with taste. Many of the better ones have a good KD in their pocket and some are also excellent with space making them a great choice. Design Build firm or person- the biggest advantage is one stop shopping. Again all can be hit or miss. The best are pricey. They too will have a cabinet person they deal with- be sure to interview both up front. (essential) A freelance KD- find one, shop the same way you would for one who sells cabinets. Whichever way you go always - have a budget, supply it honestly up front, and always, always shop for a person not a product.