As a cabinet designer and manufacturer, we know every project is different. That's why we offer expertise for every level of consumer as well as builders, from start to finish. Whether you're a seasoned do-it-yourselfer or a professional hiring a construction and installation crew, selecting cabinetry products for the home is easy when you work with the expert cabinet makers at Protek Cabinets. With our help, you won't just pick cabinetry options; you will make informed choices and understand why your cabinet selections will work for you in your life.
What Is Our Kitchen Design And Construction Role In Your Project?
We as kitchen designers and builders are responsible for creating a design, including a floor plan, elevations and perspective drawings, based on a detailed understanding of your needs. We have the cabinet knowledge to recommend cabinet door styles, wood selections, interior components and decorative trims. Typically, we as designers and builders associated with your project will be with you from the first conversation until the last piece of trim is installed. If you are working with an independent interior designer, their role may be more or less involved, depending on their knowledge of cabinetry components. Either way, it is paramount that a relationship is established between the designer and builder, who will ultimately be responsible for the cabinet specification and construction.
Outline Your Budget
It is important to establish a budget, taking into consideration all of the factors that will contribute to the project. Will you be moving walls and mechanical locations? Replacing the floor? Appliances and cabinetry will both impact the budget significantly, while countertops might, depending on the surface selected. Installation fees can vary greatly. Your cabinetry dealership may offer installation services and build them into the price, or they may have a list of suggested installers they contract with that can provide an estimate. Sharing an initial budget outline with your designer tells them a lot about your project and the parameters within which they will be working
WORKING WITH A KITCHEN DESIGNER
Know What To Expect From Your Designer
Working with a professional kitchen designer can seem daunting if it's something you haven't done before. First, what are your expectations for your designer? And then, what will they expect from you? While each designer has their own style and process, there are a few basics we've outlined for you, including things you can prepare to ensure the first meeting is a productive one.
PROTEK CABINET MAKERS MELBOURNE
Many of our cabinet dealers offer in-house design services, others partner with interior designers. Depending on a number of factors including the size of your kitchen remodelling project and your design needs, either scenario could work. If you engage your own interior designer, make sure that they are involved in the kitchen designing process upfront and that the dealer you are purchasing from knows that you have forged that relationship to ensure a smooth transition between the design and order process.
What Is The Kitchen Designer's Role In My Project?
The kitchen designer is responsible for creating a design, including a floor plan, elevations and perspective drawings, based on a detailed understanding of your needs. They will have the cabinet knowledge to recommend cabinet door styles, wood selections, interior components and decorative trims. Typically, a designer associated with a dealership will be with you from the first conversation until the last piece of trim is installed. If you are working with an independent interior designer, their role may be more or less involved, depending on their knowledge of cabinetry components. Either way, it is paramount that a relationship is established between the designer and the dealer representative who will ultimately be responsible for the cabinet order.
How Should You Prepare For The First Meeting?
There are several things you can do to ensure the first design meeting is a productive one. Start a file folder filled with clippings from magazines of kitchen designs and details that you like. Start looking at appliances, get a feel for what you like and how much they cost - this will help to determine a budget! Become more aware of how you live in your current space – assess the good AND the bad. This will help communicate your vision to the designer.
Visually Communicate Your Ideas
Even as you begin to dream about your new space, you can put together a file folder of images that reflect your lifestyle and your vision for the new space. Photos, magazine clippings, ads, articles and samples will help the designer to visually understand your tastes and preferences.
Do Some Homework About Yourself
Assessing your current kitchen over a period of time, both its positives and negatives, provides your designer with invaluable information. Likewise, making note of your habits buying in bulk, number of weekly trips to the grocery, recycling, avid cook – is critical to helping them understand how you live in your kitchen.
Imagine Yourself In The New Space
How will you use your new kitchen? Is it a social gathering place for family and friends, or a place to prepare quick meals? Some folks consider themselves a gourmet in the kitchen, while others admit that takeout is more their style and they just need a good looking space to warm it up! Honest answers to these types of questions will suggest the functional capacities you require in your new kitchen.
Select Your Appliances
Surprisingly, appliance selection is a critical first step. An extra-large refrigerator, pro-style range or double ovens can dramatically impact space allocation throughout the room. Having this information at the start of the project ensures that all of your wants and needs are met, AND moves the design process along in a timely fashion.
Provide Basic Measurements
While your kitchen designer will take thorough measurements before offering you a binding quote, you should note dimensions of the room, indicating any doors, windows or hallways that impact the space, to facilitate your initial discussions.
Outline Your Budget
It is important to establish a budget, taking into consideration all of the factors that will contribute to the project. Will you be moving walls and mechanical locations? Replacing the floor? Appliances and cabinetry will both impact the budget significantly, while countertops might, depending on the surface selected. Installation fees can vary greatly. Your cabinetry dealership may offer installation services and build them into the price, or they may have a list of suggested installers they contract with that can provide an estimate. Sharing an initial budget outline with your designer tells them a lot about your project and the parameters within which they will be working.
A Remodelling Budget Calculator is a great guide that can help you transform your vision into tangible numbers.
Understanding Timelines Is A Two-Way Sthreet
Once your designer measures your space, design development can typically take two to three weeks. While some dealerships offer complimentary design services, others may request a retainer to initiate work, a fee that serves to confirm your place as a current client that is often applied to your order once it is placed. Be sure to communicate any scheduling deadlines of your own it's too late to start a kitchen remodel in October to be ready by Thanksgiving! Be sure to consider the schedule of the installers and other contractors. Wood floors, for example, must have an acclimation period of several days prior to cabinet installation. As a rule, plan the date to be finished, then add two weeks as a cushion... really.
How The First Meeting Ends
You've covered a lot of ground in your first meeting! Your hopes and desires have been noted, a timeline and budget have been discussed, as well as style and finishes. Depending on the complexity of your project, additional meetings may be required to get the design just right. If the designer requests additional information, make sure to get details together before a meeting to avoid any holdups. NEVER be afraid to ask questions or request that the designer change something you aren't comfortable with. To ensure all elements are coordinated, ask for door and finish samples (which may need to be ordered for a fee) before you place the cabinet order.
