Kitchen + Bath Remodeling Frequently Asked Questions
I want to remodel our space, but where do I start?
We highly recommend spending some time before contacting us to determine the scope of your project. Things to consider include:
Do you just want a facelift? This could involve resurfacing the doors, replacing appliances, countertops, exterior hardware and possibly new flooring.
Are you considering a much more extensive project that involves removing the existing kitchen and replacing it with everything new?
Have you thought about removing walls, raising ceilings, or making an addition?
These are very different approaches with very different price tags. Having an architect’s experience is a priceless investment in these scenarios—especially when permitting is involved.
How do I set a budget?
Be reasonable, do your research. Visit appliance stores and see what you like and get an idea of cost—if you aren’t careful, appliance selections can eat up a small budget very fast. The kitchen is one of the most expensive and complicated rooms in your home to remodel. You’ll need to consider the many trades involved in a kitchen remodel, including tear-out crews, cabinet installers, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, painters, tile setters and countertop installers. You also have to consider the cost of the cabinets, appliances, hardware, lighting and countertops themselves.
How much does a new typically kitchen cost?
Our turnkey design process including contractor and vendors are priced around $60k and up. Our process also saves our clients upwards of 20% by eliminating markups since you’ll work directly with our contractor and vendors.
Read more about our design process.
Where is your showroom?
We used to have showrooms in Austin, Houston and San Antonio. We learned that a showroom experience can be extremely overwhelming, and can result in decision fatigue for many of our clients. Instead, our design process now begins with meeting you in your home so we can eliminate that undue stress. After we understand the scope of the project and your budget, we can provide product samples, finishes and additional design options.
How to I pick a style/direction?
Think about your lifestyle, the look of your home, and what style cabinet you might like if you decide to do a total remodel. There are many web sites, like Houzz.com, that can give you great ideas. That way, when you visit us to discuss the personality of the room, we will be able to hit the ground running. As design professionals, we have substantial experience, which includes listening carefully and designing a creative solution for your space—and not just providing a cookie-cutter recipe.
How do I pick an architect/designer to work with?
Kitchens are complicated. Just because someone has a CAD program for kitchen design does not make them a good designer; it’s all about the content and detail that comes with experience. You’ll want to conduct research, look at reviews, visit projects and don’t be afraid to ask for references. You’ll want to learn about their reputation and how long have they been in business. Do they stand behind their work? Online reviews are a good indicator.
The kitchen and bath are the most expensive and most disruptive rooms to remodel, and the last thing you want is someone who takes your money and then you have to call and call to get them to show up. Again, Houzz is a great place to look—and you should be able to view some of their work. It is to your benefit to choose a Kitchen/Bath architect who will take a wholistic approach by steering your project from inception to completion. This will include coordinating product selection for all the elements from cabinet designs, countertops, appliances, exterior hardware, finishes and even paint colors.
How to proceed with confidence.
Kitchens and baths are a major investment, whether it is a new or pre-existing home. Therefore, it makes perfect sense to employ the services of a design professional to develop a well-thought-out plan as a platform for getting the most from your money. The drawings direct the contractors and subcontractors on what products and services to bid on and provide for your project. In this way, you will get what you pay for and there will be no misunderstandings because your investment is supported by the services of a qualified design professional.
How long does the construction process take?
Cabinets range from 6–10 weeks from order to delivery. This crucial step is what sets the rest of the project in motion, and is what our contractor schedules everything around. He will begin work and schedule post-cabinet installs based on that timeframe. Once the contractor is in place, they stay there working with few gaps between installations. We understand that every day spent is an inconvenience for you; therefore, our contractor is very transparent and upfront about timeline expectations and any delays.
Why are prices for cabinets so different?
In the real world, you get what you pay for. For instance, there is a good reason why certain cabinets are priced to sell for higher prices than others. The specifications for how they are built and finished are an important part of the equation. Look for the styling and finish options that interest you. Some cabinet companies offer unique door styles and finishes that may be exciting to you. Modern features implemented in your design will make life in the kitchen or bath easier to use and more efficient. Finally, look for cabinets and other products that do not pose a health risk. These items should meet California’s CARB 2 standards for indoor air quality by using materials with no added formaldehyde in their manufacturing process.