Kitchen designer WWYD

[libbygrl109]

We are finally in the planning stages of our kitchen remodel! So far DH and I have met with 2 designers from different kitchen remodeling companies in our area. Both come well-rated. The first designer is a woman I’ve known since middle school, is great at what she does, and so far has given us a good design that we can start from, but it is bear bones. Her company only provides cabinets and countertops, so we would have to seek out and contract separately for floors, construction, etc.

The other designer is from a company where everything is all in one. Not only do they do design, but they have everything we would need materials-wise, and have their own installation crews. So, a one-stop shop.

We meet with the 2nd designer next week to see her design, which will include 3D mock-ups and materials.

How do we choose who to go with? I would feel badly turning down either one, but especially the old school friend. Since both companies are so different, how do I really know I am getting what I need from either of them?

On a positive note, we have pretty much decided on our appliances. Just need to pull the trigger and order them and hope they come in when we need them. Then we will have one less decision to make.

[mrsukyankee]

Ask for names of people they have done work for so you can see it/talk to people. I'd also see if your classmate has contacts for the other work to see what costs would be overall.

[libbygrl109]

Aug 25, 2020 13:42:07 GMT -5 mrsukyankee said:

Ask for names of people they have done work for so you can see it/talk to people. I'd also see if your classmate has contacts for the other work to see what costs would be overall.

I have two friends who have used her, and have been in their kitchens - really nice designs. She said she would give me a referral to one if the contractors her company has worked with and provides good work for reasonable prices. However, she said she would only be able to provide one name because she doesn’t want to pit one against another. So, I would need to find someone else if I wanted to get more than one bid.

[RockNVoll]

Personally, I place a lot of value on minimizing the number of people I need to manage. I don't have the patience for juggling multiple vendors to get one project done. And it's not just managing multiple people through the project--you have to interview even more before narrowing it down, maybe do reference checks for each, etc. I'm getting stressed out just thinking about it, LOL.

[simpsongal]

I’d make the decision on price and portfolio. Which one has a design sense most like your style? I’d think you could save Money on the one that isn’t a one stop shop. If you feel less likely to pushback on the old friend, go with the other designer. You don’t want to pull punches and end up with something you don’t love bc you’re being nice (I tend to do that...).
Good luck!!

[lilac05]

At this point, I don’t have the mental bandwidth to be juggling different professionals and shopping around for my options. I just want someone to tell me what to do. However, that is also why I’m not currently taking on any projects right now beyond the repairs from our storm 2 weeks ago...and I’m even way behind on that!

So, as long as I like the second designer’s presentation and they come with good reviews, I’d go that route. Friend or not, I think people understand when someone says that they just need a more full-service option.