Be Careful When Hiring a Kitchen Designer

While hiring someone to help with home renovations can save you time and money in the long run, you should spend some time before you decide on a reputable kitchen designer. Some experienced kitchen designers can tell you about the 'slap a sign on a truck' syndrome. Some people decide, because they helped a friend renovate a kitchen, that they are now qualified to start their own business. Register a company name, have a sign made and suddenly you can be your own boss with very little experience. A reputable kitchen designer will be able to show you--rather than tell you--about their experience. Ask to see a portfolio of photos of kitchens he/she has completed and ask for references you can independently check out. Ask about qualifications, certifications and how long a designer has been in business. Request an estimate in writing. Check out several people before you decide. Consider asking friends and neighbors who they have used as word of mouth research is one of the best ways to find a kitchen designer. Additional tips you should follow include:

• Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been made against the business.
• Get in writing the specifics of what will be offered as part of the kitchen design services so you can adequately compare prices.
• Check online websites and ask how problems will be handled.
• Consider asking for a free estimate of work.