Kitchen & Bath Designer vs. Contractor: Who Do I Hire First?

The Short Answer? It Depends on Your Project.

When homeowners start planning a kitchen or bathroom remodel, one of the first questions is often:Who should I hire first, a kitchen and bath designer or a contractor?Both bring valuable expertise to a remodeling project. And in many cases, you'll ultimately need both. But before construction can be properly priced, scheduled and built, there is one thing everyone needs:

A plan.

What Does a Kitchen & Bath Designer Do?A kitchen and bath designer helps you figure out what you're actually trying to accomplish.They can help you:

Develop a layout for your space
Understand what materials and products are available
Explore cabinetry, appliances, countertops and finishes
Improve storage and functionality
Understand what is possible within your space
Make decisions around your budget
Consider your timeline
Create plans and specifications for the project

A good designer isn't simply picking colors and finishes. They are helping turn a collection of ideas into a real, defined project.You may know that you want a bigger island, more storage and a completely different kitchen. But there are still a lot of questions that need to be answered:How big should the island be?Where will the appliances go?Are you moving plumbing?Will walls need to change?What cabinetry is going into the space?How will it all fit together?Until those questions are answered, everyone may be imagining something different.Why the Plans MatterThe most important thing you can bring to a remodeling project is often a good set of plans and clear direction.This doesn't just help the homeowner. It helps the contractor, too. A contractor can absolutely provide an initial budget based on their experience—and that experience is extremely valuable. A good contractor can look at a project and identify challenges, construction requirements and costs that a homeowner or designer may not immediately see. But without a clear plan, the contractor may be estimating a project based on what they believe you are describing. And the kitchen or bathroom they have in their mind may be very different from the one you are imagining.That is where problems can start.

The Problem With Bidding an Idea

Imagine telling a contractor:"We want to remodel our kitchen."That could mean almost anything.Are you keeping the layout?Are you moving the sink?Are you removing walls?Are the cabinets going to the ceiling?Are you changing the flooring?Are you upgrading the electrical?What appliances are being used?Is the island getting bigger?What type of countertops are being installed?Without those details, a contractor has to make assumptions.Those assumptions may be based on years of experience and may be completely reasonable, but they are still assumptions.Then, once the design starts to take shape, the homeowner may say:"That's not what I had in mind."

Now changes begin.

And changes often cost money. Change Orders Aren't Always a Contractor Problem Change orders have a bad reputation, but they aren't always the result of a contractor doing something wrong. Sometimes the project simply wasn't fully defined when it was originally priced.F or example, a contractor may have priced a kitchen remodel based on the information available at the time. Later, the homeowner decides to:

Move the plumbing
Change the electrical plan
Remove a wall
Add a larger island
Choose different appliances
Add cabinetry where none was originally planned
Change flooring
Add lighting
Change the scope of the project

Those changes were never included in the original bid because they weren't part of the original plan.The result can be:More change orders.A higher final cost.A longer timeline.And unfortunately, sometimes tension and mistrust on the job site.The homeowner may feel like the project is becoming more expensive than promised.The contractor may feel like they are being asked to perform work that was never included in the original scope.And both parties can end up frustrated.

A Good Plan Creates a Better Starting Point

When a project is designed before it is priced, the contractor has something much more valuable to work from:Actual information.A defined scope.Plans.Product selections.Specifications.Clear direction.This allows the contractor to provide a more informed estimate and develop a more realistic timeline. It doesn't mean there will never be surprises. Remodeling existing homes almost always comes with unknowns. But starting with a clear plan can significantly reduce the number of decisions being made after construction has already begun. And fewer surprises generally make for a better experience.

Should You Always Hire a Designer Before a Contractor?

Not necessarily.For some projects, the contractor may be the right place to start—especially if the project is primarily construction-driven or involves significant structural, mechanical or site issues.Some design-build contractors also have designers on staff and can provide both the design and construction services under one roof.The important thing is not necessarily who you call first.The important thing is making sure the project is properly planned before you commit to a final scope, budget and construction schedule.The Best Projects Are CollaborativeA great kitchen or bath project usually involves multiple areas of expertise.The designer brings knowledge of:

Layout
Function
Materials
Product availability
Cabinetry
Finishes
Storage
Space planning

The contractor brings knowledge of:

Construction
Labor
Building conditions
Structural requirements
Scheduling
Installation
Job site coordination

When those areas of expertise work together, the homeowner benefits.Start With a Vision. Finish With a Plan.Before you hire someone, start by thinking about what you want to change and how you want your home to work.Then work with professionals who can help turn that vision into a clear plan.A good plan gives you a better understanding of:What you're building.What it may cost.How long it may take.Who needs to be involved.And perhaps most importantly:What you can realistically expect when the project is finished.

Need Help Getting Started?

You don't need to have every decision made before you talk with a kitchen and bath professional. An experienced designer can help you understand your options, develop a plan and prepare you to have more productive conversations with contractors and builders. ACS connects homeowners with independent kitchen and bath designers and design-build professionals who can help you take the next step.

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Kitchen & Bath Designer vs. Contractor: Who Do I Hire First?

The Short Answer? It Depends on Your Project.

A plan.

The Problem With Bidding an Idea

Now changes begin.

A Good Plan Creates a Better Starting Point

Should You Always Hire a Designer Before a Contractor?

Need Help Getting Started?

info@americancabinetsuppliers.com

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