Kitchen Remodeling: Understanding the Product Selection Process

Choosing tile, appliances, and faucets is supposed to be the fun part of remodeling your kitchen, kind of like choosing the final accessories for a great new outfit, so you'd think most homeowners would eagerly look forward to the product selection phase, but that's not always the case. Oftentimes, homeowners are overwhelmed by the whole selection process and need a great deal of help. More and more, experienced and certified remodelers or designers are developing systems and practices to help guide their clients through the maze of products and budgets that exist.

Communication is Key - Whether it's fielding cell phone calls at any hour or patiently explaining why it costs more to install granite countertops, a remodeler's constant contact with you is the secret to making product selection a pleasant experience for you-and one where you are confident and happy with your selections, not wracked with doubt. After early meetings with clients, most qualified, conscientious contractors know whether they are laminate people or granite people; if they're modern or Old World, and a whole lot more. Your kitchen designer should always ask you what is important to you. Some people are more willing to spend top dollar on marble flooring than on appliances and vice versa. Everyone has their own taste, expectations and has an idea as to what budget they're comfortable with and a good kitchen designer can guide them to finding just the right blend of all things to make their kitchen, their dream kitchen budget considered.

These are all things you need to put on the table early in the process. It is also important for you to be realistic and up front with your remodeler, letting him know where your budget stands. It is even more important to put your budget in writing. Don't be shy or embarrassed to state your needs and/or budget. Now is the time. At that point, your remodeler will be able to explain what types of products you are in the market for. For example, if you have a total of $5,000 to spend on appliances, your remodeler should tell you, "this is the product line you should be looking at." This ensures that you, as the homeowner, limit your search to products you know you can afford. Get the Attention You Deserve - Another important part of the initial selection discussions is for you to feel that you are understood and supported. You should be able to reach out to your designer with ideas and concerns, either via phone or e-mail. If you don't feel this type of relationship with your kitchen designer right away, you may want to consider finding a new kitchen designer. If you have a $30,000 remodel in mind and your designer is talking about imported knobs and 18kt gold faucets, you'll never have a genuine meeting of the minds. Find someone who gets you -and don't be afraid to say no thanks if you don't feel understood.

It's also important that you know exactly when selections need to be made and when products need to arrive on the jobsite. You and your designer need to figure out what is needed, what is wanted, and what the time limit is. You also need to start thinking about how long the job will take and when you need to be back to using your kitchen. A construction schedule is imperative for everyone involved.

Going Shopping - THIS IS THE FUN PART! It can be a little overwhelming but s hopping for products is easiest when your kitchen remodeler has a showroom. Not only is this convenient, but it also makes things easier during the construction phase because your remodeler is dealing directly with his own vendors, instead of a third party vendor who isn't as worried about your timeline. It is important to look at a variety of showrooms and through magazines to find what you like, but giving your remodeler the opportunity to get products directly will truly simplify your entire construction process. When it comes to actual appliances, your remodeler may be willing to actually go shopping with you and offer his/her advise in the process. In addition, some products, like porcelain, may be more costly to install, so having your remodeler with you will help prevent disappointment or shock when an item is purchased and there is a change to the budget due to its installation. The Internet is an excellent source for home remodeling ideas, but when it comes to making actual purchases, make sure you are dealing with a reputable company or that items are returnable and that your money is refundable.

Overall, education and communication are the main things that will make your kitchen remodel a breeze or a burden. This starts from the beginning of your relationship with your remodeler. Just like in a personal relationship, if the trust and communication isn't there, it's time to look for someone else.