Browse Forums Kitchen Corner 1 Feb 13, 2009 1:37 pm Hi Everyone,
What are the questions a buyer should ask from a kitchen 'designer' during their free on-site visit to provide a quotation? I have come up with a draft list of questions I was thinking of (feel free to share your own questions / ideas): What is the ownership structure of your company? Is it publicly listed, a small family business, a franchise of a larger company? Can you estimate how long this will take? How do you like to work with clients? How do you screen your trade's contractors? What is your average for on-time/within-budget completion? What out-of-pocket costs am I responsible for, such as permits, utility hook-ups, and builder's risk insurance? Can you give me a timeline of what happens when (the order of steps and length of each step?) If we select your firm, what happens next and when do I owe money? How long has the business been running? Do you offer any guarantees on your work? Do you have professional indemnity and public liability insurance? Does you sub-contract the work? If so, has the sub-contractor undertaken the necessary insurance should something go wrong? Does your company comply with occupational health and safety requirements? Is your company flexible if you change my mind on the layout or fixtures? Are you flexible with the installation start date? How long will the renovation take? Who do you use for cabinet construction? Do you provide solid back cabinets? Who do you use for hinges? celco Re: Questions to ask a kitchen rennovation 'designer' 2Feb 13, 2009 1:48 pm Crikey that is a comprehensive list. When we did our rental property's kitchen I looked at their website went to their showroom had a chat to the designer for about 1/2hr and then we designed and booked the kitchen there and then
With this house I have so far met with two kitchen designers and have another meeting booked for Monday. Two of these companies were referred to me by our stonemason. Since he is doing all our stone work and it is a fairly major component of the kitchen itself I wanted to work with him by choosing someone he was comfortable with. One of these companies I liked the owner, loved his concepts but we have scratched him because it took two months of me chasing him for final costings and drawings. The second company was brilliant - meeting took 1/2 hour and I have spoken to the designer twice on the phone regarding some minor charges. Both of these charges have been taken on board and new pricings sent out the same day. The designer booked for next Monday is owned by a couple I have known for probably 15yrs at least, plus they do work for our builders (but we are going separately to the build) plus they have worked previously with our stonemason - so they are win win win so far on all accounts. They also have three showrooms that I can go to look at as well. It will really all come down to price next week as to whom I choose. Good luck with your decision making. Some things are worth waiting for. Re: Questions to ask a kitchen rennovation 'designer' 3Feb 13, 2009 1:53 pm Gee, I don't know about asking all those questions. I know you should do a bit of a background check but I must admit, I didn't do more than ask how long the fellow had been in the business.
The main thing to find out is what is and isn't included in the pricing. Plumbing and cornicing can be particularly expensive. Approximate start and finish date, do they remove the existing kitchen, how are the benchtops finished off, etc. Just general stuff really. Re: Questions to ask a kitchen rennovation 'designer' 4Feb 13, 2009 2:02 pm Definately a very comprehensive list! Cant say we've been asked many of those questions
What about something to do with when progress payments are expected, and how much? Custom European Cabinets - Melbourne Kitchen Specialist PM for business details as website currently being updated! Our Crazy Owner Builder Journey! Re: Questions to ask a kitchen rennovation 'designer' 6Feb 21, 2009 9:13 pm you should ask as many questions you feel you need to ask in order to feel satisfied and comfortable with the service they will be offering you.
You are about to spend 10's of thousands of dollars to people you have never met, i would be doing the same. However things will go wrong if they want to, no matter how many questions you ask of how many dollars you pay. Out of all the kitchens I have done, 10-15% of them have changed in some way or have been delayed due to customer change of mind, external sourcing out of stock, broken items, or a sick delivery driver! Just make sure you are comfortable with your designer/sales rep or contact person as they will make your experience alot easier and pleasant. Kitchens are like finger prints, no two are ever the same!! SmartPack did the kitchens for Channel 9's Home Made TV Show Ardo That is so funny! I wonder how many people know who Larry Haun is these days. I have a couple of young guys we call Mo 1 & Mo 2 who run a crew of 6 boys and… 9 15527 I work with owner, he/she is my man on the ground and I instruct them when to visit the site and take photos and I have other tools in the bag. 4 15276 Your build is relatively simple, I believe your job can be easily done by a good building designer, you really do not need to pay for the architect. Remember, architect's… 3 10986 |