Homeowner Skills: Using a Showroom Visit Effectively
The process and final product better serves the customer when all parties eliminate preconceived notions.
“Homeowners will save themselves a great deal of time and avoid second guessing if they decide on a budget range before starting a remodeling project,” says Jack Bradley, Owner of Cabinet Masters on Odana Road.
An Open Mind: The First Step Toward Project Clarity
“An open mind is the most useful tool our customers can have,” Bradley continues.“People often are not aware of the wide range of choices available in various areas of a project.” Early in the process, with so many variables to consider, the remodeling professional can only provide a general range of costs. Floor plans and measurements are great to have but types of products and personal preferences dictate the direction a project will go and how it relates to the budget.
Showrooms Provide Clarity
Armed with a general budget and particular preferences, a showroom visit represents the first concrete step toward completing your project. The
homeowner’s job is to provide the mental picture of what they want when the project is complete. The designer’s job is to formulate a plan based on their client’s use of their kitchen or space, product selections and budget.
Finally, A Home Visit — Essential
After the showroom visit, a homeowner will have a solid idea of the project direction. The designer will measure, review preferences and produce
the floor plan and estimate. After the home visit you will be able to compare the costs with your actual budget to see if your budget goals are being met or surpassed…
You need to ask yourself if the project is going to exceed your budget. If the answer is…
YES ? begin remodeling
NO ? your budget doesn’t stretch as far as you would like, don’t worry.
Designers can assess the many variables and help you select items which can help any project be a bit more affordable. Allocating budget is another area where a remodeling professional can help you create the look, feel and functionality you want. Bradley says creating the remodel you want within your budget is an attainable goal for anyone.
It’s a simple equation:
Function + Preferences + Design + Budget Review = Happy Homeowner
A conceptual shopping list should include:
? Function first – how do you use your kitchen/space to be remodeled
? Appliances
? Cabinet layout
? Cabinet style and colors
? Countertop (Material, Color, Edge, Backsplash, Sink)
? Detailed Items (Glass, Rollouts, Lazy Susan configurations, Hardware, Crown molding, Under cabinet light, Recycling and trash receptacles)
