Finding the right Chicago kitchen and bath designer requires more than just a Google search. Word of mouth from friends or relatives is great, but everybody's different so a designer they love may not be the best fit for you, depending on your style preferences and personality.
The bottom line: you should consider yourself in "Interview Mode" when you're ready to hire a kitchen and bath designer to update or renovate your living spaces.
Character Traits to Look For When Interviewing Chicago Kitchen and Bath Designers
Do your web searching and review reading ahead of time and make a list of your top three choices. Odds are, one of these will be the right fit for you. Then, set up consultations that will serve as your "Interview". Here is a list of questions to ask potential designers, and below are some of the personality traits and attributes you want to look for as they answer:
Expertise. You've heard the expression, "the proof is in the pudding?" It's so true. Only through time and experience can a designer have the skills to design and build a professional remodel, as well as solutions and creative alternatives for the structural challenges that come their way when remodeling kitchens and baths. Pour through portfolios to make sure you like what you see.
Personable. If you don't feel comfortable with the designer, move on to one with whom you do feel at ease. You and the design team are forming a relationship through the duration of your project and everyone needs to feel comfortable communicating and interacting with one another.
Detailed. When it comes right down to it, it's the details that matter the most. That just-right backsplash tile, the best placement for glass cabinet inserts, a pendant light with a pop of color - if you don't have a designer that is good with the little details, your kitchen or bathrooms won't have the professional finish and unique personality you want them to.
Responsive. Like we said above, you're forming a relationship and that requires communication. If you ask a question, make a request, need to make a change, or just plain need some reassurance, you want to make sure your designer will respond to you in an attentive and timely manner.
Attentive. Sure, a good Chicago kitchen and bath designer will be busy, but that is no reason that you should feel neglected or pushed to the wayside. Designers should know how many clients to take at one time to ensure everyone gets attentive and personalized service.
Creative. Your kitchen and baths should have high-quality and timeless designs that reflect who you are. This in itself requires creativity. Then, there are the little things that inevitably come up - plumbing that can't be re-routed or a wall that was unexpectedly load bearing. These situations require problem solving creativity so you can still have the design you want. Have prospective designers tell you about situations when their creative problem solving saved the design.
Finally, your designer needs to have a good reputation across the board so do take the time to check references so you can hear first-hand accounts of the design and build process from people who have been there. We'd be thrilled if you would add Kitchens & Baths Unlimited to your list of potential Chicago Kitchen and Bath Designers, and we look forward to meeting you.
