Why do we ask for a Design Retainer?
Our experienced kitchen designers create unique spaces for each and every one of our clients, tailored to meet your individual needs. Since no two projects are alike, each design has to be relevant to the space, function, and specifically addresses your lifestyle, taste, and most importantly, your budget. In return for this retainer, you receive our designs that you can take home to discuss with your family and our undivided attention during our scheduled appointments. The drawings become your property to take with you and if you purchase cabinets from Detail Kitchens, the full amount of the retainer will be applied towards the cost of the cabinetry.
What’s included in the Design Retainer?
This design retainer is an agreement to retain our professional services without an obligation to purchase products. The full design retainer fee will be credited towards the cabinetry purchase amount providing the cabinetry is purchased within 120 days from the date of this agreement. The scope of the design work shall include client showroom visits, product selections, job site measurements, in-depth consultations, proposed floor plan and elevation drawings, cabinetry specifications and estimates of cost.
What about the Remodeling?
Detail Kitchens can provide you with a list of preferred remodeling contractors who have proven to us that they possess the job management skills and craftsmanship to make your project run smooth and trouble free, resulting in a kitchen or bathroom you will be proud to show off to your friends and neighbors. If you are planning to use your own contractor, remember custom fitting of the cabinetry, moldings, floor covering, lighting and plumbing fixtures is the final step in achieving the perfect kitchen or bathroom. This is achieved through superior craftsmanship which not all installers are capable of delivering. Although we do not provide job supervision or project management, the designer of your project and the Detail Kitchens team are always willing and available to assist you or your installation contractor with cabinet related design and installation questions.
How much does a Kitchen cost?
The most frequently asked question is “How much does a kitchen cost?” As with most products there are many levels of quality and price. There is no simple answer to the question because the price will vary depending on the quality level of cabinetry, the size of the room, the amount of construction, moldings, accessories, type of wood, type of finish, door style, countertop materials, and so on.
Why do we ask, “How much are you planning to Invest”?
The budget will help you separate your needs list from your wants list. For example your Needs List may include new cabinetry, countertops, appliances, and flooring while your Wants List might include walnut cabinets, built in refrigeration, commercial cooking appliances, hand scraped wood flooring and rare exotic stone countertops. If these items are not factored into your investment you could be overwhelmed by the overall cost of the project. You can’t have all your wants and needs if they don’t fit within your budget.
Detail Kitchens can help you establish a realistic investment level using our custom budgeting program based on the national average spent on home remodeling, information from real estate professionals, the value of your home, and the average costs of our own remodeling projects over the last 5 years. Once established, our designers can guide you in choosing products that will help you stay within your budget. Remember that the budget is only a tool and not the actual amount of your investment.
