Cost concerns and design control are two main reasons homeowners decide to DIY their kitchen remodels. With a wealth of online content increasing their confidence, they begin the project feeling optimistic, industrious, and maybe even excited.
For thousands of DIYers, this doesn’t last. Moreover, their reasons for choosing the DIY path may have been rather unfounded. Let’s look closer and compare the DIY experience to hiring a professional designer for kitchen remodeling projects.
DIY: Chaos, overwhelm, and shifting timelines.
You know what they say about the best laid plans. Maybe you were prepared for a few curveballs. But when you DIY a kitchen remodel, just getting through the initial chaos of demolition can be more challenging than anticipated.
Toss in a few late deliveries, a time-sensitive issue with permits, or an overestimation of your plumbing skills. Eventually, your confidence begins to dial down.
Kitchen Designer: Phasing projects for manageability.
Professional kitchen designers have seen and heard it all. They help you know what to do during a kitchen remodel, create realistic expectations, and assist with navigating schedules and to-dos.
There isn’t an advocate or collaborator available for every challenge we meet in life. But there is for kitchen remodeling, and it begins with hiring a designer to plan and coordinate the project.
DIY: Internet inspiration that looks better online.
From tutorials to before-and-afters, social media platforms provide a 360-degree view of remodeling a kitchen. Or so you think. Lighting, editing, and the specific qualities of a property are impacting your perception. That’s why your jewel-toned subway tile or open shelving wasn’t as “wow” as you pictured it would be.
Kitchen Designer: Relevant, real-life recommendations.
A professional kitchen designer puts function first. They handle your kitchen triangle, planning for storage, and setting you up for five-star workflows. This is essential to putting all of the other elements of a beautiful kitchen in place.
They can show you materials and concepts that align with your vision. You’ll make the most of existing space instead of pie-in-the-sky social media trends. They know the best ways to make your kitchen look unique, not a half-executed copy of an influencer’s.
DIY: Results that say, “I tried.”
The oddly placed countertop seam, and a cabinet pull-out that’s slightly off balance. You finished the job, but the longevity and quality of the work tell a DIY tale here and there.
There are so many areas where this can crop up. Appliances that protrude too far out from the cabinetry, subpar flooring transitions, and tile with suspicious arrangements. It all costs more money to fix down the road.
Kitchen Designer: Impressive details that delight every day.
When you hire a designer for your kitchen remodel, it’s okay to take a closer look. Genius countertop and backsplash combos and custom edges. Mixed-metal hardware, seamlessly integrated appliances, and gorgeous color palettes. It all comes together under one service.
Many homeowners aren’t even aware of the tiny, high-impact considerations that create unbeatable results. It’s the real secret to a remodel that’s worth every penny.
DIY: Unforeseen expenses that bust the budget.
Perhaps you already factored surprises into the budget. Great job! But when something falls through, and it comes time to compromise or choose an alternative, where do you go to find it? How will this affect your timeline? Will another element need to be swapped to align with the alternative, further disrupting costs?
This familiar scenario often co-occurs with previously unknown issues with plumbing or electrical. It’s why most DIY remodels take up to 50% longer than originally anticipated.
Kitchen Designer: Avoiding expensive mistakes, providing options at every price point.
We think of designers as someone with an eye, and that’s the truth. However, a few underrated skills they also possess include project management and resource access. While a kitchen designer might not have a crystal ball, they know what to avoid up front.
They also know how to keep the separate elements of the project from toppling one another. That saves you money. Toss in beneficial relationships with manufacturers and contractors, and there’s an alternative for everything, all with your remodeling budget in mind.
Where do you find a professional kitchen designer?
At your local Designery. Experience is made more accessible with us, as you get the benefits of a boutique firm combined with the bonus of proven results, nationwide.
Want to know how a kitchen remodel with The Designery might go? Berkeley, one of our Georgia clients, shares their experience.
They came for the selection, but stayed for the design services.
“We contacted The Designery because they offered Wellborn Cabinet vanities; the quality and style we sought. We met Allie and reviewed Wellborn's options and those of other companies. We settled on Wellborn, and the process began. Plumbing changes were necessary, so we chose to work with Allie's recommended plumber and drywall contractor,” Berkeley shares.
“Their work was done quickly and accurately. Separately, Allie took measurements and the cabinets were ordered, delivered, and installed - just as expected.”
A kitchen remodel that stays on schedule? Priceless. Now it’s time for premier countertops.
“We'd worked with her recommended countertop supplier and were able to find granite that matched that of our kitchen. All of the workmen were most capable, efficient, and respectful.”
“Allie, though, set the example. She was always available and quick to respond. All arrangements were clear, and commitments were kept. We could not have been happier and are pleased to highly recommend her and her shop!”
A professional kitchen designer makes all of the difference. Schedule your free design consultation or visit a showroom to meet your new designer.
