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Remodeling a kitchen or bathroom can be overwhelming for any homeowner. From choosing a designer to picking out colors, fabrics, materials, styles and the latest trends, it’s almost impossible to do it yourself.
To ease the process and help homeowners find an appropriate professional that will guide them through the stages of remodeling, the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) offers the following guidelines:
Don’t take on a kitchen or bathroom remodeling project yourself;
remodeling these rooms is very different than a bedroom, dining room or
family room. A specialized designer should be brought in to make
accurate measurements, suggest proper materials, and to design a
functional, safe and cost-efficient space that specifically reflects a
homeowner’s taste, style and personality.
Choose among more than 30,000 professionals from the National Kitchen
& Bath Association at www.nkba.org. Click on Consumer Workbook, and
Find an NKBA Professional. Enter a zip code and a local list of
qualified professionals will appear.
Pick several designers in your area; meet with each of them and trade
ideas and suggestions. Make sure they’re qualified for your needs
(bathroom and/or kitchen certified) and ask to see past projects and/or
a portfolio. In the months leading up to your remodeling project,
collect pictures and materials you like to make the first meeting with
your designer more productive.
How do you know if a designer is qualified for your project? Most NKBA
professionals are certified, but all are qualified to assist in
remodeling your home. If you prefer a certified kitchen and/or bathroom
designer, below is a list of options you have when picking the right
person for your job:
• CKD – Certified Kitchen Designer
• CBD – Certified Bathroom Designer
• AKBD – Associate Kitchen & Bath Designer
• CMKBD – Certified Master Kitchen & Bath Designer
Ask for references and check out the designer’s showroom or store if
possible. Pick the designer that satisfies your taste and style most.
You should never be persuaded to do anything you don’t like or too
high-end for your budget. A good designer will work closely with you
and your family until your dream home comes true!
NKBA Members are the “best-of-the-best” in the industry. All NKBA
certification programs require extensive professional experience and
education. For more information about tips on remodeling your kitchen
and bathroom, to request a free kitchen and bath workbook, or to find
an NKBA professional, call (877) NKBA-PRO or visit www.nkba.org.
About the National Kitchen & Bath Association
The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) is a non-profit
trade association that has educated and led the kitchen and bath
industry since 1963. With nearly 28,000 members and growing, NKBA owns
the Kitchen/Bath Industry Show & Conference (K/BIS). The mission of
NKBA is to enhance member success and excellence, promote
professionalism and ethical business practices, and provide leadership
and direction for the kitchen and bath industry.
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