Deciding to remodel can be daunting for most homeowners, and if you've never been through the process before, you may not even know where to begin. The biggest hesitation homeowners have is the fear that they will spend too much money. Many think that Design is something only for the uber wealthy, and try to go it alone in order to save. Here's why that's a bad idea, and how hiring a Professional Kitchen and Bath Designer can actually save you money, time and frustration.

1. Vision

A professional Designer has been trained to identify problems and come up with innovative solutions that homeowners may never have even considered. Through assessing the challenges the homeowner faces, along with their vision for the new space, the Designer is able to come up with a plan for how to achieve the vision while considering things like budget, aesthetics, functionality, and spacial considerations. Designers follow the rules of design as well as codes and industry standards to insure that the final product is beautiful as well as safe and functional.

2. A Kitchen and Bath Designer can keep you from making costly mistakes!

Designers are well schooled on all types of materials you would use in your home. Tile, natural stone, fabrics, counter tops etc... Just because a material looks good does not necessarily make it a good choice. Some materials are not meant for certain applications, and can wear badly or worse, be dangerous if used improperly. The way a material is installed can also determine its lifespan and safety. Your Designer is there to ensure that the materials you select are not only beautiful, but will also be functional for the way you live.

3. Be an Advocte

There may come a time in the project when you need someone to advocate for you with your Architect, or Remodeling Contractor. Your Designer is there to do just that. Designers have knowledge of construction and are able to speak to Architects and Contractors in their terms. Also, because your Designer works for you, he/she will be there to visit the job site during construction to make sure the work is being done according to their specifications and vision.

4. RESOURCES!

Designers have access to so much more than you would be able to access on your own. The typical homeowner is limited to retail stores, and online stores. Designers generally attend various furniture markets, trade shows, and trade only showrooms that give them access to things the average homeowner has never even seen! The ability to source items that are not available in local retail stores allows Designers to create one of a kind designs specifically for their clients. You can also save money here, as Designers may have the ability to purchase items directly from the manufacturer which allows them to sell to you at a lower markup than a retail store.

5. Renderings, Plans and Space Planning

Your Designer will draw your space to scale and create a space plan on paper, as well as show you selections, materials, etc.. so that you can see how the room will look before anything gets ordered. Every element of the space has a relationship with the others. Having a well thought out plan ahead of time, along with visual aids and samples, allows you to envision how the various elements will play off of each other.

6. Budget

Designers are used to working within the perimeters of a budget. They are masters of getting the "bang for the buck" by knowing how to combine lesser expensive materials with a splurge here or there for those details that stand out to make the space feel special.

7. Adding value to your home

Kitchen and Bath Designers know exactly where you should spend your money when it comes to remodeling your home. They will be able to make suggestions as to how to best add value to the home for resale when you decide to remodel.

8. Lighting

Even the most well designed room will not have that wow factor without proper lighting. Professional Designers provide lighting plans based on needs for task lighting, ambient lighting, and highlighting focal points. A good lighting plan is crucial to a well designed room.

9. Innovative storage solutions

It's been said that you can never have enough storage. Designers come up with creative storage solutions to your storage needs. Your Designer may inventory the clothes in your closet, or the dishes and small appliances in your kitchen in order to make sure there is a place for everything, and everything in it's place.

10. Elevate the design to the next level

Even those homeowners who know exactly what they like, and have impeccable taste will benefit from the knowledge and experience of a Designer. There are so many moving parts, and details that can be missed that not having a Designer to keep you on track can lead to frustration and regret. A Designer will help you identify your vision, and then take it to the next level.

The 10 Biggest Ways Hiring a Kitchen and Bath Designer Saves you Money, Time and Frustration.