Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Look for a Designer

1. How many people are in the family and what are their ages? How many will use the bathroom in the morning? Family members in wheel chairs or tiny children all affect the layout of both kitchen and bath, as well as counter/vanity height, handles, and even types of appliances.
2. Do you cook at home and if so, are you a gourmet cook? How do you work in the kitchen? Does more than one person cook at once? These answers impact the type of appliances chosen, and may tie or free up a large portion of your budget.
3. Do you use everything you have in your kitchen? If you never use your two-bowl sink, expand your counter space by picking a single bowl. Don’t use all the space in your refrigerator? Choose a smaller model to save space.
4. How long do you plan to stay in your house? It doesn’t make sense to blow the budget on top-of-the-line items if you only plan to live there five years.
5. What are your negotiables? Non-negotiables? Make a list.

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