Kitchens & Baths
Kitchens and baths constitute two of the most vital rooms in any family home. In fact, remodeling a kitchen or bath or adding another bathroom are far and away the most cost-effective alterations a homeowner can make to a home.
With that in mind, professionals in the Madison area advise homeowners to hire both a designer and contractor to get the job done right. “We design for the specific needs of the individual (or family),” says one area designer who specializes in challenging spaces.
When selecting designers and contractors, base your final decision on references, cost, and listening ability—a vital piece of the pie. A local contractor urges homeowners to “be cautious,” explaining that many people call themselves remodelers but aren’t insured or certified. Do a credit check and call references before signing a contract. Make sure the construction they have planned is realistic. You don’t want to overprice your home, overextend your finances, or make your house odd-man-out in the neighborhood.
Both contractor and designer advise clients to familiarize themselves with current products and trends and set their priorities. If clients know what they want, they save themselves and the hired professional time and money. Clip pictures out of home design magazines. Visit kitchen and bath showrooms. Check out products at the annual home shows sponsored by MABA and NARI.
