#Why Hire a Designer

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What is the one thing you will afford NOT to have for your next kitchen or bathroom project?

How about the services of a professional designer?

Did you know that the services of a professional designer usually represent only about four percent of a total project budget? That s a bargain, considering how designers expertise saves time and money and assures a more valuable, satisfying outcome.

One of the primary reasons a homeowner turns to a certified kitchen designer (CKD) or certified bath designer (CBD) is to translate your vision and often your unstated or unrealized needs into a design that maximizes the functional use of space, desired resources and budget. NKBA designers hear it over and over from their clients: I never knew that was even an option to consider.

Building or renovating a kitchen and bath is one of the most important investments you will make in your home. Not only does it involve careful planning, but also extensive research and building knowledge. Certified kitchen designers and certified bathroom designers are tested to rigorous and relevant standards, much like certified public accountants or financial planners are tested for their industry competencies.

The NKBA is the certifying body for kitchen and bath designers, requiring a demonstrated level of professionalism before designers can even take the certification exam. A fully qualified designer must

Have seven years of full-time residential kitchen/bath industry experience, including proven knowledge of kitchen and bath design, as well as construction, mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems. Completed a minimum of 60 hours of NKBA professional development programming. Passed a rigorous, two-part exam testing academic knowledge and practical skills. Be an expert in the NKBA Kitchen Bath Planning Guidelines Access Standards (31 kitchen and 27 bathroom planning guidelines), which recognize the importance of consumer health, safety and welfare in kitchen and bath design.

• Remain current on local building codes, safety and environmental regulations and the wealth of new products and equipment through ongoing continuing education requirements that mandate a minimum of 10 hours of continuing education every two years.

Be skilled at assessing consumers individual needs and wants and creating designs that meet and exceed these requirements.

NKBA-certified kitchen designers and -certified bathroom designers will assist you every step of the way, clarifying the planning process and identifying the fun and exciting decisions you ll be making. Click here to find a local certified designer in your area.

Related:

• NKBA Certification Designations