Critical Project Management Phase Facts

Hi, there,

Today I will share with you the advantages and comparisons remodeling your kitchen or bath with either a hardware store kitchen bath department or Mom and Pop local Kitchen Bath showroom.

My last post informed you of  the installation model generally found working with a big box retailer.
We discussed the store manager hiring employees for various departments of his store location.
In that scenario, installation and remodeling in your kitchens or bathroom will be accomplished by people who are not employees of the store that designed your project. The only employee responsible for handling the project management for your project is the Installed Sales Coordinator. This department manager relies on craftsman in various areas of expertise contacting himself or the big box stores manager looking for freelance 1099 workers.They are freelance contractors, handymen, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, etc. trusted to install the products purchased at the store. Rarely is extensive background checking completed. Typically, said freelancers do not remain long term. They are filling in income gaps until they find their next dependable source of income. I would say most have the integrity to complete a job they begin. However, some do not. If they disappear mid project, it can create huge issues for a homeowner. If a problem presents itself that needs warranty work, the person who did the actual install may not be available to correct any problem. It is possible you will be working with another freelance craftsman to address any issue. This may be better. It may also be worse.

This business model is acceptable and practiced at hardware stores kitchen bath departments often as well. Occasionally, a particular hardware business with high percentages of remodeling sales actually hires their own install team employees. This is highly preferred over the constantly shifting nature of freelance contractors big box retailers depend on. Finding a company and designer you enjoy working with to trust your project to creates the best result. If there is a synergistic repetitive connection with the designer and installer it will aid your project running smoothly. When they work together as a team consistently your odds of satisfaction rise exponentially. This creates a better scenario for the homeowner customer.

Your satisfaction with the end product depends on many T's being crossed and I's dotted perfectly. A team approach with a designer and installer experienced working together will reduce stress and potential problems. Communication between the designer and installer needs to be continual. Often questions arise for the installers on site that can only be answered knowledgeably and accurately by the designer who actually created your CAD Design.

An installer guessing what the designer meant,can cause big problems. A designer and craftsman carpenter/installer working consistently together over time develop an great team approach that eliminates many potential problems. This familiarity with each other's way of doing things can make all the difference in the final outcome of your project.

Please keep the following in mind. There is more at stake then just your new kitchen or bath being designed and installed. This is happening in your home. Make sure you meet and feel confident and safe with every person involved. They will be in your house, around your mate, kids, pets, and all your valuables. Do you feel safe and comfortable around them? Will you feel free to leave them alone in your home while you run an errand? Have you checked out their references?

The next level higher is your local Mom & Pop Kitchen Bath Showroom. Often the owners are designers or a designer carpenter craftsman team themselves. The man may be an expert installer with years of experience. Perhaps owning his own showroom is the next promotion for his career after installing for other companies over the previous years. The point is you will be dealing with employees or owners that will handle your project from start to finish.  They are available and accountable. The peace of mind that comes dealing with true professionals is superior to all the unknowns you may encounter at the big box retailer.

Also, quality of product is generally much better at the level of  a privately owned Mom and Pop Kitchen Bath Showroom. Many manufacturers of cabinetry will only display their line in privately owned showrooms. Why? They take pride in their brand and build better products of higher quality. These manufacturers do not provide their better quality cabinetry to the big box retail stores. Custom cabinet lines and some semi custom lines cannot be bought or influenced to build a knock off line that competes at a lower price point found in big box retailers.

Next week we will cover the top choice, awarding your project to a Design Build firm like we are at Apple Wood Kitchen and Bath.

Have a great week!