Lessons in Cost versus Value

Have you ever learned the following lesson: sometimes the higher priced option and choice actually saves money?

 Please bare with me as I share a story about trying to save money. Most people who walk into our showroom ask about cost during the first visit. In that question is hidden a common mistake all of us tend to make, confusing cost versus value.

I covered the various options homeowners have in many blog posts in December and January. I suggest you check them out. Are you in Sales or own a small business committed to excellence?
If so, how often do you attempt to share "value" with potential clients who basically focus only on cost as their deciding factor? Frustrating, isn't it?

Let me diverge here for a moment.  Stick with me, there is a point to my rabbit trails. In 2013, I began to become aware that some extensive and expensive dental crowns I had done years ago, out of State might fail. After all they were nearly fifteen years old.

A trusted friend referred me to her dentist who had an excellent reputation. She raved about his talent, expertise, and superb skills.  Frankly, I chose to ignore her referral because I assumed he would be very high priced. Instead, I went to a  well known franchise dental center. I was thrilled when the price per filling was $120 less than a third dentist I went to for a while.  However, they popped out repeatedly and had to be redone.

I liked the staff and developed a good relationship with them and the manager of this name brand franchise dental center.Eventually, one of my older crowns broke off! To make it worse, it was one of my front teeth. Ugh!

I consider that an emergency. I did not know who to go to. I decided to trust the franchised Dental office with a root canal, post and new crown for $2500. Within days I was in excruciating pain from a fractured root caused due to a short temporary post being placed to support the new crown.
What does this story have to do with Kitchen and Bath remodeling? Please hold on, there is a connection.

What to do now? Probably the same thing homeowners do when the contractor they hired takes their deposit money and never shows up again or creates a nightmare in the remodeling process that must be corrected by someone else.  

In my dental fiasco, the latter has been my only solution. Three years later, I finally went to see the dentist my friend recommended in 2013. Yes, originally his expertise would have cost more than the dental center I went to. However, now I am out the money I spent at the less experienced and less professional dental center plus the money to correct the problem. The errors made created a need for expensive restoration of my mouth. If I had considered value over cost I would have paid more initially. However, the work would have been done excellently and all this angst, stress, and extra expense would have been avoided.

Here at Apple Wood we will not be the cheapest professional you may consider. We are competitive. We take great pride in our skill, professionalism, reputation and client satisfaction. We do everything the right way all the time. City inspectors and permit departments always have positive remarks to make concerning our excellence. Our clients love how we respect them, their time, homes, family, pets, and concerns. Most of our business is referral business. Most of our clients return for multiple projects.

Unfortunately, some of our customers have stories like my dental journey. Trying to save a few dollars ended up costing them considerably on every level. Please look at value for the dollar invested. Remodeling your home is an investment, after all. Come see us. We will do it the right way the first time. You will love the results!  

Create your own "Dreamy" Spa Master Bath

I love going to spas! The fresh clean feeling is so relaxing. I enjoy the atmosphere as soon as I arrive. Being pampered during my appointment is heavenly. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to experience that feeling in our own Master Baths? We rarely have that wonderful experience.

I do not feel the same peaceful feeling when I am in my own bathroom.  However, we have great news! It is possible to make the magic happen! We would love to help you create your home spa. Do you know how customized storage, statement lighting, new solutions to tubs and shower fixtures create a spa experience at home?

Most of us rush into our bath to get ready for work or clean up after a long day. If you are like me, the room looks less peaceful after my visit then before. Especially in our rushed mornings, our family either leaves towels on the floor or crooked on the towel bar.  Toiletries, makeup, tooth brushes and toothpaste are all over the counter. Sometimes, when I return in the evening, I am shocked by the reality left from my whirlwind exit earlier in the day! Restful is the last adjective I would ascribe to my Master Bath at that point.

So let’s talk about solutions. How do Spas create the inviting surroundings that alter our mood and blood pressure? It is in the details. Everything has a place and is in the perfect location to create the peace filled atmosphere we long to escape into. Ahhhhhh!

Bathrooms are less expensive to remodel than kitchens. Typically they are much smaller. Thus it can be the perfect canvas to splurge when it comes to lighting, hardware, sinks, and counter top choices. A kitchen needs many lighting fixtures and big expanses of stone or alternative counters.

A bath usually only needs one or two lighting fixtures. The right one can set the entire mood for the space. How about a small crystal chandelier to create a classic traditional ambiance. Wall sconces casting light up and down a wall add drama in a contemporary setting. The choices are endless!  

Heated flooring adds comfort. Whether you prefer tile or wood, flooring invites you into the sacred space. The shower floor can be specialized by placing river stones strategically to stimulate the same points in your feet as reflexology massage does.

Glass tiles of various shapes and sizes create beautiful drama and reflective tones. Mixing the organic natural stone tiles with glass as an accessory brightens up the room and your spirit. Surrounding  the  mirror with a wall of glass tiles creates a breathtaking  feature wall.

Adding touches to accessorize, such as glass tiles nestled between the organic stone tile used on the walls in the shower really makes the room “pop” It  is similar to wearing jewelry bringing pizzazz to your favorite outfit.

Another accessory that can truly set your bath apart as spa like is beautiful hardware. Vanities have fewer drawers and cabinets than kitchen cabinets require.  Knobs and Pulls can really drive the price up high in a kitchen remodel. However, since few are needed in a bath, it is a perfect place to express your taste beautifully without over spending.

Vessel sinks have been available for some time now. The choices are getting more creative along with faucets of every possible style.  A new trend that began recently in kitchen design is making an appearance in baths as well. Open shelving adds storage and doubles as a practical way to display beautiful towels, candle, art and accessories that are too beautiful to hide behind cabinet doors.

Clear towering glass shower walls visually enlarge the square feet in bathrooms. Coordinating the shower wall tiles with the floor tiles adds interest and visual spaciousness as well. Imagine stepping out of your steaming shower and reaching for a toasty towel hanging on the heated towel bar! Luxury!

Tubs come in every possible style these days. Many are perform double duty. Jets and colored lights soothe muscles and your mind as your body relaxes into the miracle water.

I am ready to live in luxury! How about you! We would love to create your own Spa retreat in your home. Stop in and let’s dream together.

 

 

 

 

 

Counterfeit Contractors vs the Real Professional

Hello there! Are you enjoying a break from winter? We are! It is looking like Spring really is coming  soon! We and our customers are excited about that. 2016 is going to be an awesome year for remodeling! If you are considering a project, please talk to us soon. Now is the time to begin the process if you want any remodeling completed for Thanksgiving.

 

Realizing your dream for the perfect kitchen or bath remodel is a multi layered process. These steps typically take more time than you think. It may seem very early to you, yet waiting until summer to get going may be too late. To enjoy your new space of the Holidays, we suggest you start the process now. Does that surprise you? Please remember, each project requires planning, designing, selections, and scheduling. To be fair, we work on a first come first serve basis. Our calendar fills up quickly. 

Now is a great time to reveal my goal for this post! How many times in your life and you heard or said, "You get what you pay for?" We all know our homes may be our biggest portfolio asset. It is

wise to compare contractors referrals, customer reviews, pricing , and reputation. Here at Apple Wood we often hear upsetting stories from homeowners when their plan to save money hiring a less expensive carpenter ends up causing frustration, damage, and loss of value in their home. Ultimately the final cost to them is more than if they had hired a true professional initially. No one plans to make a mistake like that. What can you do to avoid being a victim? For your protection, let me explain what can happen.

Design Build Construction like Apple Wood is the best choice! My last few blogs posts educated you about the different choices homeowners have in selecting a Construction and/or Remodeling professional. I feel responsible to inform you about another potential pitfall poorly informed New Hampshire home owners can fall into. Many homeowners simply do not know important facts that may create expensive and frustrating disappointments. All of us want to find the best result for the lowest investment. We want a fair deal. We depend on who we hire to keep their promise of excellence to us. However, we may neglect performing our due diligence before we sign a contract.

 

"Trade" or "craftsman" builders and support businesses in construction, rely on employee "build teams".  These employees represent numerous levels of expertise, skill, and experience . Excellent construction and remodeling contractors need to hire, train, and oversee Sub Contractors to complete projects. Economic developments in 2008 created a new paradigm in the building industry. Since that economic downturn, only the best contractors survived to remain in business. Many talented craftsman and carpenters were unable to find work. Some changed their careers, or moved away to greener pastures. The exodus of truly trained and experienced subs and carpenters created a new category of  what I will term, counterfeit contractors. Yes, that is a scary term! Let me explain.

 

Construction is in many ways an art form. Down through centuries the craft has been passed on primarily by apprenticeship. A young person interested in learning carpentry, electrical, plumbing,

and other specialties needed to build or remodel homes and businesses begins working for an established Construction professional. As they learn the craft, they become experienced, capable, and confident. Some may reach true master levels and be prepared to become the owner / manager of their own Construction Company.    

   

The 2008 drop in the economy slowed everything down, especially construction. As things began to return to pre 2008 levels the past three to five years, homeowners wanting to update their property found it harder to locate true skilled professionals. For reasons numbered below, less experienced

people found they could legally present themselves as General Contractors or Remodeling Contractors. Sometimes, the result for homeowners wanting to remodel has varied

from being extremely unhappy and frustrated to complete loss of deposits and payments paid when the contracted project was not completed as promised. Typically, through no fault of their own, inexperienced, uninformed homeowners looking for the "best deal"  hire the counterfeit inexperienced contractor. In the long run, any money they "saved" is lost. A true professional correcting the errors made can help. However, now the homeowner has to pay more for the project  than it would have cost the homeowner to hire the best to begin with.     

 

New Hampshire Facts in Construction/ Building/Contracting :

1. Anyone may attain a business name regardless of industry experience.

2. NH does NOT license Contractors

3. No testing of ability, skill, or knowledge is required to get a business name.

4. No personal or professional referrals from peers or professional organizations are required.

5. NH does NOT legislate insurance requirements for contractors.

6. Anyone who says they are capable to build homes or remodel them may open a

    general contracting company in New Hampshire

7. If you have any issues there is no State of NH governing organization for the construction trade

    to  help you negotiate or get your money back.

 

We know this is hard to believe. However, it is true. How do you know who to hire?

1. Ask for referrals from numerous people you trust.

2. Visit Showrooms and websites. Call the Contractor, make an appointment. Ask if they will

     give you some past customers referrals.

3. Ask homeowners you know just completed a project what they liked and did not like about their

    contractor.

4. Call your local building inspector for his opinion on who he would hire to work on his home.

 

VERY IMPORTANT:

Require anyone or any company you consider to provide proof :

1. State of NH Business Registration

2. Proof of Insurance, the policy coverage, value amount, and what it covers

 

FYI:

Watch out for anyone that says they are a DBA ( Doing Business As) that permits them to ask you to

write the check to them personally for their professional services! It may mean their business is NOT registered. 

Finally, Apple Wood Kitchen and Bath or Apple Wood Construction will not be the cheapest company. We are competitive, priced fairly and realistically to provide the excellence we strive for in everything we design build. We would love to help you make your home perfect as we have for all of our clientele for years. Our customers love to give us referrals! Just ask! 

Attracting Business..."What makes the phone ring?"

We, at Apple Wood love to photograph projects as we complete them. In this age of technology, new pictures of recent kitchen and bath projects need to be added to our webpage Gallery Portfolio. That is good marketing and public relations. No business person can deny the impact of this type of advertising to brand our company and build our business.

People love to see project pictures on line and in magazines. In fact, we highly recommend to put together your own Dream Project folder. Filling it with pictures printed from online or cut out of magazines will help you discover and then share what style you prefer. It is an important useful tool that will help your ultimate satisfaction.

Recently a survey of homeowners to discover how they select and choose the remodeling contractor revealed something interesting. Homeowners interviewed and canvassed who has hired a remodeler during the past few years revealed that referrals were the deciding factor that influenced their choice. Pictures of projects played a small part. When given a referral by a friend, colleague, or family member the next step seemed to be to go on line and look at the the firm's gallery on the website.

An internet marketing agency agrees that photos are important and must be shown, they are not enough to convince a potential client to pick up the phone and call. It is a trust factor. That should not be a surprise. After all , we are talking about inviting strangers into your home to alter it. We are opening up our lives, giving access to our family, children, pets, and personal security and belongings to people who are, well, let's be honest. They are strangers to us!

Now there is a bit of demographics involved depending on your generation. Younger homeowners, 20 to 34 have grown up trusting the "google" world. They tend to put more trust in the accuracy of online reviews. They may be willing to award their project to a contractor based on an online search.
However, those 35 to 65 are less trusting of online suggestions, They are much more apt to talk to friends, family, even contractors they already know to ask for referrals.

The majority of serious potential clients are savvy. In fact, seeing only shots of the finished project is not enough. They prefer to see before and after photographs to judge the ability, craftsmanship, and creativity of the contractor they are considering. If they can see a video testimonial made with the homeowner sharing the story (likes and dislikes about the project, the process, and the team involved), even better. Talking to friends about the contractor tops the categories of how homeowners made their decision of who to work with. Makes sense! I would do that! Wouldn't you?

We at Apple Wood love how our clients love us and refer us to their friends, family and actually to themselves for the next project. We are privileged and honored to design and build many times in one home as they proceed improving their homes remodeling baths, kitchens, basements, garages, decks, additions and many other wonderful projects! We would love to help you too!

The BEST Choice is Design Build

Hello,

I was getting spoiled with all the warm Spring like weather. My lilacs are budding. My fun chickens, "my girls" were happy layers in this warmer winter weather. THEN  it snowed! What is that saying?  We are in "New England"just wait, it may change! Weather can speed up or impede construction dramatically. Working with a seasoned team familiar with these special challenges is important.

This is one of the facts about why construction projects, whether remodeling or new construction is more challenging here. That translates into needing to be much more mindful selecting the type of contractor you award your project to. I have to admit I am biased, since we at Apple Wood Kitchens and Bath, an extension of Apple Wood Construction are Design Build professionals. We know the Design Build approach is the best choice any client can make. Design Build clients suffer much less anxiety or stress. They tend to be more highly satisfied with the results as well as the process beginning to end.

Last week I shared about the better mid level selection of a Mom and Pop Kitchen Bath retailer.
Today I am sharing the perks of stepping up to the Design Build. There can be big differences depending on the knowledge, experience, and business model of a local retail Kitchen and Bath showroom or a Mom and Pop shop. Although some can be very close to the Design Build model, most have critical pieces missing that may slow down progress or require you to track down, find
and supervise subcontractors yourself. You may have some experience and knowledge of the correct terminology and requirements you need to be aware of. However, most likely, you just want the finished project completed as perfectly and timely as possible with no effort on your part.

Let's face it! By the time you have decided the time is right to remodel, you want it to happen as seamlessly as possible in an organized manner. You do not want or need to remember everything. That is why you are looking to hire and contract with a reputable professional that speeds up the process. I think all of us realize the fewer people involved in the process the better. Most homeowners want to trust and rely on who they award the project to.

What does that mean exactly? Well, it can mean the difference between peace of mind and confidence your project will be perfect versus a disaster. Most likely, you are a working professional and parent with a busy work, home, and extra curricular activities. The last thing you need to add is managing a remodeling project. Finding licensed capable contractors is a challenge. However, finding and hiring sub contractors can be quite daunting. Managing your project effectively coordinating numerous categories of the same is extremely stressful. It is also a recipe for disaster and extra expense if you do not understand and have experience the need for different steps in the process being consecutive. One process creates the foundation for the next step.

Here is the best choice! Here comes your Super Man, the Apple Wood Design Build professional!
You will feel most comfortable communicating your dream to us. Ask yourself as you shop around,  Do they "get" it? Do they "get " me? Are they listening to my ideas, questions, and concerns? Do they have happy customers who refer them? Do the local town officials; inspectors, building and planning department employees, permit departments consider the firm professional and honest in their building practices? We at Apple Wood take pride that the feedback we receive is positive from all the above areas mentioned.

As our Project Manager professional pulls together our contracting team, you can rest from having to find, contact, schedule, meet up with and supervise any sub needed on your project.  "Being one stop, soup to nuts " means we are the only call you need to make. You call Lisa, Lenny, or Cynthia at Apple Wood and we take it from there.

We hire the best, work with only experienced and insured contractors and craftsmen who have been background checked. Your home, family, pets, and belongings are safe. What I just mentioned is key! Some homeowners have suffered loss, not considering this seriously. That truth may create an unpleasant to damaging result. Hind sight is 2020. Bad and expensive complications can be avoided when your due diligence has been active to find, compare, and confidently award your project to. Paying attention to what former clients say about their integrity, character, knowledge, and respect while remodeling your home is the best test.

Come see us! Bring your ideas for your dream project! We will jump right in to make your dream a reality with excitement and less stress. We love to listen, understand and pull together the best team possible to accomplish the project as expected and promised on budget and on time as promised. You will be like all of our clients. They tend to do multiple projects with us and send their family and friends too. We look forward to meeting you soon!

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!


      

Project Management - Which Option is the Best Choice for You?

Happy 2016! Happy New Year!

In New England, we are blessed with many choices when we want to remodel our homes.
As mentioned before there are Design Build Contractors, privately owned Kitchen and Bath showrooms of various sizes, very simple Mom and Pop Kitchen businesses, Hardware stores,
and Big Box retail home improvement warehouse stores. Typically each of these categories offer various levels of products needed to install in your home. The higher quality, truly custom cabinet lines favor doing business with the first two, Design Build and Quality Kitchen Showrooms.The other vendors generally carry lines that may be knock offs of the higher quality cabinet lines. There are big differences in selections spanning all of these options. Each of these categories have a place in the industry and meet different needs of their clientele.

We have discussed products in past posts. It is time to share with you different approaches each of these have regarding project management and installation. Over the next few weeks, I will be letting you in on trade secrets to help you make the best informed decision regarding who to award your project and business to. Great design is absolutely important! Great project management; even more so. Here we go! I  want to reverse the order in these posts. We will begin with the Big Box Retailer stores.

How many years have you been dreaming about and researching the remodeling project you want in your home?  Time is the only resource we can never get back. Most homeowners do not realize how many hours they spend dreaming, researching, and formulating everything they want to accomplish in their project. That is a fact.

You may need a kitchen or bath remodeled and updated in rental properties you own. If so, you may find the in stock cabinets available on the shelf in a big box store sufficient. You can install them yourself or hire a carpenter to do so. This is the quick and simple way to replace cabinets damaged by previous tenants. Another option in these home improvement stores is a step up to special order cabinets that are very basic and inexpensive. However, sizes, heights, depths, and special attributes people seek are generally missing in these lines. The finishes are more apt to wear off or dull over time.

When you are remodeling your own home it is important to perform your due diligence. This investment will impact the quality of your home and family life as well as the real estate value for years to come.
Some cabinet manufacturers will knock off their own line on a limited basis to build a similar looking cabinet to capture quantity sales in warehouse stores. Be aware, they are constructed differently. They are made out of components of less quality to be priced lower for Big Box retailers. Just know you are not comparing apples to apples.

Let me give you and example. Think about a amazing cabinet door style, or a faucet, sink, or light fixture you found in another privately owned showroom. Suddenly, you see exactly the same style and size in the warehouse store. It costs considerably less! How exciting! You think you found a great deal.

Big corporations that own warehouse stores have buying power. The volume they can buy is very tempting and lucrative to a manufacturer. The manufacturer is courted by the chain store buying agents who negotiate well. They require the same look for a much lower price than the original design and item.  The same look does not equate to the same quality. Beware! Nearly every product sold in these warehouse stores is modified. They look similar but the components they are made of are not the same as the more expensive original. Neither are their warranties and guarantees.    

Please consider the following: All the hours and effort spent in the planning stages are necessary. They help define your vision and are critical to optimize your results. The choices you make regarding who to award your business to has the ability to make this adventure joy filled, or filled with confusion, irritation, and stress. I want to give you some suggestions and information to help it be as wonderful an experience as possible.

You have selected the cabinet line, style, finish and special features important to you. You have seen the computerized design floor plan and elevations! Next step demo and installation! Yay!

What can delay or ruin all your hopes, research, and hard work?  The install! Who you select to design your project is important for so many reasons. However, who they work with to manage the project and install it matters even more. Minimizing the importance of who you invite into your home, your life, and trust with this long desired dream is a mistake. Let's consider your options.

We have been discussing the various vendors: Design Build, Mom and Pop Kitchen retailer, hardware store, and /or Big Box retailer. The project management and install phase is where the rubber meets the road. The true differences between these options are put to the test much more in the project management and installation than at any stop along the way.

I have experience as a Designer in all scenarios. I can attest the best choice is Design Build! I've experienced just about every possible problem and how it impacted my clients over the past twenty years of being in this industry. I am going to begin with the option having the greatest potential for problems and explain what you need to factor in to your decision.

Big Box Stores Kitchen Bath Department:

Kitchen and Bath remodeling projects are very personal decisions. This is one of the important decisions in family life where "bigger" is not necessarily "better". First we will discuss Big Box Retailer's approach to remodeling.

I stated in a previous post that it is not easy, although possible, to find and work closely with an experienced designer in a warehouse kitchen department. Most designers get their start learning kitchen bath design in these big box stores. It is a great place to practice, learn 2020 design software through repetition. This is one of the reasons fees for design are not required.

Yes, occasionally, some  more experienced designers choose to remain working in big box retailers. However, most move on. Typically, as soon as a newbie learns how to design and wants to improve their earning potential, they begin looking for a position in a privately owned showroom or a Design Build firm. Most likely, you will find lots of turn over of employees in most Kitchen Bath departments in the Big Box Stores.

You will enjoy building a relationship with the designer. It is important they "get" you and your vision for your project. This part is fun and filled with excitement wherever you decide to do business. You need to be informed that recently, a new policy has been introduced in some locations of big box design department. Some of these big box store corporations decided to have a customer service person in the department that only takes your information. They may not have any design experience at all. Their job is to greet you, show you product options, get your personal info, and determine what project you are interested in accomplishing. Once they secure all that, they forward all of it to someone out of the store, possibly in another region to do the actual design.

Your measurements will be sent along with your file of project you discussed with the person you met at a store. It is similar to the way they handle window shutter sales. The person you meet acts as your store contact. However, they will not be in your home at all. An outside design team member will be measuring and designing your project. This approach creates more profit for the store and company. It does not help you feel truly understood or connected to a live sales person who is really committed to your satisfaction. Practically speaking, the more people involved passing along messages and information, the more possibility of error. Error becomes stress with the potential of being very disappointed.

Hopefully, the store you decide to do business with still follows the original model of  two or three employees of that particular store, measuring, designing, and installing. At least the three may know each other, if they are all employed in one location.

Let me tell you about my experiences handing off design folders to the Install Department where I was designing kitchens and baths. It is very hard to let go and trust the installation department is going to understand everything you know is very unique and important to your customer. Kitchens and bath remodels are money makers for warehouse stores. Designers are pressured to move the project along so they are free to get the next client and make another sale. It is all about profit and which store does the highest volume in a district. That sounds harsh, yet it is true. It is the main reason Big Box store designers choose to move on to better showrooms and construction companies.

Managers of Big Box Stores are under a great deal of pressure. They do not hire carpenters, electricians, painters, or plumbers. They must locate freelance contractors willing to work part time on a 1099 tax basis. Typically, store management depends on these outside sub contractors coming to them for work. Think about this. How does a Store Manager know the history of  a particular sub? There is no former employer to call for a referral. Why is this person not working for another construction company? How much knowledge and experience do they have? If they are truly skilled and employable, why are they settling to work for a warehouse store? What happens if they just decide to split in the middle of installing your project because they found steady employment elsewhere? Are they insured? Have their backgrounds been checked to verify being free of any drug, alcohol, or problems with the law? Where is the accountability that creates safety for you, your family, home and property.

Our concern and responsibility is to inform you of  options you have and the differences between them. Next week we will write about the next higher level to educate you about why selecting the right fit for your project matters!

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