Our Process
What goes into the making of the kitchen of your dreams? Is it great color choices, beautiful cabinetry, or shiny new appliances? Sure, each of those things plays a role in the coming together of your kitchen, but in our experience the critical variable in a successful kitchen remodel is – wait for it – the design and remodeling process!
Now before you close your browser, hear me out! Creating a custom kitchen that will thrill you for years to come is the result of a process of discovery, design, selection and construction. The process ensures that we listen to your needs, understand your goals, embrace your passions and execute to perfection.
We’re fond of saying that we will never cook a meal in your kitchen, bathe in your bathroom or entertain in your family room. We fully appreciate that this is your space and it must reflect your desires, needs and personality. We understand the importance of beauty as it relates to function.
Over five decades of happy customers, We have developed the Mother Hubbard’s 7-Step Process that results in the very best and most beautiful kitchen for you and those you love. Here are the steps for kitchen remodeling success:
1. IN-HOME CONSULTATION
Our certified designer visits with you in your space and interacts with you in order to establish a budget range for your remodeling project. During this visit we’ll ask dozens of questions so that we can begin to understand what’s most important to you.
(Complimentary – $150 value.)
2. DESIGN RETAINER
Based on the estimate, we’ll request a 1% retainer from you that will be credited back to your project upon signing a contract. So, for example, if yours is an estimated fifty thousand dollar project, we’ll request a $500 retainer. Securing a retainer allows us to move to the Design Phase and to begin work on your project.
3. DESIGN PHASE
During the design phase we’ll be investing our time, tools and expertise in order to generate appropriate initial floor plans, renderings and product lists for your review. We’ll host you in our showroom and present the initial design, estimated price and other considerations for your feedback. Creating the kitchen of your dreams is, of course, an iterative process and we’ll offer up to two revisions at no additional charge, should the project move forward to the contract phase.
4. CONTRACT SIGNING
After the showroom presentation of the initial design and your feedback, we’ll present a contract for your review. If after reviewing the contract you are excited to move forward, we’ll ask for a signature and an initial deposit so that we can get your project scheduled with our team and subcontractors.
5. MATERIAL SELECTION
Unlike most kitchen and bath design firms, we don’t pat you on the back and send you off with a list of fixtures, finishes and appliances to purchase. We’re with you every step of the way visiting showrooms together and helping you choose cabinetry, countertops, flooring and everything else your design requires.
6. PROJECT MANAGEMENT & CONSTRUCTION
As described here (link) there are two widely utilized methods of project management for kitchen and bath design and remodeling projects. The most common method is to have the designer hand off the project to a construction or project manager. Some think this is the best way as carpentry, rather than design skills, are needed at this stage of the project.
A very different approach, and the one that we prefer, is to have the design team serve as project manager, overseeing carpenters, plumbers, and electricians who will perform the mechanical work required. There are reasons many, if not most, kitchen and bath remodelers choose the first method – it’s easier and requires less experience. Project management by a designer requires training and experience that not all kitchen designers have. At Mother Hubbard’s we believe that having our certified designers oversee the trades ensures that every detail is executed as intended.
7. PROJECT COMPLETION
Once the protective coverings have been removed, the dust cleared from the home, and everything thoroughly tested, we will schedule a final walk-through with you where we can both identify any small finishing touches that might need attention.
While this may mark the end of the project, it’s just the beginning of our commitment to ensure your happiness today, tomorrow and for many years to come. There will no doubt be one or two things that need our attention well after we’ve “handed you the keys.”
We don’t just expect you to call us, we encourage you to do so! Our business is built on the happiness of you and every other customer who has invited us into their homes.
And that’s the secret to a kitchen remodel project that delights the senses, satisfies the soul, and performs beautifully. Seven steps to success the Mother Hubbard’s way!