Criteria for choosing your kitchen and bath company

Choosing a company to renovate your kitchen and bath is not an easy task. You have dozens of options from "big box" stores to "handymen" with an array of businesses in between, including remodeling companies and professional kitchen and bath design firms-some with showrooms and some without. We want to help you understand the differences and what constitutes the best value for your investment. To that end we address several criteria for choosing your kitchen and bath company. Regardless of whether or not you choose our firm, we hope this makes the decision process easier and the end result better.

1. Showroom/ Studio Appearance

A showroom demonstrates stability, providing insight into the company with whom you are dealing. It should immediately give you a look into the firm's product selection, quality standards and design capabilities. Consider these:

• Are the displays unique, representing a broad range of styles?
• Are the displays complete, in a state of flux or missing elements?
• How well are the components integrated into a beautiful, functional ergonomically designed kitchen or bath display?
• Look closely at the "fit and finish"- where the countertop meets the sink or the cabinets, how the molding mitre cuts come together and other details.

2. An Educational Approach

Let the owner or designer educate you. A quality kitchen is not about products or brands, but rather about you, your family and your lifestyle. An early warning sign would be a firm that begins by promoting a specific product or brand. Let the designer help you understand the pros and cons of each product in relation to your needs and budget.

A showroom should be an educational center. You should walk out more informed and less confused than when you walked in. Look for:

• Information booklets you can take home to study
• A "storyboard" outlining the steps involved in the design and installation processes.
• A "cabinet comparison wall" displaying the differences in the construction and cost of cabinetry
• Magazines or books that feature the publication of the firm's kitchen or bath projects.

3. Selection of quality products at special values

value rarely translates to the lowest cost. true value is getting the best possible product for your investment.

It is a common misconception that only national and regional chain home centers can offer cabinetry at lower prices. With the advent of national kitchen and bath buying groups, professional kitchen and bath design firms, through their membership, can offer quality cabinets (as well as many other products) at the greatest value. Buying group membership assures you that the firm can offer the best prices, quality service and the best value overall.