Remodeling your kitchen or bathroom is a big undertaking, filled with lots of decisions. By choosing to work with an experienced designer like those at RSI Kitchen & Bath, you’ll have peace of mind in someone guiding you every step of the way!
When we first start working with clients, we like to have an initial design consultation to better understand you, your needs and goals. Before you come in to meet your designer in one of our design showrooms, take a look at how you can be prepared and, most importantly, best enjoy the process.
Step 1: Make an Appointment
Whether you pick up the phone or send us an inquiry on our website, the first step is contacting us!
While our showrooms in St. Louis and Columbia are open for browsing and inspiration, we do ask that you make an appointment if you’d like to have a full consultation. This will allow us to set up an appointment with one of our designers to discuss the specifics of your project, giving you the time and attention you need.
We do offer virtual appointments but find that most clients prefer to meet in person — safely and with proper protocols in place — for most meetings since it’s much better to see and feel samples in real-time. It’s also useful to interact with our displays. However, virtual appointments for discussing plan revisions or to Zoom in a spouse who can’t get away from work can be very helpful.
Step 2: Come Prepared
Before your design consultation, be sure to spend some time on Pinterest, Houzz, Instagram and our project portfolio posts. Make a small collection of kitchen or bath photos you love as well. Don’t worry about whether it fits in your home or is within your budget — you’re simply creating an inspiration board that helps us get to know your style preferences. You can also take a look at our resources on choosing your design style to give you some helpful language for talking about what you like.
In addition to style inspiration, bring your actual room dimensions. We will always professionally measure your space before ordering anything, but it’s very helpful to bring some rough dimensions to the first design consultation to help get us started. Here’s a room measuring guide, if you need a tool to assist you.
Step 3: Gather the Decision-Makers
Have a partner or spouse in your household? Make sure they’re at the first appointment. Even if they have minimal interest in the design project, a kitchen or bath remodel is a huge undertaking and purchase and you want to make sure all decision-makers are on the same page.
Too often we see partners showing up at the end of the process and innocently offer suggestions that require significant changes, resulting in frustration for everyone. They don’t have to attend every appointment, but starting together ensures we’re all rowing in the same direction.
Step 4: Set a Budget
While your budget may have to fluctuate a little during the design process, it will be your guiding figure that can help you determine what your must-haves are and what things are simply nice to have. Before your consultation, have a discussion as a family on what you want to spend on this project. This is probably not an exact dollar figure but rather a general price range.
Don’t be afraid to share this information with your designer! We’re not selling used cars here — our goal is to offer consultation and maximize your budget. Believe us, we’ll spend more time reeling you in and sticking you to your budget than you will!
(Take a look at this helpful post on the cost of a bathroom remodel, if it’s relevant to your project!)
Step 5: Don’t Worry About the Details
You don’t need to have it all figured out before your first design consultation. That’s what we’re here for. All you need to know is that you’re ready for a remodel. We’ll help with the rest. Layout ideas, material selection, realistic and responsible budgets, making it beautiful; that’s our job. You just have to make the first appointment.
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If you’re ready to start your kitchen or bath design project, we’re excited to speak with you! Contact us to schedule your design consultation today.