With so much at stake with your remodeling project, it pays to hire a design professional to help you. Here’s what you should know about finding and hiring the right one.

Why Hire A Pro?
Kitchens and baths are complicated and sequential. It’s important to hire someone who has experience in the design principles and the specific mechanical aspects. A professional designer can save you time and money on your project, provide access to the best products and materials, and eliminate costly mistakes.

Certified Kitchen Designers (CKDs) and Certified Bath Designers (CBDs)
Designers who have earned the certified kitchen designer (CKD) or certified bath designer (CBD) designation from the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) have accrued at least seven years of industry experience, completed 60 hours of coursework, passed academic and design exams, and submitted references from their clients.

Starting the Search
To see a list of CKDs and CBDs in your area, visit the NKBA’s Web site (www.nkba.org) and enter your zip code. You’ll find contact information for each designer, often including a Web site. Use this to learn more about the designer’s background and philosophy.

Get Word-of-Mouth References
Most designers gain new clients through referrals, so talk to friends, neighbors, and coworkers who have remodeled their kitchen or bath and ask who they worked with. If they were happy with the result, consider contacting the same designer, especially if the project is similar in scope and style to what you’re planning.