Hourly Rate for Kitchen Designers
Aside from one-time free consultations, if you want an independent designer to oversee the entire construction, they will charge you about $65 to $250 per hour, or around $1,500 to $3,000 for a mid-range project. Executing a high-end plan by a professional design center costs around $800 to $6,000 per day.
Kitchen Design Cost Factors
Many factors go into working with a professional kitchen designer, from the total time spent on your project to delivering on the most minor details. Before you move forward with hiring a pro, consider these aspects:
Level of Involvement
The level of involvement dictates the time a professional spends on your project. Do you want someone to work up a design and hand it over to someone else to execute? Or do you want your designer to be a full-on project manager? Do you have an average-size kitchen or a huge one? The answers to these questions will determine how much time your designer has to spend making your dream kitchen come to life.
Structural Plans
Structural plans cost more than just replacing countertops, cabinets, and appliances. If major structural changes are needed, your designer must work with a local structural engineer or architect to ensure your home stays stabilized while executing the new design.
In-House vs. Outsourced Pros
Outsourcing is more expensive than an in-house team of builders, architects, and engineers. When you hire an independent certified kitchen designer, they may have to outsource more than an in-house team from a retailer or design center with all those people on staff or in contracts already.
Deliverables
Deliverables like 3D renderings are more expensive than written reports and 2D drawings. Developing more intricate and complex kitchen designs will take more time and, therefore, more expenses.
Permits
A building permit costs between $400 and $2,300 but can cost as much as $6,000, depending on your need. However, you only need a building permit if you're modifying the structure or changing your home's electrical, plumbing, or mechanical elements. Talk to the contractor and your designer if you have any concerns. If you're part of a homeowners association, check your covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs).
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional Kitchen Designer
The price of fittings and materials for self-building a 100-square-foot mid-range kitchen is approximately $13,500 to $16,000. Using a professional firm costs around $59,500 to $72,500 for all labor and materials. It also includes the price of appliances, such as an oven, dishwasher, and garbage disposal.
For significant kitchen renovations, we recommend hiring a professional certified kitchen designer because they have the experience to:
Pull together a team of trusted and reliable experts.
Source the best materials at the lowest prices.
Manage subcontractors and manufacturer orders.
Innovate safe and practical designs that can increase your home's resale value.
A kitchen remodel is a big undertaking, and a lot can go wrong without the help of a pro. However, if you want to DIY your kitchen remodel, there are a few parts you may be able to do on your own to save money, including:
Updating the paint on the walls and cabinets
Tiling projects like backsplashes, countertops, or floors
Installing shelves or building detached storage racks or cabinets for extra storage space
Attach new cabinet fixtures
Swapping in new appliances
Install new light fixtures or ceiling fans
Redecorating the kitchen
Questions to Ask Your Kitchen Remodel Designer
Not all kitchen designers are alike, with different styles, vendors, and experience levels. Ask these questions of any pro you’re considering to get the best person for the job.
Are you certified by the National Kitchen and Bath Association?
Have you done kitchens similar to the one I want?
Can I see photos of your previous work?
How many plans will you develop?
Which cabinet, countertop, flooring manufacturers, and installers do you work with?
What's your target timescale and the overall process you follow in your projects?
Will the redesign add value to my home?
What’s the best way to communicate with you effectively throughout the project?
What is your pricing structure?
How much input do I get in the design as the homeowner?
Once you’ve picked out a few pros and asked these questions, the next step is to request quotes for kitchen remodeling costs from design pros. This will ensure you get a reasonable price for the best value catered to your personal project.