KitchenQuest.com

Where to Get It Done

Different kinds of establishments cater to different needs you might have. It is important to find the size and type of place that will best suit your needs. Frustration can build if you want something that a particular business cannot deliver. If you start your search at the type of establishment best suited to your project and budget, it will save you time and energy.

Where to Go to Get the Job Done

Home centers

Good for a simple replacement kitchen — nothing too upscale, nothing too complicated to install. Good for DIYers or to let your contractor do the ordering.

Multi-branch kitchen showrooms

Good for seeing lots of "stuff" and for getting design and labor under one roof. Quality of staff can vary greatly — be prepared for acceptable, not exceptional, work. You may need to do some leg work yourself.

Upscale kitchen dealer showrooms

Good for seeing more upscale products and nice displays. Good for getting everything under one roof. Quality tends to be fairly high in design and installation. Installers are familiar with all of the products — a big bonus.

Studio boutiques

Excellent for detailed design work and seeing upscale kitchen vignettes. Many studios offer interior design services as well. You most probably will be taken care of very well here. Lots of personalized attention.

Design-build firms

Good for more extensive work, such as an addition, under one roof. This team will be able to coordinate the different professionals and aspects of the job. There is an office that handles supplies and schedules so that large projects run as smoothly as possible.

Upscale kitchen remodeling contractors

Good if you want more personal contact, more responsiveness than large firms can give — and you understand that the contractor is also the office support. This is the kind of contractor with whom you would expect to work when dealing with a studio boutique.