Understanding Kitchen Designer Training
Renovators Place Columnist
Oct 08, 2009
You may have heard the term "certified kitchen designer (CKD)." This industry designation is given after someone receives specific training in kitchen design and layout. Here's how to understand what this training means--and whether you need a CKD for your kitchen renovation.
Licensing and certification is provided through the National Kitchen and Bath Association. After receiving the designation, the designer or contractor must maintain the certification by taking periodic professional courses.
In a nutshell, this designation is a way of testing a designer's knowledge of how to plan and supervise kitchen renovations. As with any home improvement discipline, this type of industry designation can be a good gauge of someone's abilities.
Other factors to consider are the designer's problem solving ability, creativity, and ability to work within a budget regardless of construction surprises. Also talk with references about the person's willingness to listen to the home owners--and not simply charge ahead with his or her own ideas.
If you are doing a minor project--perhaps just changing out the kitchen cabinets or replacing the countertops, sink, and faucet--you may not need the expertise of a CKD. Designers or contractors with this designation are often more expensive than someone with a small business who focuses on smaller projects.
As with any profession, certification can be a valuable means of assessing a person's abilities. Look at the CKD designation as one factor, however, when weighing the pros and cons of the designer or contractor you hire.
About the Author Allison E. Beatty is a syndicated real estate writer who has been writing home improvement columns for 15 years.
What CKD Means
The certified kitchen designer (CKD) designation is given to kitchen designers and contractors who have at least seven years of kitchen renovation experience and have completed an exam that proves their knowledge of space planning, workspace efficiency, kitchen cabinet layout, room design and other factors.Licensing and certification is provided through the National Kitchen and Bath Association. After receiving the designation, the designer or contractor must maintain the certification by taking periodic professional courses.
In a nutshell, this designation is a way of testing a designer's knowledge of how to plan and supervise kitchen renovations. As with any home improvement discipline, this type of industry designation can be a good gauge of someone's abilities.
Your Kitchen Renovation
When you interview designers or contractors about your kitchen renovation, be aware that not everyone has this designation. This does not mean that a particular designer or contractor is not qualified. The designation should be only one factor you use to evaluate designers, rather than the only criteria.Other factors to consider are the designer's problem solving ability, creativity, and ability to work within a budget regardless of construction surprises. Also talk with references about the person's willingness to listen to the home owners--and not simply charge ahead with his or her own ideas.
If you are doing a minor project--perhaps just changing out the kitchen cabinets or replacing the countertops, sink, and faucet--you may not need the expertise of a CKD. Designers or contractors with this designation are often more expensive than someone with a small business who focuses on smaller projects.
As with any profession, certification can be a valuable means of assessing a person's abilities. Look at the CKD designation as one factor, however, when weighing the pros and cons of the designer or contractor you hire.
About the Author Allison E. Beatty is a syndicated real estate writer who has been writing home improvement columns for 15 years.
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