Getting the design of your kitchen in place before getting an installation quote could make the difference between a pulsating pain between your temples and smooth sailing for your renovation.
“A lot of people will go out and get a quote from a contractor first, but doing so before design decisions have been made could set you up for misunderstandings and cost overruns,” says Luke Tosky, owner of Home Options Made Easy (H.O.M.E).
“We’re trying to change the industry, in a sense. Let’s get a design put together before you get any quotes on installation, because a contractor can’t really accurately quote anything without a design. They need to know exactly what they are putting in. What’s the layout? Are there specialized materials involved?”
Once Luke and his team have created a design for a client, they can supply a package that will ensure the rest of the work is accurately quoted. “Our design packages list everything you are getting, all your square footages, details and colour renderings. At that point, when you are happy about all your products, then we can get a price through the trades,” he says.
“We like to have the contractor in the meeting with you and our goal is always to be very transparent. We try to break everything down line-by-line rather than saying ‘here’s a lump sum, your kitchen is 50 grand.’ Well, how much of that is electrical? How much are the cabinets? We’ve learned over the years that lumping it all together creates questions, and we’re trying to eliminate questions and make it more clear for everyone.”
H.O.M.E specializes in custom cabinetry, creating the aesthetic you desire with the form and function you need. “Your kitchen is the heart of your home. It needs to reflect that, and it needs to mirror your tastes. It tells people who you are. What kind of story do you want to tell them?”
Every kitchen is its own unique space and the cabinetry you choose needs to meld into the room while also enhancing its broader features. “Your custom cabinetry can be as original as you are,” says Luke. “Let’s get together and plan your dream kitchen.”
TEXT KARI KLASSEN | PHOTOS ANDREW FEARMAN
