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To make the most of your visit to our showroom, and to be prepared to hit the ground running, here are some things you should do to prepare for your visit:

1. Make a list:
   List all the things you like and dislike about your present kitchen.
   
   
2. Create an Idea file:
   You want a kitchen that is truly your own, not a cookie-cutter kitchen designed by someone who doesn't understand your tastes. Spend some time browsing through design books and magazines and make a note of cabinet styles and specific features that appeal to you. Whenever possible, clip project photos, product advertisements, or even floor plans that you find particularly attractive.
   
   You may have some of your own ideas in mind that you want to incorporate in your plan. Take a few moments to write them down or sketch them out. Very often, when sitting with a designer, it's easy to forget an important feature, only to remember it after the floor plan is completed. A lot of time can be saved by incorporating all your thoughts from the beginning.
   
3. Sketch out your current floor plan:
   If you're building a new home, this is easy because you only need your blueprints. If you're remodeling your home, however, measure existing walls, noting the location of all doors, windows, and appliances. Note the location of existing connections for ranges and ovens, and all plumbing fixtures. If you plan to add or remove walls, all such changes should be clearly noted with measurements. It's impossible to design a kitchen without knowing the space available. Give some thought to the possibility of relocating plumbing or wiring. If this cannot be done, the designer will have to know this.
   What is the traffic pattern in the home? What rooms are adjacent to the kitchen? Does this room serve as a walkway to another room? You should know what is behind each wall and under the floor. Does your home have a basement? Is it a one-story or two-story? In what direction do the floor joists run? This information can be helpful.
   
   
4. Consider How you use your kitchen:
   How many people live in your household? Do you have a utility room or will the kitchen sink be used to clean garden tools? Will you eat most of your meals there? Are you or is any member of your family a gourmet cook? What are the important elements that you will access frequently? The sink? The microwave? The refrigerator? These should be arranged in a convenient location.
   
   
5. Ask your family for suggestions:
   In the design of a kitchen, two heads are better than one. Three are better still. Some of the best ideas often come from the most unexpected source. Ask each member for a wish list. Don't be afraid to "think outside the box". Very often, what may first sound like a major renovation can actually be accomplished fairly easily.
   
   
6. Set a budget:
   Be realistic. Quality comes at a price, but few of us can afford the kind of kitchen we would build if price were no object. You should have a working figure in mind before you start to draw plans because this will greatly affect the selection process.
   
   
7. Call ahead and make an Appointment:
   Our designers will be happy to give you all the time you need to discuss your thoughts and needs, but a lot of people are demanding their time, so to be sure we will be able to talk with you, it's best to call before visiting. There is no charge for your initial visit.
   No appointment is necessary for assistance in selecting appliances.
   
   

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