I can be contacted at 732-598-6059 or barbara@barbarakochie.com


Questions and Answers

1.) What is the advantage of working with a Certified Kitchen Designer?

Hallmarks of a Certified Kitchen Designer are training, dedication, and professionalism. In order to become certified in this profession, a designer must work in the industry for 7 years and receive two professional and two client recommendations. They must pass a written examination plus a six hour practical design test. To maintain their certification, CKDs are required to participate in a total of ten hours of continuing education classes every two years. This continuing education provides the opportunity to stay current with the latest product developments and design trends. The goal of a CKD is to provide clients with the kind of service and expertise they expect and deserve.

2.) Must all kitchen design firms have a New Jersey Contractors license?

Yes, if they do remodeling work. As of January 2006, any company doing remodeling work in the State of New Jersey must be licensed. There are no exceptions.

3.) Should I get estimates from more that one designer?

I would encourage getting more than one estimate to make yourself feel confident with the person and company you finally select. Your selection of a designer should be based on how well you two can collaborate on the project. Will you feel comfortable working with this person for the next few months?

4.) How should I prepare to make my first appointment with you most productive?

Look through magazines and put together a group of pictures of rooms that caught your eye – even if they are much larger or smaller than the space you have.

Make a list of your special needs – do you keep Kosher, have family members eat at different times, have a number of cooks, entertain large groups, buy in bulk, etc.

Spend time in an appliance store to check out the appliances that are now available. Be honest about your cooking style. Fantasy cooking usually results in purchasing higher priced appliances when you may not use all those expensive features.

Set a budget for the whole project that you do not want to exceed. Be honest with me so I can direct you to the products that will help you meet your budget constraints.

Fill out the form. Print it out, fill it in and bring it to our first meeting.

5.) How can I find out about the latest styles and technologies available for my kitchen?

Browsing magazines, watching shows on HGTV and visiting appliance manufacturers’ websites are very helpful when you want to see what the cutting edge items are. Trips to appliance, tile, lighting, and paint showrooms to talk to knowledgeable sales personnel are invaluable. I will recommend individuals that I trust and have worked with over the years if you do not have recommendations from family or friends.

6.) How long does a kitchen project take?

From the day that we sign a contract until the cabinets are delivered to your home is generally 8 to12 weeks with specialty finishes adding an additional one to two weeks. Normally with a kitchen remodel that includes a new floor and countertops, it is about 4 to 6 weeks from the day the old kitchen is removed and the new kitchen is up and functioning. I provide a time line for my clients so they are aware of who is anticipated to be in their home every day.

7.) Are there ways to reduce the price of my kitchen while still maintaining quality?

Every part of a kitchen has the potential to be more or less expensive. As with automobiles, you can be in all price points. I provide a “shopping list” to my clients when we go over the plan and estimate. The estimate will list items and their cost that can be added or deleted depending on the homeowner’s budget and wish list.

8.) Do you organize the whole project?

I prefer to organize the whole project from start to finish. This system allows me the opportunity to keep the project moving along with a minimum of down time. I have architects, builders, cabinet installers, plumbers, electricians, appliance dealers, tile showrooms and countertop fabricators that I trust and have worked with for many years. If the homeowner prefers to use their own trades’ people, I will contact them for input when organizing the project.