The Kitchen Buyer’s Guide

How to Create Your Sparkling New Dream

Kitchen without Getting Taken to the Cleaners…

…5 Secrets for Avoiding Logistical Bungling and

Frustrating Design Disasters That Can Easily Turn Your
Dream Kitchen into Your Worst Nightmare...
 Table of Contents

Secret #1 — Personalized Design........................................................................................................ 3

Cabinetry ............................................................................................................................................... 4
Islands, Peninsulas and Eating Areas .............................................................................................. 5
Countertops .......................................................................................................................................... 6
Backsplashes ......................................................................................................................................... 8
Sinks and Faucets ................................................................................................................................ 8
Lighting ................................................................................................................................................. 11
Secret #2 — Ergonomics ..................................................................................................................... 11
Secret #3 — Do NOT Measure Your Own Kitchen ....................................................................... 13
Secret #4 — In-the-Field Design Experience .................................................................................. 14
Secret #5 — Bull Dog Project Management ................................................................................. 16
Tough Questions to Ask a Designer BEFORE Inking a Deal…..................................................... 17
How to Register Your Home Buyer’s Club of America Member Benefits Worth $954 —
BEFORE They Expire … .......................................................................................................................... 20

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 Dear member,

If you’re planning a new kitchen… and it’s important to you that you get the
kitchen you want, when you want it, and at the price you planned to pay for it...

…Then the information contained in this groundbreaking new buyer’s guide

may just be the most crucial reading you do this year.

Here’s why …

Planning, buying and building a beautiful new kitchen on-time and on

budget demands a high level of specialized skill, knowledge, and attention to
detail.

It’s NOT something you head down to the local big box store and get done.
There are 101 things that can (and do) go wrong if you don’t know what to
watch out for.

And in the pages of this buyer’s guide I’m going to help you sidestep those
pitfalls and eliminate the worry, annoyance and overspending that occurs when
a kitchen remodeling project goes horribly wrong.

My name is Allan McDormand, and I’ve been involved in

the design, building and marketing of kitchens for more than
30 years.

I’ve “seen it all” when it comes to taking a husband and

wife’s dream of creating something beautiful together… and
making that dream a reality.

I know that your new kitchen is a unique statement of your

individual tastes and values… an expression of your lifestyle…
and a special place for the creation of memories that will last a lifetime…

I know it’s where your children and grandchildren will grow roots and where
the two of you will share many intimate moments together… enjoying fine food
and drink and each other’s company.

And my mission with this guide — and the rest of your exclusive Kitchen
Buyer’s Club benefits — is to help you realize that vision as smoothly, quickly and
affordably as possible.

So let’s get started:

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Secret #1 — Personalized Design
You’ll need to navigate safely through a labyrinth of daunting product
decisions before your project gets underway…

Cabinetry… appliances… countertops… lighting… flooring… backsplashes…

islands… peninsulas… eating areas… hardware… sinks and faucets…
accessories… windows… color… wall treatments… and more!

There are over a dozen product categories you need to consider and
sometimes hundreds of options to choose from in each product category.

Uneducated decisions (that seemed like the right thing to do in the

showroom) can become costly mistakes in your home.

Deep product knowledge is

the key… and not just the kind
you get from product spec sheets
and catalogs…

You need someone in your

corner with practical experience
actually working in the field with a
wide variety of products and
materials… with a deep
understanding of how they
actually look and perform in
different people’s homes.

… Someone to guide you

toward the choices that are best suited to YOUR specific needs and lifestyle…
choices you will be delighted with for years to come.

This person is of course, your designer.

One common mistake a good designer will help you to avoid is choosing
styles and color schemes randomly out of product catalogs, instead of
matching them with decorative items that have sentimental value to you.

Decorative items that are only important to you should inform the color
scheme of your cabinets, countertop, flooring and so on, NOT the other way
around.

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 A good designer will help you pair door samples with hardware, appliances,
flooring, countertops and wall coloring to match the accessories, fabrics and
keepsakes you love.

This is critically important, because color is the first element seen by the eye. It
is perceived before size, pattern, texture, depth, or even what an item is.

If you wait to plan your decorating until after the physical kitchen is installed,
you have already made major color decisions.

Suppose you’ve got a prized Portuguese tureen. The color is a rich crackled
cream, patterned with burgundies and dark greens.

Well bring your prized tureen to your kitchen designer!

He or she should have the experience to compliment the tureen’s colors with
just the right wood tones, countertops and flooring. They’ll help you to create a
warm European-inspired surrounding.

Maybe a dark green marble countertop on the island in the center of the
kitchen… while the other counters reinterpret the cream color in light granite.
A creamy backsplash with Portuguese tile inserts repeats the colors and
patterns.

The more decorating samples you can bring to your design sessions, the
more successful your project will be. A piece of art, a child’s painting, a
decorative platter — anything can be the focal point for color selection. Start
the product selection process with YOU!

Cabinetry — it forms the first impression when guests walk into your kitchen.
Your choice of wood species, door style, finish, hardware and coloring all go
together to create a magnificent backdrop for the rest of your design…

Take a good look at the construction of the cabinets, the drawer movement,
the strength and flexibility of the hinging, and very important — the finish.

Your designer may recommend glass fronts, lighted interiors, open shelving
and decorative trims to create a stunning showcase for your collectables or
family heirlooms…

It should be all about YOU!

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 When you settle on something you like… ask your designer to show you how it
looks under a variety of different lighting fixtures that also appeal to you. Ask to
take a sample door home to see how it looks in your kitchen.

And here’s a tip that could save you a great deal of money: If your design
remains relatively simple, take a look at semi-custom cabinetry.

Ask your designer about manufacturers who build both custom and mass-
produced cabinets in the same style and finish. You may be able to create a
truly custom look at a fraction of the cost.

Later in this guide, I’ll show you how to register the Savings Certificate that
came with your Kitchen Buyer’s Club of America membership, good for a full
$500 off, should you decide to renew your kitchen through an approved design
center.

Islands, Peninsulas and Eating Areas — they’re at the heart of your home,
where family and friends come together and memories are made.

If you have the floor space,

nothing enhances the
enjoyment of a kitchen more
than an expertly designed and
crafted island… or two…

Use them as floating

workstations for meal
preparation and casual family
get-togethers… for stand up
cocktail parties… for intimate
dining, just the two of you…
you’re only limited by your imagination.

How about a built in cook top and sink?

Think of an island (or perhaps a peninsula, if space is at a premium) as a

buffet table… a bar… or the centerpiece of a VIP lounge, where you thrill friends
with exquisite culinary delights, conjured before their very eyes…

Your designer will patiently gather your needs and wants… inspire you with
possibilities… and ensure there is adequate floor space to create a fabulous

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looking island or peninsula that fits both functionally and aesthetically into your
kitchen.

The area beneath your island or peninsula can also expand your kitchen’s
storage capacity enormously. Maybe you’ll leave part of it open, to store large
items. Or perhaps you’ll go for
closed storage and a bank of
drawers or shelves for
cookbooks and other
accessories.

Countertops — you’ve seen

and marveled at the elegant
materials being used for
countertops these days…

European inspired marbles,

granites and engineered quartz
have become synonymous with
newness and sophistication…

Plastic laminates and synthetic solids like Corian and Silestone are now
available in increasingly attractive colors and textures…

New space-age sealers are making ceramic tile and wooden Butcher’s
block countertops more practical and easier to clean…

Even concrete is becoming a popular option.

A well-designed kitchen can incorporate two and maybe even three of

these materials to create spectacular custom effects.

Beyond the obvious differences in price and appearance, there are also
differences in function, maintenance and daily care to consider…

If you do a lot of cooking or canning with acidic ingredients — such as

tomatoes, lemon juice, grapes or oranges — consider soapstone. It is dense and
chemically inert, so spills and bacteria won’t penetrate, stain, or etch your
countertop.

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 It’s also heat resistant, so you don’t have to worry about burning it with a hot
pan or pot. Choose a low gloss finish to mask nicks and scratches. Soapstone is
soft.

Granite is also quite dense and therefore stands up well if you do a lot of
hard-core cooking. It’s also hard, so you can get away with a higher sheen if
you’re in the kitchen wielding knives on a daily basis.

Keep in mind you will pay for the entire slab. And each slab is entirely unique
in its hue, pattern and shading. You may want to choose one you like first, and
design your kitchen around it. That way you’ll reduce waste…you’ll save
money… and that beautiful luminescent part of the slab you fell in love with
won’t get cut out for the sink — whoops!

Engineered quartz, (90-95% ground quartz, 5-10% resins and pigments) is

another option for serious cooks. It’s tough like granite and ideal for large
installations.

The resin is malleable, so you can create a huge cooking or entertainment

surface from a single, seamless piece. But hot pots and pans are a no-no. They’ll
melt the resin and damage your countertop.

Plastic laminates and synthetic solid countertops have come a long way in
recent years. They look (and even feel) more convincing than ever before. Your
stone loving friends and relatives may look down their noses at you for choosing
plastic, but chances are they’ll have to knock their knuckles against it first.

These countertops are tops for affordability, but not super durable. Not a
good choice if you’re a heavy duty cook.

Marble represents the epitome of style, luxury and romance in a

countertop… and offers more variety of color and pattern than any other
material. There’s simply nothing grander or more enchanting to the eye or to the
touch than wall-to-wall marble in your kitchen. And it’s great for baking, due to
its cool temperature.

Just keep in mind that marble is softer than granite and easily scratched. It’s
also porous, and etches with spills. Choose a honed surface to hide nicks,
scratches and etching… avoid using even mild bleaches because they can dull
your finish… and be ready to seal yearly.

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 If high drama’s not your thing, consider a cottage-casual wooden look for
your kitchen, built around Butcher’s block or a combination of block and
ceramic tile. Treat yourself to that cozy, relaxed, country holiday feeling every
time you eat.

Your designer will help you strike the perfect balance of style, maintenance
and utility. So your countertops maintain their charm and appeal over the long
term.

Backsplashes — they’ve also changed dramatically in recent years.

At one time a humble 4” strip of counter material topped by a small section

of painted or papered wall, the backsplash is now a vibrant focal point in many
modern kitchens…

A good designer will suggest a variety of heat resistant materials for this area
that integrate beautifully with the color scheme and decorative themes you’ve
set for your kitchen.

Popular backsplash materials we’re seeing these days include ceramic tile
art or glass tiles… hammered metal or stainless steel… even breathtaking
patterned stone backsplashes are coming into vogue in the toniest kitchens.

Sinks and Faucets — these workhorses of the kitchen are coming in more and
more shapes, sizes and (even colors). But BEWARE. It’s not just about looks...

These hard working kitchen

components should be chosen
for durability… and also to make
the specific kinds of cooking
and cleaning you do easier and
more enjoyable...

“Under mount” sinks are

becoming increasingly popular.

Unlike traditional “drop in”

sinks that are supported by a lip
that sits on top of the
countertop… under mounted
sinks are suspended just under
the countertop.
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 Besides the sleek look, these new designs make clean up a breeze. Since
there’s no lip protruding above the countertop, waste can be swept cleanly into
the sink. It won’t get caught under the lip.

An even more sophisticated option is the “flush mount” installation. Flush

mounted sinks sit at the exact same level as the countertop and are sometimes
made to look seamless with an invisible joint. The sink and countertop appear to
be fashioned from the same piece of material, resulting in a very distinctive
appearance.

Do you entertain often and does it involve much hand-washing of crystal or

antique china? If so, you will need a second bowl for rinsing and a place for
drying. Do you cook often with large utensils, or is the turkey roasting pan only
used once a year? A skilled and conscientious designer will take these and
many other considerations into account.

He or she will help you match the size, depth and position of your sink(s) to
your unique needs and ensure the countertops are drilled correctly.

They’ll also help you select the style of sink(s) that best meets your wants and
needs.

Stainless steel remains a popular option. Choose a thicker gauge for

durability and a richer feel. Consider a brushed finish to co-ordinate with
stainless steel appliances. (Also minimizes the appearance of dried water and
mineral spots in the bowl.)

Porcelain coated cast iron sinks are another durable option, but they can
chip and are not as forgiving as stainless steel if you happen to drop your fine
crystal or a piece of bone china into the sink. (A good choice if you like a glossy
look.)

Enameled steel sinks look quite similar to cast iron, but are lighter and less
costly. They’re not as luxurious to the touch and your dishes will clank more
noisily into the bowl.

Fireclay sinks are typically massive and make a definite design statement.
They come in a glossy or matte finish, typically white or off white, but also in blue,
black and grey. Dark colors can be showy, but are a bad choice if you do a lot
of cooking — impossible to keep clean-looking.

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 And fireclay sinks can chip, just like porcelain or enamel. The upside is you
won’t see any unsightly cast iron or steel if they do, and there’s no danger of
corrosion.

Acrylic sinks offer another affordable (and much lighter) alternative to cast
iron or fireclay. Not as durable obviously — heat and petroleum products can
damage them. And you don’t get the satisfying feeling of substance you get
from the heavier and more expensive materials.

We talked about countertops made from synthetic solids, such as Corian and
Silestone, earlier. Well you can get sinks made from these materials, too. Like
acrylic though, they’re not terribly heat resistant and can break or crack if you
drop something heavy into the bowl. The obvious advantage is you can create
a seamless “flush mount” sink installation very affordably with these materials. No
lip to catch gunk and grime.

Of course you can also create a seamless counter-top and sink design with
granite, marble, soapstone, and even concrete. Pricey, but oh so beautiful!

Then we have stunning specialty materials like bronze and copper that
increase in beauty and distinction over time as they “patinate”. You can get
sinks that arrive as shiny as a
brand new penny and gradually
darken over time.

Or go for a “pre-patinated”
sink that is sealed, so the aged
look is “locked in” and won’t
continue to change over time.
Ask your designer.

Your gorgeous new sink will

look even more attractive with
handsome faucets that co-
ordinate with your other design
decisions.

Ask yourself, “Do I fill large pots often?” Perhaps you want a faucet that
moves up and down to accommodate them. Or maybe you should add a wall
mounted faucet behind the stove.

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 Do you want a separate spray, or one built in to the faucet head? Should we
add instant hot water? How about a dispenser for dishwashing detergent… or
lotion… to keep your hands looking smooth and supple? Your designer will help
you with these important decisions, BEFORE the drilling gets done.

Lighting — gone are the dark ages of just two light fixtures in the kitchen —
one in the middle of the ceiling and one over the sink — and good riddance …

… Because nothing will enhance your cooking experience more than superb
lighting designed to illuminate the task at hand… it spoils you!

DIMMED for entertaining… BLAZING, for project work laid out on the kitchen
table… SHIMMERING, for intimate romantic dining — the perfect interplay of
light and shadow for every activity and occasion.

A good designer will help you select the right styles and placement of fixtures
to suit your active lifestyle to a tee…

…Ambient lighting that creates a completely lit space… decorative lighting

in the form of hanging lights or chandeliers… recessed task-specific lighting with
either incandescent flood lights or the brilliance of halogen… under-cabinet
lighting and glass-fronted cabinets with interior lights to elegantly show off your
new kitchen…

Your designer will also help you determine the optimal placement of
switches… and where and how electrical outlets, phone, cable or internet lines
will be installed.

And remember, electrical planning must be done well ahead. The time to
add these components is not after the walls are closed and the cabinets are in
place!

As you can see, there are a lot of decisions to be made when planning a
new kitchen. I have barely scratched the surface. A knowledgeable and
attentive designer is essential to your success. I’ve included some tips for
recognizing a good one further along in this guide.

Secret #2 — Ergonomics
More than the essence of style and distinction… your spotless new kitchen
should also be a marvel of convenience that makes your life more comfortable
and enjoyable. It should be laid out in a way that feels intuitive and natural to
you.
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 This is not something that can be achieved with a computer program that
“auto-fills” your kitchen with cookie-cutter components.

A truly skilled designer will spend time getting to know you and how you plan
to use your new kitchen… then hand-draft a design that maximizes its utility — so
you walk, reach and stoop less when preparing meals… so space adapts
smartly for homework or kitchen crafts, cocktail parties or card games… or
whatever the case may be.

Brilliantly engineered appliances, expertly crafted cabinetry, gorgeous

countertops, and lighting-to-die-for are painstakingly pieced together with great
attention to how your family will actually use them… so they inter-operate
flawlessly… and there are no annoying surprises that could detract from the
enjoyment of your new kitchen.

Like when you try to get a pair of roasting tongs out of a drawer but it won’t
clear the range handle. Or the fridge door won’t quite open wide enough to
pull out the crisper… and you
have to fiddle with the darn
thing every time you want the
celery.

An experienced kitchen
designer wants to know if
you’re right or left handed… so
they can design a kitchen that
doesn’t have you stretching
and straining unnecessarily
when you’re cooking or
cleaning.

They’ll also take your height into consideration and may suggest special
adjustments to the cabinetry, so you avoid back strain and stop bumping your
head on the range hood. And they’ll engineer storage space around your
workflow… so you don’t crimp your wrists reaching for everyday items… or sprain
your back crouching for things that should fit conveniently at arm’s length, but
won’t.

Open up to your designer when they ask you questions. And don’t be afraid
to “complain” about what bugs you about your old kitchen.

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Secret #3 — Do NOT Measure Your Own Kitchen
A world-class kitchen is a work of art. The cabinets, countertop, flooring,
lighting and appliances fit together with exacting precision. The fit and finish are
meticulous, perfectly suited to function, and visually spectacular. Your guests
can’t quite put their finger on it, but there is a magnificence that speaks to them
through the workmanship.

This level of elegance and refinement begins with a simple tape measure
and a level of skill in using it that most people — even people involved in the
sale of kitchens — fail to realize.

For example, did you know

that few adjacent walls are at
perfect right angles to each
other, or to the floor?

What this means is that if you

measure the walls against
which the cabinets will go, and
order your cabinets based on
those measurements, you’ll
most likely end up with unsightly
gaps between the walls and
the cabinetry.

An expert designer measures twice: at the back and also at the front of
where each cabinet will be installed. So the cabinets will fit perfectly and look
stunning in your kitchen.

This is just one of dozens of subtleties you will most certainly miss if you
measure yourself, or hire an inexperienced designer.

A professional should come to your home and measure personally.

It’s the best assurance you have of getting a top quality kitchen, where
everything fits snugly and any intended spaces and angles are clean, square
and accurate. Your Kitchen Buyer’s Club of America membership includes this
assurance for free. Full details on how to register your in-home measurements
are at the back of this guide.

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Secret #4 — In-the-Field Design Experience
It’s not just about colors and shapes and patterns and selecting the right
products…

Another thing that routinely trips homeowners up is the logistics of actually

getting the cabinetry into your kitchen. Most people — even people involved in
the sale of kitchens — don’t even consider these niggling little details.

But that’s like playing Russian

roulette with YOUR kitchen!

I mentioned the fact that

few kitchens are square…

Well if your design involves a

cabinet that consumes the full
length of a wall (such as in the
kitchen pictured here)… and if
one of the adjacent walls bows
inward, even slightly…

…It means that when your

new cabinet arrives it simply
won’t fit.

Or if your new lazy Susan is wider than the entry ways into your kitchen, what
then?

Don’t laugh. It happens more than you’d imagine.

I’ve seen old kitchens ripped apart and laying in ruins for weeks and even
months. The homeowners have no place to eat while they wait for the cabinets
to be “re-built”… or for a contractor to have time on their schedule to complete
the work.

If an installer agrees to be in your kitchen on such and such a date and the
cabinets are messed up when they arrive, the installer may not be available in
the two to three weeks (best case scenario) it takes to rebuild your cabinets.

Good installers are booked weeks if not months in advance. (If an installer
agrees to show up on a moment’s notice you know they’re a butcher.)

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 If that isn’t bad enough, many folks plan their renovations around special
family events — reunions… anniversaries… even weddings.

I’ll never forget this nice young couple who were trying to get their kitchen
renovation done before Christmas...

When the installers tried to lift the new cabinets into place, they realized the
designer had failed to account for the necessary clearance required to tilt them
upright. They fit perfectly, but couldn’t be installed.

Meanwhile the young couple’s kitchen was gutted and would have to stay
that way until Valentine’s Day. Ouch!

The woman looked at my associate and said, “I like you Mike, but you ruined
our Christmas”. And then burst into tears right in the showroom.

It bothered him for days, because he really cared. But that didn’t change
the fact that he’d gotten in over his head and ruined the couple’s
Christmastime family reunion.

When I started designing kitchens over thirty years ago, I had two
experienced mentors who had been on the job for decades.

I spent almost 5 years under their wing learning to design beautiful kitchens.

Even with that, you can still make mistakes. And you can count on them
when you try to save a few bucks by doing-it-yourself with the help of the big
box stores.

Sitting down with “Bob” or “Sara” and letting them design your kitchen on a
computer is just asking for trouble.

Just one little mistake can cause major inconvenience and add thousands in
additional expense.

What’s more, the prices you pay at the big box stores can actually be
HIGHER than what you’d pay at a certified Kitchen Buyer’s Club of America
design center, especially when you take advantage of your $500 Savings
Certificate.

Registration is super quick and convenient. I’ll show you how at the end of
this buyer’s guide.

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Secret #5 — Bull Dog Project Management
So we’ve covered the importance of professional in-home measurement
and working with a designer who has exemplary product knowledge and years
of in-the-field kitchen renovation experience...

... A specialist, who actively goes looking for the pitfalls and problems that lay
in wait in every kitchen. So your design is not only BEAUTIFUL… but also
PRACTICAL, FUNCTIONAL, and DOABLE.

But you’re not out of the woods yet…

A successful kitchen renovation is a dance… with a dedicated

choreographer… who actively co-ordinates every last detail of your project…
who ensures trades people and materials arrive in your kitchen on time.

Someone who follows up tenaciously to confirm things are rolling along as

they should.

Someone who knows how to deal with unexpected delivery or installation

problems and the best evasive actions to take — BEFORE your new kitchen goes
off the rails.

…Someone who knows how the various suppliers perform and the risks
inherent in your material and product choices…

… Someone who has established personal relationships with the cabinet and
countertop manufacturer’s representatives… the plumbing, electrical and
flooring trades… and everyone else in the supply chain.

…Someone who may even be able to “pull a few strings” if need be.

Are YOU ready to be that person?

Are YOU willing to develop those kinds of skills and relationships?

I love Home Depot and Lowes as much as the next guy… but if you decide
to deal with a big box store for something as complicated as a kitchen
renovation, you need to be the person I just described…

Because here’s what you can expect …

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 You’ll place your order with someone you like and trust. But five weeks later
when there’s a problem, you’ll discover they’re now working in “tools” or “lawn
and garden” and somebody else is there to help you.

That might be OK if you had bought a barbecue or lawn mower… but with
something as complex as a WHOLE NEW KITCHEN? No way! You need
somebody with answers… somebody who has been actively managing your
project every step of the way.

You shouldn’t have to find out at the last minute that the fridge or range that
you ordered suddenly became “back ordered” and the enclosure the cabinet
manufacturer made for it won’t fit your second choice.

Things like that SHOULD NOT happen.

But they do.

Let me share a few tricks for finding a skilled designer who ALSO knows how
to “bull dog” your project to completion — so it gets done on time and without
the costly surprises.

Tough Questions to Ask a Designer BEFORE Inking a Deal…

There are basically three qualities to look for in a kitchen designer and
dealer…

Experience — we’ve explored this quality pretty thoroughly in this guide, so

you already know its importance.

But how do you gauge a designer’s true level of experience when you’re out
shopping for a new kitchen?

You ask: “How long have you been designing kitchens?” “How many have
you put together?” “Do you have any thank you letters from satisfied clients?”

Pay attention to how the person responds to these questions. Do they look
threatened or imposed upon… or do they seem thrilled to be given an
opportunity to talk about something they’re proud of and passionate about?

Of course you ask their prior clients for an opinion of their design skills as
well… more on that in a moment.

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 Attentiveness — a highly skilled designer is also a skilled fact finder. They ask
questions to determine your needs and desires BEFORE making product or
design suggestions.

 How often do you eat in the dining room versus the kitchen?

 Who makes breakfast... and how many are usually in the kitchen at the
same time in the morning?

 Do you stack your dishes or put them right in the sink?

 How often do your entertain?

 Are you right or left handed?

 Do you prefer gourmet meals or utilitarian cooking?

 Does your family use the kitchen as a “hangout?”

 What’s your reach and arm span?

 What direction does food “flow” out of the kitchen? What direction do
dishes come back in?

 Is your kitchen a “dumping ground” for everything that comes into the
house?

 How conscious are you of wall colors in the rest of your home?

Pay attention to how your would-be designer listens when you speak. Are
they paying attention? Do they ask obvious follow on questions when your
answers are unusual? Do they write things down? Do they remember what you
say later on in the conversation and in subsequent ones?

A good designer is also a skilled communicator and answers your questions

fully and completely. How satisfied do you feel when a prospective designer or
dealer answers an important question?

Integrity — you’re putting your faith in the person who will help you build that
new kitchen of yours.

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 Do they have a track record of saying one thing and doing another? Or is
their word their bond? It’s essential your designer have not just great skills, but
also high character. And you should obtain third-party evidence of this.

Yes, it’s critically important to get things in writing. But even more important to
ask for at least 3 references that you can talk to, so the likelihood of getting in
bed with the wrong outfit is minimized.

Call the references and ask them:

 How happy are you with your new kitchen?

 Were there any financial surprises that came up as work progressed or

after it was completed… and if so, how did ___________________ handle
them?

 Did any design mistakes become evident as the work progressed… and
how did _________________ handle them?

 Do you have any regrets about decisions you made with respect to
countertops or appliances or the general layout of your new kitchen…
and if so, what are they?

 Was the job completed on time?

 Would you use this firm again or recommend them to a family member or
close friend?

A little due diligence can go a long way to finding the right designer and
dealer when buying a new kitchen.

It can save you a great deal of time, money and frustration and ensure you
become the proud owner of a stunning new kitchen that’s impeccably suited to
your unique tastes, values and lifestyle.

Reading this buyer’s guide was an important first step.

Your next move should be to book an appointment to register your exclusive

member benefits at an approved Home Buyer’s Club of America design center.

19 Kitchen Buyer’s Club of America—All rights reserved

How to Register Your Home Buyer’s Club of America
Member Benefits Worth $954 — BEFORE They Expire …
1. $500 Savings Certificate — Redeemable at a certified Kitchen Buyer’s
Club of America design center in your area …

2. FREE 90-Minute In-Showroom Design Consultation, a $195 Value! An

expert kitchen designer to guide you in making the right choices to suit
your distinctive tastes and lifestyle…

3. FREE In-Home Measurement Service, a $259 Value! Assures your new

dream kitchen will be installed on time, on budget, and with world-class
quality and precision…

CRITICALLY IMPORTANT: You MUST make a registration appointment within 30

days of joining the club or your member benefits become null and void.

Step 1 — Click here to set your appointment. (Stop in for just a few minutes,
or book your FREE 90-minute design consultation.)

Step 2 — At the end of your design consultation, book your FREE expert in-
home kitchen measurements.

Step 3 — Redeem your Savings Certificate within 90 days of registration for a

full $500 OFF the cabinetry of your dreams!

No purchase is required and you are never under any obligation to do

business with a Kitchen Buyer’s Club of America authorized design center.

Kitchen Buyer’s Club of America is an independent service club and does

not receive a commission or financial kick-back on purchases you may make
from authorized dealers.

20 Kitchen Buyer’s Club of America—All rights reserved