A Sure Bet
Randall and Jessica Omoto, owners of Homeowners Design Center in Honolulu, answer a Hawaii Kai resident’s question about kitchen remodeling.
Q: My wife and I have been saving for years toward a kitchen remodel and are looking to take the first step. How can we find a trustworthy contractor, and ensure that we are making the most of our investment?
A: You should be looking for contractors and designers who not only have experience in the kind of project you’re planning, but can show you examples of previous work to help you visualize possibilities for your home overall. Ask your contractor and designer how many kitchens they have done like yours, and request references to help you decide if your visions align.
When we work with clients at Homeowners Design Center, the first thing we ask them is what they envision for their home. We measure the space and create a scope of work to present them with options. The design software program we work with allows us to draw up several different kitchen layouts so that you can see the possibilities — that’s one of the biggest differences we pride ourselves on. Other companies focus on selling kitchen products without considering the look or function and how it will fit in the overall space. But we take the time to draft renderings for clients so they can see their options before committing.
From cabinetry and surfaces, to flooring and fixtures, Homeowners Design Center offers a one-stop shop for your home remodeling needs.
The benefit of going this route and reviewing renderings together is that we provide these drafts for free. You can easily design something you can’t afford, so creating a realistic prospective view is very helpful. When customers come in, we create a design and estimate. If it costs too much, we can scale back within your budget.
When people ask us why we do renderings without charging, it’s because we want to build relationships with our clients. We are in the business of helping people, and we hope that during the rendering process, we can build up enough of a relationship with clients for them to trust us. Trust is key. We want clients to trust us enough to come to us for whatever they need — cabinets, countertops, flooring or new appliances. Nobody has money to waste, so we want to ensure you’re protecting your investment.
For more information or to schedule a consultation for your free estimate, contact Homeowners Design Center at (808) 847-0216 or visit homeownersdesign.com.
Editor’s Note: This article has been slightly modified from the original print version for optimal online reading. To view the full print story, pick up your copy of Hawaii Home + Remodeling at one of our partner locations.
