Pro Tips

Ready to tackle your own kitchen renovation? Nathan Gabor, owner and manager of Gabor Design Build, shares his tips for homeowners.

Call in the pros, but stay

involved. Look for a reputable design-build firm that’s received accolades for its work, and be sure your aesthetics align. “At the end of the day, the design is really what people are going to see,” Gabor says.

Even though your contractors will keep the project moving along, don’t hand over the reins completely. Gabor says it’s important for homeowners to stay involved all the way to the finish to ensure the end result is what they want.

Bring your own ideas to the

table. “From my experience, everybody has some inherent design inspiration,” Gabor says. Plan to collaborate with the designer on the project.

But don’t get married to a certain look or style. If logistics get in the way of your vision, your designer can help create a custom solution.

Be flexible. If your project presents a major design challenge, you may need to up your budget. Gabor warns not to take shortcuts – increase your budget if you can, and remember that a quality renovation pays for itself.

“Homeowners will get that money back when they sell their home,” Gabor says.