A: Once the final choices have been made on the products and materials you are using, meet with your designer and/or contractor to discuss the installation schedule. This process is determined by the lead times of various materials and the scope of the work.

A standard schedule starts with a complete tear-out. Any structural modifications happen first, followed by installation of windows and doors, plumbing and electrical modifications, drwall installation, painting floor covering installation, cabinet installation, countertops, appliance installation, plumbing and electrical hook-up, finally concluding with a grand dinner party.

 Q: What process should I expect a professional designer to follow?

A: A designer will typically:

• Visit your home to take measurements
• Create a design and draft floor plans, elevations and perspectives
• Develop a detailed cost estimate
• Order products and materials
• Coordinate work with construction, plumbing and electrical contractors
• Oversee the installation and placement of the cabinets and other design elements

Be sure to clarify up front who will be responsible for the contractors. Some design firms will coordinate the contractors’ work only after you have selected and come to separate agreements with each. The design firm may make recommendations for which contractors you should use, but it may not have its own employees who perform these jobs.