Preparation is key when it comes to starting a major bathroom or kitchen remodeling project, or any other home renovation project. Whether you’re working on your own or with a contractor, if you do your homework, it’s more likely that you won’t be overwhelmed by the myriad of choices available in colors, products and designs.

“When you walk into a showroom with photos, measurements, style ideas and other concepts, you will feel more comfortable  embarking on a renovation project,” says Chrystal Hess, showroom manager at Bath, Kitchen and Tile Center, who brings her 18 years of remodeling and interior  design experience to each project.

What sets this family-owned and -operated business apart from other kitchen and bath companies  is the full scope of the work and the high-level “turnkey service” provided at no charge to each client and for every project.

Since 1963, Bath, Kitchen and Tile Center continues to be the “single source” for kitchen and bathroom design and supplies in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

 “First, we go to the home, do field measurements and talk through what the clients want to achieve—from  taking down walls to moving sinks and other appliances,” Hess explains.

 “Next, we sit down for a design appointment and to lay out the kitchen and bathroom based on the limitations of the space and what they want to achieve. We provide the full scope of the work—from the tile on the floor and the drain in the sink to the countertop—this is one-stop service,” Hess says with pride.

This ‘one-stop service’ means that “the clients do not have to deal with multiple vendors, and we are here to see the project through from start to finish,” she says.

A major problem for many homeowners considering a small or larger renovation project is not knowing where to start or where to go for help. They are often unsure if they need to get the design first or the contractor first, and help can sometimes be difficult to find.

 “At the end of the day,” Hess says, “people just need guidance to help make all of this feel less overwhelming.”

Clients who have their own contractor can purchase just the materials,  or have the entire job done by Bath, Kitchen and Tile Center.

 “When I am working on a project with my contractor,  I design for him and we figure out all of the behind-the-scenes aspects,” Hess explains.  

Also, when she is working with someone else’s contractor, she makes sure that they are both on the same page and that there is no mis- communication.

This is why the ‘turnkey service’ on products and services that are complete, installed and ready to use upon installation is so important.

The No. 1 piece of advice she offers from her 18 years of experience is: “Do your homework.  This is so important,” she explains, “because of the many different choices when it comes to tile, paint, lighting, cabinets, cabinet hardware and color schemes, so do an online search or find other sources in order to get a sense of your style.”

In addition, she recommends taking photos of your existing space and taking preliminary measurements, because all of this helps a lot when it comes to picking items and making decisions. “I am always so excited about getting started to select the various materials.”

What does Hess appreciate about her design work? “I am one of those rare people who absolutely loves what I do—creating the new space and being able to thoroughly enjoy looking at the before and after,” she says.

When it comes to kitchen remodeling trends, Hess is seeing many clients select white and gray cabinetry and marble and quartz countertops. Blue is already also a common color in renovation projects, and green is also becoming a “new” neutral that she is looking forward to working with in upcoming kitchen and bathroom design projects.

Bath, Kitchen and Tile Center can accommodate any size budget and any size job,  from one room to an entire house, including bathrooms, laundry rooms, mudrooms, kitchens, and, of course, the kitchen sink. “We have materials for a wide variety of budgets,” Hess explains.

Another sense of pride for Hess and Bath, Kitchen and Tile Center is the repeat business and referrals.  

 “I have several clients for whom I have done all of their bathrooms, kitchens and a wet bar in their basement, and they have constantly referred me to their family members, friends and neighbors,” Hess says. “For me, it’s all about building relationships with my clients.”

Bath, Kitchen and Tile Center Products and Services Include:

• Factory-direct cabinet, appliance, tile and countertop sales.

• Kitchen and bath design consulting

• Retail and wholesale cabinets, countertops and more for builders and remodelers  

Bath, Kitchen and Tile Center
Serving the Delaware Valley | (302) 644-5637
BathKitchenAndTile.com

Published (and copyrighted) in House & Home, Volume 21, Issue 7 (March 2021). 
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