Your Design Journey
from sketches to celebrations
A project involving your home must feel fun. You must feel listened to. Safe in the hands of experts. Inspired, excited, reassured. We take care of the bigger picture as well as the fine detail, from overall design ethos down to collating all the serial numbers of all the appliances into one handy manual.
The subtleties of our service can be found at every stage of the journey. Each part of the process is refined to ensure we capture the detail, often the little things that others may miss, that could make a ‘good’ living space ‘amazing’.
it starts with a simple chat
Getting to know you, as you get to know us, is how it all begins. A socially distanced conversation at one of our showrooms about your space, your ideas and what you wish to achieve.
You’ll talk about lifestyle, family, your likes, your dislikes, your needs now and your needs in the future. Everything that influences how a living space gets used day-in-day-out.
We’ve prepared two short guides to help you plan a new kitchen or bathroom renovation. Click on the links for details:
online design
With our showrooms now open for COVID-safe exclusive appointment-only visits, we hope that everyone feels comfortable enough to begin their design journey in person. However, we understand that a virtual meeting might be preferable and we would be delighted to communicate with you via video chat.
The process follows the same path, it starts with a chat and, as we progress, brochures and samples can be delivered to your door, home surveys conducted and design presentations delivered.
If you are not familiar with Zoom, or video calling, please don’t worry. It’s not as ‘techy’ as it sounds and we are here to guide you through it.
“Professional and courteous from start to finish and very good quality throughout”
Supportive guidance
We appreciate that the wealth of options available can sometimes require a helping-hand to take-in, understand and consider. That is why we have a design team that are allowed the time to support and guide our clients, there is no rush.
We recognise you are making important life-changing decisions and the fact that it takes time to build trust. It isn’t unusual for clients to repeatedly visit a showroom as they reflect and hone their thoughts. You will always be welcome.
property visit
One you are happy that Hobson’s Choice has the right combination of expertise, style and quality, we will arrange a time to visit your property and complete a survey - following government guidance at all times to ensure everyone remains safe.
During the visit your designer will take a full set of measurements and images of the space. It also provides a great time to find out more about the property. For example, the movement of natural light.
“I can’t compliment Charlotte enough for her designs, ideas and enthusiasm. She has been such a pleasure to work with.”
First Draft…
We will then get to work on preparing an initial proposal for discussion. By the time we are ready to present our ideas it isn’t unusual to have a couple of layouts to talk about.
Our designs can take into consideration the spaces beyond the room in question. Exploring possibilities to enhance the room further by influencing adjacent areas. For example, the repositioning of a doorway to improve the movement of people through the room.
Whilst our range of products can seem a little daunting at first, we will work with you to clarify your selection, finding the right elements that fit your vision, budget and home.
proposal presentation
Once we are confident we have a proposal that fulfils your brief we will invite you to a socially-distanced presentation to review accurate CAD plans, sketches and a quotation.
Your designer will talk you through their ideas, how they have pieced together the layouts and the reasoning behind the decisions they have made.
The presentation is designed to be a collaboration. We understand that reaching the perfect conclusion requires honest input from both sides and we encourage clients to scribble on plans and challenge ideas.
“Excellent design, communication, quality products and installers”
open the doors
We hope, by now, the choice to proceed with Hobson’s Choice is an easy one to make. You will have seen all we have to offer. Received the expertise and guidance from our highly-skilled designers. Built trust in the Company and been shown a solution that provides you everything you wished for when you began your journey with us.
When you say ‘Yes’, we will celebrate the successful conclusion of phase one and look forward to the next - the build.
from plan to property
With any final design changes complete and agreed we move to the next phase. Before we commit your order to the factory we will request a 50% payment from you.
Once the order is received, there is normally a 8 to 12 week lead time. This period provides the time to build a detailed installation plan-of-action, ensuring everything is ready to go on day one.
We will continue to talk to you throughout, letting you know when your build will begin and who will be working in your home. Prior to the delivery of the products to your property we will request a second payment of 45%.
“A first class service, quality design, top craftsmanship, courtesy and care at all times. Hobson’s Choice is one of the best companies we have ever had dealings with”
care & consideration
We can’t promise you won’t notice our installation team as they begin the build phase of your project. What we can assure you is that they will take the greatest care to protect and shield your home from dust and disruption.
All of our fitting team are skilled craftsman in their own right. Accredited to fit the high-quality products we recommend for our clients. For example, to receive a bulthaup kitchen warranty, a bulthaup trained installer must fit it.
Your designer will continue to be in regular contact throughout the build phase. Checking on progress and making sure you are happy with proceedings.
enjoy your new space
As we approach the finish line, your designer will visit to make a final assessment of the build with the installation team. Once everyone is satisfied, we sign off the work and request the final 5% payment.
To complete the process, we present you with a full complement of instructional materials and warranty information, in an organised folder for safe keeping.
Once you have had time to settle into your new space; load the cupboards, test out the new luxury shower, or cook your first meal, we would hope you feel it appropriate to leave us a Google or Houzz review to let future clients know about your experience.
“Having any work done in your home can prove unsettling and difficult. However, your company’s people were so helpful and professional it was a pleasure to have them here”
ongoing help & attention
Making sure our clients enjoy their new space is paramount to us. Be it advice about the perfect steam oven setting. Prompt resolution of minor issues. Choosing the right cleaning products, or merely a little suggestion about paint colour.
Our customer service and aftercare goes on well beyond design and installation. We will continue to do our utmost to support you as you learn to make the most of your new kitchen, bathroom or living space.
We like to maintain strong relationships with our clients through showroom events such as cooking demonstrations, wine tasting and professional talks.
AND one last thing
We will also come and carry out a complimentary check of your kitchen after one year and again just before your five year warranty finishes.
Once a customer of Hobson’s Choice, nothing is too much trouble and we are always here to help.
To gain a greater insight into the Hobson’s Choice design process take a look through our inspirational electronic brochure. Simply complete the short form to instantly receive an email with the access link.
“Absolutely brilliant installation team - could not fault any of them”
“Well worth the money for the quality of the experience, support, design and finished product. The whole team were a pleasure to work with.”