Sponsored Content
From April 2023 to March 2024, Canadians purchased USD$ 5.9 billion (approx. CAD$ 8.3 billion) worth of residential real estate assets in the US. Florida is the most preferred location, capturing 20 per cent of the market. Texas, California, Arizona, and Georgia comprise the other top investment destinations. (1)
For Canadian investors eyeing Miami’s vibrant real estate market, transforming a kitchen offers more than aesthetic appeal—it’s an opportunity to enhance property value and personal enjoyment. Creating a functional, stylish space that reflects both taste and the unique subtropical environment then becomes a key consideration for property owners.
Your search might be more complicated, but asking the right questions can transform your Miami kitchen from a simple renovation to a personalized culinary sanctuary.
Assessing experience and expertise
When thinking of a custom kitchen design in Miami, it’s crucial to find a professional with specialized knowledge and expertise. They should be able to incorporate your desired style while ensuring the space remains functional year-round, taking into account Miami’s distinctive climate and architectural nuances.
Determine your chosen professional’s expertise by asking these questions:
1. What’s your experience designing kitchens suited for the Miami climate?
Miami’s tropical monsoon climate demands your designer to select premium quality materials that can withstand humidity and heat while incorporating proper ventilation systems.
The differences in design trends can also catch you off guard. For example, indoor-outdoor kitchen transitions are popular in South Florida, which might sound unusual if you’re used to traditional Canadian kitchen layouts.
2. Can you share examples of projects similar to mine?
Request for a project portfolio from your preferred kitchen designers to determine if their designs align with your vision. Take a look at their completed projects and examine how they incorporate cultural influences, too, while maintaining practical flow.
If you’re planning to blend Canadian functionality with Miami’s aesthetic, ask if they’ve worked with similar clients before.
3. What credentials and certifications do you have?
Verify the design professional’s qualifications and credentials carefully. Ensure they are licensed design professionals or contractors, as this demonstrates their commitment to industry standards. Membership with the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) is also a good sign. This industry organization consists of chapters in the US and Canada, and each member is committed to professional excellence.
For more advanced projects, verify if your designer has a Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer or CMKBD status. It’s for professionals with at least five years of experience in traditional and custom kitchen design.
Evaluating project management and communication approach
A kitchen remodel can be complex; that’s why it’s critical to choose a designer who demonstrates exceptional communication and organizational skills. This becomes especially crucial when managing a renovation from another country.
These questions can help you assess how they’ll approach your project.
4. How do you handle project timelines and delays?
Like the rest of the country, Miami’s construction sector is often marred by supply chain issues, unexpected material backorders, and labour shortages. Nationwide, an average of 382,000 construction positions were open monthly from August 2023 to July 2024. (2)
That said, a designer should outline their contingency plans for each scenario. Ask about how they can minimize delays caused by weather-related shipping disruptions or worker shortages during peak seasons.
5. How can you keep me updated on the project?
Maintaining a regular presence in the different phases of kitchen remodelling is best. However, travelling cross-country can be costly. So, during initial discussions, assess your designer’s communication methods and typical response times. Ask how they handle virtual consultations when you’re away, too.
Guaranteeing a reasonable pricing structure
Financial transparency is the cornerstone of any successful kitchen renovation project. To manage your expenses, understand how your designer structures their fees and handles unexpected changes.
6. Can you show me a detailed quote?
Request a detailed breakdown of new kitchen design fees, materials, labour, and potential additional costs. For reference, the average cost of a kitchen remodel in the US ranges from USD$ 14,597 (CAD$ 20,462) to USD$ 41,509 (CAD$ 58,189), depending on the complexity of the work. Your choice of materials, storage solutions, location, and additional work requirements can also impact your total spending. (3)
Ask about the designer’s policy for managing budget overruns and handling change orders as well. This conversation can help prevent financial surprises during your renovation process.
7. Can you explain your warranty and post-completion service?
Understand what’s covered in the warranty and whether they provide lifetime support. To help preserve your beautiful kitchen design, ask for maintenance recommendations for the Miami area’s distinct climate. More importantly, ensure that they can accommodate service calls promptly when you’re back in Canada.
Technical considerations
Partnering with a great Miami kitchen designer offers more than aesthetic expertise—it provides critical insight into creating resilient, functional spaces that withstand local environmental challenges while meeting the unique needs of homeowners.
8. How will you adapt the kitchen style to Miami's building codes and regulations?
The state’s building codes can be quite different from Canadian standards, particularly regarding hurricane resistance and ventilation requirements. Your designer should be well-versed in local regulations and able to explain how these will impact your Project.
9. What energy-efficient solutions do you recommend?
Unlike Canadian homes, where heating efficiency is a priority, Miami kitchens may need to focus on cooling, ventilation, and humidity control. So, it pays to ask your kitchen designer about layouts, fixtures, and materials that maintain comfort while keeping utility costs manageable.
Wrapping up
The distance between Canada and Miami shouldn’t be a barrier to achieving your dream kitchen. However, managing a project from a distance requires extra attention to communication and coordination. Asking the questions above and examining a designer’s answers is the first step in breathing life into your vision.
So, take time to interview potential candidates, check their references, and ensure that they have experience working with overseas clients. Above all else, let them understand your unique needs and ask for assurance that your Miami kitchen functions perfectly, whether you’re there for a season or planning to relocate for good.
References:
- ‘2024 International Transactions in U.S. Residential Real Estate’. Source: https://www.nar.realtor/sites/default/files/documents/2024-international-transactions-in-us-residential-real-estate-report-07-17-2024.pdf (see page 4)
- ‘2025 Engineering and Construction Industry Outlook’. Source: https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/industry/engineering-and-construction/engineering-and-construction-industry-outlook.html#:~:text=The%20construction%20sector,more%20automated%20future.
- ‘How Much Does a Kitchen Remodel Cost? (2024 Data)’. Source: https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-should-kitchen-remodel-cost.htm#:~:text=Normal%20range%3A,of%20the%20project.