Feels like we spend a lot of time preaching about using qualified architects and designers (kitchen, landscape, whatever) here at BUILD. A lot of people I talk to are a bit seasick at the prospect of paying extra to hire a professional designer, but the reality is that designers usually spend all day every day dealing with and learning about regulations, technical specs, different products and materials, ergonomics, and a million other little things that you mightn't even consider until the day you moved (back) in. Professional design often pays for itself in the long run too...

If you've designed your own bathroom or kitchen (or anything else) I'd love to hear what you think about this. Any regrets? Was it harder or easier than you thought it'd be? Tell me about it in an email, or share with us on Facebook.

Darcy Wilson
Editor - Build
www.build.com.au