10 TIPS TO REMEMBER BEFORE DOING A KITCHEN RENOVATION

1. Don’t pay too much for your new kitchen.

Because you don’t buy a new kitchen every day – most people don’t really know how much a new kitchen should cost. You can easily find yourself paying far too much and price does not equal quality.

Many kitchen companies will tell you that a quality kitchen needs to cost $20,000 or more. This is simply untrue.

We understand real quality and our buying power and state-of-the-art manufacturing processes mean that your dream kitchen is more affordable than many companies will tell you.

So, ensure you speak to us before making any decisions about your new kitchen.

2. Don’t be pressured into accepting a deal at your first appointment.

Alarm bells should start ringing if you’re presented with a “special” deal that must be accepted on-the-spot. This old fashioned sales trick prays on those customers who don’t know how much their new kitchen should cost and prevents them from obtaining an alternate quote. Whilst the salesperson’s offer may sound extremely compelling, a better deal is always available.

3. Ensure you get a detailed quote.

Don’t purchase your new kitchen before obtaining a quote that itemises every detail. Your quote should specify the number and type of cabinets in your new kitchen as well as the exact finishes and hardware that you require. Home of Kitchens will provide you with a transparent, itemised quote and you can be confident of receiving the kitchen you expect.

4. Make sure you see examples of any potential supplier’s work.

You should have the opportunity to view a potential supplier’s work in their showroom. Quality of cabinetry and hardware can vary considerably between manufacturers. A positive, first hand inspection of a potential supplier’s work will give you confidence to proceed.

Home of Kitchens provides you with ample opportunity to view our quality products in our extensive showroom display.

5. Safety first – beware of inferior imported products.

Imported, cheap Chinese cabinets and stone benchtops are claimed to comply with Australian standards, but you’d never know. These materials can discolour over time and may contain dangerous levels of carcinogenic formaldehyde.

The best way to ensure that your kitchen provides a stylish and safe environment for you and your family is to buy a kitchen manufactured with Australian produced materials which meet Australian Standards and are backed with warranties from solid Australian companies.

6. Buy your kitchen from a kitchen manufacturing specialist.

These days, you can buy kitchens at hardware stores, furniture shops and other kitchen resellers/agents but you’ll always get the best product, price, expertise and service if you deal directly with a kitchen manufacturing company. The staff at a kitchen manufacturer have specific knowledge of design, materials and construction techniques that are rarely found elsewhere.

What’s more, you’re supporting Victorian manufacturing!

7. Only buy a made-to-measure kitchen.

Get the cabinet sizes and styles that work best for you and your home, not the standard sizes that suit a supplier. Only a made-to-measure kitchen can maximise the storage space and functionality of your new kitchen. A kitchen made from standard sized cabinets and filler panels to make it fit your space is an unneccessary compromise.

8. Use a kitchen supplier who really listens to your needs

You need to be comfortable that your kitchen supplier is listening to you. Many kitchen salespeople will tell you about the style and layout and cost of your new kitchen without fully understanding your needs. You will notice a Home of Kitchens designer asks more questions, as we aim to gain a crystal clear understanding of your preferred style, layout and budget first and then offer our advice and expertise in order to achieve your goals.

9. Only deal with qualified cabinet-makers and stone-masons

Always ensure that your kitchen is manufactured by appropriately trade-qualified professionals.

In addition, Home of Kitchens is able to recommend a range of qualified, trusted installers if you would prefer your flat pack kitchen fully installed.

10. Is your salesperson working on commission?

Many kitchen suppliers use commission-based salespeople to sell their products. Commission-based salespeople will often inflate the price of your new kitchen or recommend finishes that don’t meet your requirements in order to maximise their personal return. The Home of Kitchens team does not work on a commission basis. We directly employ and train our own designers who are able to focus solely on meeting the needs of each individual customer and are available to assist you at any time.