Everyone searches for kitchen companies in a different way. Some research online, others rely on word of mouth recommendations. Some fall for attention grabbing advertising, while others base their decision on a showroom visit. Often, it’s a combination. If you’re looking for a new kitchen for the first time, here are our top 7 things to consider.
1. What do you want to buy?
Kitchen companies cater to various budgets, styles and requirements. Choose a specialist in your kind of kitchen. Before you start researching, determine what you can afford, your preferred style and an estimated size. Why is this important?
- Custom vs Flat Pack: if you want a custom designed kitchen, avoid flat pack specialists. But keep in mind this will be more expensive.
- Style Type: If you’re unsure of the style, choose a designer with a wide range, not one focused on ultra contemporary or vintage.
- Installation: Does the kitchen company manage the entire installation and project manage or do you organise yourself to save money?
- Flexibility: For choices in colour, layout, accessories and appliances, ensure the supplier doesn’t limit you to their products.
Now that you know your category, compare kitchen companies within it.
2. Does the Kitchen Company have a showroom?
There is no substitute for a showroom to experience what your kitchen will look like. Buying a new kitchen involves many decisions. A showroom showroom with various styles and colours on display will help with decision making. For instance, you may switch from a Provincial style to a Hampton kitchen after seeing in it person. Alternatively, viewing colours in person may sway your decision from an all-white kitchen.
3. What Type of Design support Does the Kitchen Company Offer?
You might know the colour, style and layout you want, but kitchen design needs expertise in functionality and manufacturing processes. A strong design team in a kitchen company has many benefits like:
- Individual Designs: Experienced Designers bring all elements together to create a visually appealing yet functional space suited to your needs.
- Problem Solving: Experienced Designers can spot problems and avoid making expensive mistakes.
- Efficiency: Designers can design to keep your project on time and on budget, offering experienced solutions you hadn’t considered
Experienced Kitchen Designers are crucial. Ensure the company offers design support throughout your whole process.
4. How Experienced Is The Company?
Experience matters! New companies may offer the latest products and technologies, but real experiences from designing and installing thousands of kitchens. Established companies have built long term relationships with suppliers, trades, and installers. Ensuring quality and standards are met.
5. What Type Of Company Is It?
Large corporate or family run business? It’s not surprising Family-run businesses offer superior customer service. Combining operational wisdom from older generation with new materials, designs and technology from new blood results in a great customer experience.
6. Is The Kitchen Made in Australia?
In this era of global manufacturing, a local manufacturing base is crucial for controlling quality standards and timelines. A kitchen supplier that also operates their own factory that is locally made ensures a seamless process from design to build to installation. Superior control results in high-quality materials and a great final result.
7. What Guarantee Does The Kitchen Company Offer?
A Kitchen is a big investment, so it must look good for many years. An effective guarantee reflect’s the company’s confidence in their quality and longevity. At Kitchen Shack, we stand by our quality offering a 10 year guarantee, while others only offer 7 years. Buying a new kitchen is a significant investment in money and time. We recommend taking your time, researching the company, visit their kitchen showroom and ask the right questions to make an informed choice.