Top Ten Kitchen Renovation Tips

It is a well-known fact that a beautiful kitchen sells a home. So, when you are renovating your kitchen it is important to bear that in mind, but also to remember that you need to get the most for your money.

1. 1. Don’t overspend on your new kitchen. Most of us only design a new kitchen once in a lifetime, so we need to do our research and make sure that we are not overpaying for a great quality kitchen. Shop around; don’t go with the first kitchen company you come across. Ask family and friends for recommendations and for lessons they learned when they renovated their kitchen.
   2. Salesmen use many techniques to get us to sign on the dotted line. And telling us that this is a ‘one time deal’ is one of the most used. Don’t be pressured into accepting the deal, get an alternate quote. The offer might sound great, but shop around and you will find that there are very competitive prices for similar designs.
   3. Have a good look at the supplier’s samples in their showroom. Quality of both cabinetry and hardware vary widely and taking time to examine the samples is always time well spent. Suppliers who don’t want to let you spend time closely looking at their samples are not likely to do a great job installing your new kitchen. Also, consider asking for references from past customers. There is nothing like a great reference from a satisfied client to give you confidence before you buy.
   4. Work with a specialist kitchen manufacturer. Kitchens can be bought in all sorts of stores, but sticking with a kitchen specialist will ensure that you not only get the best advice but the best quality. The knowledge and skills of specialist kitchen companies can’t be replicated in stores that stock kitchens as well as other furniture or materials.
   5. Deal with a kitchen supplier who asks you what you want and need, not one who tells you what you need. If your supplier starts to push items onto you instead of asking what you want from your new kitchen it is time to consider a new supplier. Your kitchen should be designed for you, and not be a standard kitchen that is prebuilt and they want to sell. This is your new kitchen and it should be exactly what you need and a kitchen that will make your life easier and more luxurious. Your kitchen advisor should ask questions about your budget, needs and how you use your kitchen, so that they can give you the best possible advice.
   6. Get a clear and detailed quote. Make sure that everything is itemised and clarified. Ensure that the number of cabinets and the type are stated clearly. Make sure it includes every detail including the hardware. That means no nasty surprises down the line.
   7. Go for quality over saving a few dollars. Cheaper, imported cabinets and surfaces claim to meet standards but you can never be sure. Go with a supplier who uses locally produced materials and that meet national standards. This will ensure that you don’t discover a safety or quality issue down the line. You and your family will spend a lot of time in your new kitchen, so make sure that you get the quality that you deserve!
   8. Have your kitchen made to measure. Don’t buy standard cabinetry and try to fit it into your space with filler panels. Instead have your cabinetry made to fit your space. This will maximise the space and functionality of your new kitchen. And having your kitchen made to measure ensures that you get the perfect kitchen of your dreams.
   9. Make sure that your cabinet makers and stone masons are master craftsmen, who hold all the relevant qualifications and memberships. Professionals will be happy to discuss their experience with you. Check references of your kitchen installers, most kitchen suppliers can offer a choice of trusted, professional installers.

Ask if your salesperson is working on commission. Choose to work with consultants who have no vested interest in you spending more money but instead are concentrating on getting you the perfect kitchen for your family and lifestyle!