Buying a New Kitchen

Purchasing a brand new kitchen is a big decision as it is both a costly and a time-consuming process. It is important to carefully consider what you want in style and function from your kitchen, and there are now plenty of places you can look besides the showroom to give you an idea of products available, of the prices involved, and about the installation requirements. If you know the style of kitchen you would like, do you know how you would like it to be fitted? Depending on whether you prefer it flat pack, rigid, custom built or non-fitted, you can look for a company that specialises in your chosen kitchen fitting.

buying a new kitchenThe Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association (KBSA) is a trade body association that sets standards of professionalism and quality for its rigorously vetted members. All KBSA kitchen retailers have permanent display showrooms and provide a full design and installation service. Moreover, member businesses are only allowed to join the KBSA after they have been operating for two years.

When looking around for your new kitchen, always ensure that you check the background and credentials of a company before you buy. Ask for examples of previous work and make sure you follow up any available references. Don't just go for the cheapest price with the flashiest advert; make sure that the company can do everything that it claims.

Choosing your kitchen

A quality design kitchen is identified by the quality of its cupboards, worktops, and appliances. You will stand a better chance of purchasing a well made kitchen if these three elements are of an individual high standard. The trick is how to find this out, without being swayed by the inevitably biased sales patter.

Cold call or doorstep sales should be avoided. You will rarely get adequate information or time to decide, even if you do end up with a reasonable kitchen. Showrooms are the traditional way to get inspiration and information regarding kitchen installations. You can peruse kitchen displays up close and get an idea as to how the fittings might work in your home. It also gives you the chance to inspect hinges and other areas of wear and tear on the showpieces. If certain areas look particularly worn it will give you a good indication of how it will last in your own home. Showrooms also give the opportunity of a good daylight viewing of the different finishes, materials and colour selections.

The problem with showrooms however, is often the salespeople. Even the most honest and straight talking salesman will be biased. For starters, he is going to want you to buy the fittings available in his shop, and may try to get you to buy a pricier range, or more fittings than you originally had in mind. If you prepare yourself with prior knowledge and have a fairly fixed kitchen plan in mind, it will be easier to get the kitchen that you want and not be swayed by the sales spiel. Visit several retailers' showrooms and compare their answers to your questions, as well as their prices and references. The more information you have about kitchens, the better chance you stand of purchasing a quality, lasting design.

buying a new kitchenA good place to start when gleaning information is the internet. There is as much dubious sales techniques on the internet as there is in the high street, but the computer is also a valuable resource for consumer sites and forums. It is a fast and easy way to research a company, and there are plenty of places on the web detailing scams by dodgy businesses. You can ask your own questions on consumer forums and find out about good and bad companies from consumers just like you. It is also an easy way of researching the different options available in kitchen design, and which companies specialise in certain materials or styles. If you still want to visit the showroom, you can now do so armed with information and knowledgeable of your rights.

It is possible to view, research and buy the entire kitchen online. In the comfort of your own home you can read detailed specifications and customer reviews, as well as get installation advice. Many online retailers offer great value for money as they do not have the showroom costs, so you could get the kitchen of your dreams for a lower price than you think.

Although buying online avoids the hassle of dealing directly with salespeople, it is prudent to contact the manufacturer and finding out why you should buy from them. This personal contact strengthens their commitment to you and ensures that you are not just another number.

What to ask

Buying a new kitchen is not just about getting a good price; for peace of mind you need a company that offers great service. When you are considering making a purchase, find out important details such as:

Ensure that any quote you receive is fully itemised, and check that both you and the installer know what works are to be included in the contract. Re-decorating, plastering, tiling and electrics may not be included in the standard 'dry fit'; double check this so that you can plan accordingly. A dry fit usually comprises:

After sales customer service is just as important as the treatment prior to purchase. A good company should offer an inspection service when the fitting has been carried out so any questions or issues can be quickly sorted. Find out whether this is offered before you sign a contract. Always check the terms and conditions, making sure that the payment terms are within the realms of reason.

Never pay a deposit over 25% of the total value. Ensure that you receive a full written schedule of payments.

Never pay in full until all your items have been delivered.

The installation

buying a new kitchenWorking co-operatively with the kitchen designer will help your plans be fully integrated with their design flair and experience. Working with the fitters in the same way will ensure smooth running.

Before anything is fitted, inspect all the items for damage. If the installation is part of the price of the package, retain 20% of the fee until the job is complete. They will therefore be keen to fit any damaged or missing parts quickly in order to receive full payment. Make sure however that you have made this clear on the contract.

Finalising a schedule of works will make sure that everyone involved knows what is required of them and will prevent things from dragging on indefinitely. That said, be prepared for unforeseen situations to arise. Due to the scale of work that a new kitchen fitting involves you will be very lucky if everything goes exactly according to plan. To ease the situation however, keep clear lines of communication and don't get unnecessarily riled. The job will be completed much faster if everyone calmly co-operates. The supplier should be able to identify and address the problems as they occur; either sorting them immediately or detailing future arrangements if that is not possible.

If you have any concerns not raised by the supplier, make sure that you draw attention to them yourself as and when they appear, not at the end of the job. It is general practice that suppliers will request you to sign a completion certificate once the kitchen is fitted, confirming that the job has been carried out in full to satisfaction. If there is anything unfinished or that you are dissatisfied with; make a note of it on the certificate for further attention.