Part 2 of ‘Call in a Pro’

As promised, this is the next instalment of ‘Call in a Pro’.  It will give you a bit more insight into who to use for your kitchen design and renovation.

The next three on the list are Kitchen Companies, Builders, and Budget/Do-It-Yourself.

If you use a Kitchen Company, do your research as some companies are fabulous and very experienced while others are merely retailers and have very persuasive salesmen, with all sorts of trumpeted up hooks/sales/incentives to make you ‘sign on the night’.  (Some of the designers working for these companies are inexperienced and I often wonder if they have even boiled a kettle in a kitchen when I see their plans.)  Look at their referrals and go with a kitchen company that makes its own joinery, proudly advertises their longevity in the business and the amount of repeat business they get.  They must be doing something right.

Just a word of warning about kitchen companies – there’s no such thing as a free design and quote.  (That old saying, “no such thing as a free lunch” springs to mind…)  If the kitchen designer isn’t being paid by the kitchen company, it’s all on a commission only basis.  This is the ‘norm’ in Australia except for a few of the very top end companies who charge design fees which are refundable when you order a kitchen from them.

Builders often have their preferred cabinet makers or use ‘mates’ in the business.  This can present the same pit falls as with kitchen companies, so do your research.  On top of that, the budget allowed for the kitchen joinery is frequently unrealistic and it’s only when you sit down to work out exactly what you want that you realise this.  After all, they want your business to build your house so the ‘p.c.’ items (which are supplementary to your contract with the builder) are often unrealistic.  Some builders will leave out the kitchen altogether and let you choose your own designer or kitchen company.  Usually a happier way to go.

Budget/Do-It-Yourself is becoming more popular with the home-handy-man and the inspired renovators who’ve watched all those reality home shows and decided they have the skills to tackle this themselves.  Ask any professional installer, it’s not as easy as it looks.

This area does have a market though and if you’re a tradesman or are genuinely useful with building tools, it could be a suitable option if you want a budget kitchen.  Companies like IKEA, Bunnings and Masters all cater for this area but be aware that the quality is not necessarily aimed for the long-haul!  If you are doing something up to sell, or it’s for a holiday house or you’re on a tight budget it could suit you.  (Having said that, I’ve had lots of tradesmen come to me for the design and then they go to the cabinet maker/kitchen company of their choice rather than take the ‘Do-It-Yourself’ option.  They’ve seen lots of  kitchens installed from all different sources so this must say something!)

I hope this has helped you and clarified the process you need to go through to renovate your kitchen.   New Year’s Resolution complete and you’re on your way to a new dream kitchen!