1. Quality Kitchens in North London
The kitchen is the heart of most homes and fitting a new kitchen can transform your
property, adding comfort, convenience and value. Buying a new kitchen is an
important purchase, something you may only do a few times in your lifetime, so
we’ve put together a guide to all the key things you need to consider when planning
and buying the new kitchen of your dreams. Your kitchen buying checklist:
What does my kitchen need to do?
One of the first things you need to think about is how you use your kitchen, and, how
you’d like to use it in the future. Is it simply a space for preparing food, or do you use
it for family meals, entertaining guests, or for work or hobbies? Getting a clear idea
of the functions you need your kitchen to perform will help you make sure your new
kitchen does everything required of it. Think about your current kitchen – is it too
small? Are things laid out in a way that makes certain tasks difficult? Is there enough
storage space? By identifying the problems areas in your current kitchen you can
make sure your new kitchen makes your life easier and more comfortable.
Is there enough space?
If you need more space in your kitchen, it’s a good idea to talk to a builder or
architect about the options available to you in extending your existing kitchen space
into other areas of the house, or adding an extension to your home. There may be
possibilities you have not considered, and, with kitchen design improving rapidly in
recent years, there are many ingenious ways in which you may be able to make the
space you already have work better for you.
What is my budget?
Setting a budget is one of the most important parts of buying a kitchen as it is likely
to determine the approach you take. Be clear about how much you can afford and
allow a contingency for any unexpected expenditure. Don’t forget to allow for
appliances, fixtures and fittings (e.g. lighting, new sockets, window blinds etc.) and
any plumbing or electrical work that may need to be done. It can be quite difficult to
get an accurate feel for the total cost of a kitchen, as you may need to get prices
from a range of different trades-people. One solution to this is to work with a
company which offers a complete kitchen service (including all electrical, plumbing,
tiling and decorating work) and which can give you a full quotation for all the work
required.
Have I chosen the right materials?
There are so many different options available when buying new kitchens today that
the choice can seem overwhelming. In the early stages of the planning process
collect as much information as you can about the different types of kitchen available
– flick through magazines, wander around the showrooms, or make a note of the
kitchens of friends and family that you like. It’s also really important to take into
2. account factors such as budget, practicality and the size of your kitchen space when
choosing the look and feel for your kitchen. Many suppliers will present their
products in extremely spacious show-kitchens, but you need to be realistic about
what will work with the levels of light and space you have. You also need to think
about the practicality of certain materials and how they will fit in with your lifestyle –
so, for example, if you have pets, will your flooring be easy and quick to clean? It’s
also really important to see (and feel) the materials before you buy. This will give
you a good indication of the quality level and how easy to maintain it is likely to
be. Some surfaces (e.g. granite worktops) may require specialist cleaning materials,
so make sure you ask the supplier before you buy so you can calculate any extra on-
going costs.
Have I got the right layout?
When you know what you’d like to do in your kitchen and what space will be
available, the process of designing the layout can take place. All reputable kitchen
suppliers will offer a design service that will help you lay out your kitchen, but in
order to get an impartial view if may also be worth consulting a builder or
architect. Good quality providers will want to visit your property to take
measurements and see the space before starting the design process. Take a
hands-on approach to the design process and make sure you are getting what you
want, not what the designer wants to sell you. If you’re not happy with the design
service, it’s best to walk away at an early stage as this could suggest problems with
the overall service quality.
Am I protected if something goes wrong?
Horror stories about poor service quality and workmanship are common in the
kitchen trade so it’s important to make sure you are protected when buying a new
kitchen. The most important thing to consider is that you work with a company you
can trust. Check that they are an accredited member of the Federation of Master
Builders or other professional association and ask to see their insurance
documentation. Don’t sign until you are completely happy with what you are buying,
and, importantly that you have agreed a detailed list of the services that your supplier
will undertake and the schedule that they will work to. Having a new kitchen fitted
can disrupt your home, so you want to make sure the work is completed quickly and
efficiently. Also be very wary of any company that asks you to pay the full fee
upfront, it’s better to arrange a deposit so that, should anything go wrong, there is an
incentive for your supplier to put it right!