So, you think you’re ready to purchase your new dream fitted kitchen, but still have a little nagging feeling that you haven’t made the right decision. Well let us help you with a few tips and tricks to make sure you pick the perfect fitted kitchen.
Firstly, if you invite a kitchen slaes rep into your home, remember it is YOUR home. We have heard so many stories where people feel bullied into purchasing a fitted kitchen by sales people that are intent on making commission. Tell them you will think about the offer overnight and do not make a snap judgement there and then. Also, make sure you don’t take the first offer you get – hunt around and use your previous quotes as a bargaining tool. The fitted kitchen marketplace is highly competitive, so you are in the driving seat.
Now, don’t get suckered into purchasing your fitted kitchen just on price. We understand here at Kitchen Heaven that everyone has a budget, especially in these troubled times, but there is a reason someone is selling the “Best cheapest kitchen deal ever!”. Remember, this is a purchase you will not be making too many times in your life and you will be spending an awful lot of your time in your new fitted kitchen, so don’t buy something just because it is a few hundred cheaper. Cheap normally means below standard material, non-integrated appliances and a general all round poor finish, probably leaving you wanting to replace your new fitted kitchen far quicker than if you were happy with the end result. This is what they call a false economy!.
There are a few things you can look out for aesthetically that are tell tale signs of cheap fitted kitchen. Make sure the doors match the carcasses – having a white carcass against a wooden coloured door looks cheap and there is no reason in this day and age why you should settle for that. Most reputable fitted kitchen suppliers will have all coloured units. Ask the supplier what the backs of the carcasses are made out of. If it is 6mm particle board, avoid it like the plague. It should be at least 12mm. Again, going back to the colour, if the back of the carcass is white and a different colour to the rest of your units, it generally means it will be of poor quality. Find units with anti-slam devices – again, many do these days, so don’t think of it is a luxury cost you shouldn’t incur. Whether you are putting your fitted kitchen in yourself or are employing a professional to do it, buying built-up carcasses rather than flat-packed will save you time and inturn, money.
Buying integrated appliances for your new fitted kitchen will certainly cost you more than free-standing, but this is where we at Kitchen Heaven believe the extra money is well spent. Your whole kitchen will feel as one, rather than a few seperate applainaces, so for spending that bit extra, you will feel far more proud to show friends and family your new purchase. Lastly, even if you are fitting the kitchen yourself, take some advice from a professional fitter. Most reputable suppliers will have an installation help line, so use it!
