Are you starting the process of looking for a new kitchen company? You might have already begun to shop around. If so, congrats.
Building or refurbishing your home with a new kitchen is one of the most exciting projects you can undertake as a homeowner. However, it can also be one of the most stressful and overwhelming if you don’t know what to look for in a contractor or design firm. If you’re thinking about getting a new kitchen company to help you build or renovate your dream kitchen, consider some things before engaging with them. The company you choose can impact how smoothly everything goes and whether the investment pays off. When selecting your new kitchen company, we want to share several things to consider.
Finding the Right Kitchen Company for You
Of course, you need to find a kitchen company that is the right fit for you. This will happen when you are completely honest with yourself about what you want and what you need. It’s essential to be specific about your wants and needs with the designer. An excellent way to do this is to create a vision board on platforms like Pinterest with pictures of kitchens you like and materials you want. You can also browse Instagram and take screenshots of the looks you like. This will allow you to be specific about the kind of kitchen you want and help you find the best kitchen company. With that said, there are some more things to consider.
How long is the company on the market?
You want to ensure that the company you choose has been in business for at least a few years and has several projects to showcase on its website or social media. New companies might be great at what they do, but they probably don’t have the experience to ensure your project goes smoothly. On the other hand, companies that have been in business for a while, like Symphony, know what they’re doing, how to do it, what to expect and how to deal with unexpected issues. This is their bread & butter, and they hit a few bumps on their journey and learned from those providing you with peace of mind and a smooth experience.
Do they offer free design, free site measurement and free delivery?
You want to ensure the company you choose offers all these things. However, you should expect they will charge you some money for the design and may have a minimum order. You don’t want to choose a company that doesn’t offer these things because they’re essential in building your kitchen. You must ensure your kitchen company has all the necessary tools and resources to build your dream kitchen. Another thing to check is whether the company has actual interior designers in their team that can advise you on the latest interior trends and help you choose other materials and colours that blend in with your home style.
Do they have their own fitting crew?
You may want to choose a company that has its own fitting crew instead of hiring general contractors. If this is the case, make sure you ask how often they use their fitting crew and how much experience they have, if the fitting crew are qualified carpenters or just inexperienced interns, etc. If the fitting crew is brand new, you may want to choose a different company because there’s always a risk of issues arising when dealing with less experienced workers.
What industry certification the company has?
Before hiring your new kitchen company, you should ensure they have all the necessary certifications and licenses and have won some industry awards. This includes things like ISO, FCS, BS, and FIRA, contributing to the sustainability measures, addressing environmental challenges, having a general contractor’s license, having insurance, and possibly having workers’ compensation. This shows that the company is serious about doing a good job and providing you with a safe and quality experience.
Don’t Forget the Small Things.
Finally, don’t forget to consider the little things when choosing your new kitchen company. Things like how quickly they respond to you and how easily you can reach them can help distinguish between a great experience and a frustrating one. You want to find a company that is responsive, easy to communicate with, and easy to work with. When choosing your new kitchen company, it’s essential to consider these things. They’ll help you find a kitchen company that is the right fit for you. Also, ask around and check their Google rating - Anything above four stars speaks about a reputable company.
Checklist of Questions to Ask During Your Consultation after choosing the kitchen company you're happy with
Knowing these questions is a great way to ensure you get all the information you need. This will help you make an informed decision and know you’ve chosen the best kitchen company.
- What is your process for designing and building a kitchen?
- What other services do you offer?
- What are the different design phases? What best ways to communicate my needs and ideas during the design process?
- What are the best kitchen designs for my lifestyle and family?
- What materials do you use in your kitchens? How are they different from other kitchen companies on the market?
- Do you have your own fitting crew of qualified carpenters that are trained and experienced in installing your kitchen? Or do you sub-contract?
- What are the best materials for my budget and their long-term cost?
- Can you show me examples of kitchens you have built outside of your showroom?
- Do you charge for designing a kitchen?
- Do you offer a measuring service on-site to ensure accuracy in design and installation?
- Do you charge for delivery?
- What if something goes wrong and requires amendments along the way? How do you deal with it?
- Do you offer an emergency point of contact?
Finally, while looking for a new kitchen company, keep these things in mind. Keeping these things in mind can help you find a kitchen company that is the right fit for you. It can also help you make an informed decision and know you’ve chosen the best kitchen company for you.
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