Buying a New Kitchen · 2020-07-01 · When the kitchen company is in control, the process will flow better and your kitchen will be installed in a shorter period of time. They will

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A step-by-step guide to finding the right kitchen for you

Buying a New Kitchen

https://saffroninteriors.co.uk

Contents

Introduction 3 Step 1: Create your kitchen wish list 4 Style notes ............................................................................................ 5

Step 2: Finding the right option for 6 your budget

£8,000 Kitchen ...................................................................................... 8

£18,000 Kitchen ................................................................................... 9

Step 3: Choosing the right kitchen company 10 Big brands ........................................................................................... 11

Independents ...................................................................................... 12

Designer Outlets .................................................................................. 13

Narrowing down your search ............................................................. 14

An important note about kitchen extensions …................................... 15

Step 4: Consulting with designers 16 and visiting showrooms

Booking an appointment to visit a kitchen showroom ..................... 16

Questions to ask when you make the initial call ............................... 17

Your visit to a kitchen showroom ....................................................... 19

What happens next? 20

When your kitchen installation starts 22

CONSULT OUR KITCHEN JARGON BUSTER Bewildered by worktops? Confused by cornices? Perplexed by pelmets? Can’t make sense of scribes? Our handy glossary of terms and materials will help get you up to speed with all the terminology that you need to know when getting a new kitchen.

saffroninteriors.co.uk/glossary

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http://www.saffroninteriors.co.uk/glossary

Introduction

Buying a new kitchen is a major event

After all, your kitchen is the hub of your home. It’s where the meals of the day are prepared. Maybe it’s where the family sits around the table each night, discussing the events of the day over dinner. Perhaps it’s where your little ones play or do their homework. You might work in there or indulge your hobbies. During a party, it’s often where everyone congregates. If you have pets, it could be somewhere they spend a lot of time.

You want the kitchen that fits your lifestyle and fulfils all your specific needs, so it’s wise to spend a little time planning and thinking about what you want…

Other than buying a house and a car, your kitchen will probably be the biggest purchase you’ll ever make. It can feel like a nerve-wracking process; especially if this is the first new kitchen you have ever bought. You’ll be faced with many decisions.

The purpose of this guide is to share our expert knowledge with you so you are prepared for every stage of this exciting journey; from actually deciding to get a new kitchen, to the day it’s completed and you get to show it off to your friends and family for the first time.

Getting the right information from the start means you’ll get the kitchen you want and need – creating a space that you can enjoy for years to come. You are less likely to make unsuitable choices and to encounter the risks and extra charges that can lead to unnecessary stress.

So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get started. The adventure starts here!

Gary Turnbull Saffron Interiors, Guildford



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With this step-by-step guide, you will learn how to:

Identify your kitchen goals and refine your wish list

Get to grips with the pros and cons of different options within your budget

Find the right kitchen company

Know which questions to ask in consultations and when visiting showrooms

Navigate the quote and decision making stage

Prepare for the work to start in your home

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Step 1: Create your kitchen wish list

Every successful kitchen renovation begins with a clear wish list. Start yours by deciding exactly how you want to use your new kitchen. Think about your lifestyle and your priorities, as well as how it will look.



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Here are some practical things to bear in mind when making your kitchen wish list…

What frustrates you about your current setup? e.g. gripes such as corner cupboards that are hard to access, no space for tidy recycling bins

Think about your ‘working triangle’; is it easy to move around and convenient to reach everything?

Consider how easy it will be to access your cooker, the fridge, your sink, bins, and dishwasher

In your current set-up, what works well for you?

Have you used other kitchens (on holiday, at a friend’s home) that you particularly liked?

Are there appliances and gadgets that could suit your lifestyle?

Do you want to use your new kitchen as a family ‘living’ area?

Is it important to you that you have a space to eat in the kitchen or your family can sit around and do homework or chat with a glass of wine while you are cooking?

How long will the kitchen last?

Will it increase the value of your home?

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If you’re living with others, write down your priorities separately and then share them with any other decision makers in the project, compromising where necessary and consolidating them into one shared ‘vision’. It’s sensible to do this before visiting any showrooms and will be a massive time-saving investment when you come to brief your chosen kitchen designer. Take some rough measurements of the room at this stage too.

As you go through the process of making a wishlist, jot down any barriers or worries, so that you can raise them with the experts and understand the full impact of your choices.

Common concerns when installing a new kitchen include:

Disruption in the home – how will you cook? Will you need to stay elsewhere?

Who will be working in your house? Will you need to be there all the time e.g. take time off, work from home?

Annoying the neighbours with noise, mess and extra parked vehicles

Running over time and budget

Making the wrong choices or changing your mind

Style notes

Have fun doing some research into the style of kitchen that appeals to you.

Search Google for kitchen images and save them into a designated folder on your smart phone or computer

Use websites or apps like Houzz, Instagram and Pinterest for kitchen design inspiration

Create a variety of mood boards on Pinterest e.g. farmhouse, modern, Scandi, French, sinks, storage etc.

Collage or scrapbook ideas from magazines and newspapers

Makes lists and quick sketches of ideas as they come to you e.g. if you see something on a TV programme or film

Finish the creation of your wish list with an honest assessment of your budget and any contingency allowance. Be clear the ‘must have’ features you’d like to invest in, and what’s a ‘nice to have’ if you can afford it.



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Step 2: Finding the right option for your budget

Now that you’ve got a clearer idea of your practical requirements and aesthetic goals, you can explore a range of new kitchen options.

From a basic refresh to a complete makeover, your kitchen design experts can help you weigh up the advantages of each avenue and make choices that work for your budget as well as your lifestyle.

There are 3 routes you can go down:

Full kitchen renovation (from £10,000 - £100,000)

Partial kitchen refurbishment (from £3,000 - £15,000)

Kitchen evolution (from £8,000 - £25,000)

Please remember that the cost could vary significantly based on the size of your kitchen and the materials chosen. For a more in-depth look at kitchen costs, please visit saffroninteriors.co.uk



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Key features Good to know

Full kitchen renovation

Reconfigure and replace everything including units, worktops, storage, sink, hob, oven and other appliances

You’ll need to consider replacing the flooring and wall coverings too (e.g. tiles)

Electrics and plumbing may need moving and upgrading to suit your new layout

If you do it properly, you’ll only do it once – so you’ll be able to enjoy this kitchen for years to come, whilst adding value to your home

Partial kitchen refurbishment

Retain existing appliances, cabinets and drawers but replace the doors, fronts, hinges, handles, cornice, pelmets and plinths

A great way to breathe new life into investment units that are still square and level

Kinder to the environment – less waste

Unsuitable if your current set-up was a budget option with lower quality cabinets

Less disruption - can often be completed in a few days

Kitchen evolution

Keep the footprint of your current kitchen, leaving the wall tiles, floor covering, plumbing and electrics all in place but with replacement units, worktops, storage, sink, hob, oven and other appliances

A cheaper alternative to a full renovation, saving on installation ancillary works

Not suitable if you want to move things around

A good option if you want to retain existing flooring that has been recently laid

Let’s take a look at each option in a bit more detail…




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Granite or quartz look-alike laminate worktops

Simple shelved units

Good quality Neff appliances

Melamine faced doors

Simple and functional German-made Blanco tap

Halogen hob

£8,000 Kitchen

Understanding what you’ll get for your moneyWherever your budget is on the scale, you’ll want to know where every pound of the money you’re spending on a new kitchen is going. The following images illustrate some of the main ways your budget might be used, at both a lower and higher price point.

A good kitchen company should always demonstrate impeccable craftsmanship. However, the more you’re able to invest, the higher the quality of materials and the more sophisticated your storage and appliances.




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Real quartz worktops

Wire work inside the units for more accessibility

Higher spec appliances with added extras e.g. self-clean ovens, steam ovens, built-in meat probes

Painted high gloss white finish doors

Quooker boiling water tap (instant boiling water) and flexible pull-out hose to make washing up easier

Flex-Induction hob

£18,000 Kitchen

Getting clear on your budget and what’s most important to you will help when making decisions on materials and appliances etc.


Step 3: Choosing the right kitchen company

So, you know what type of kitchen you want and how much you might spend - but who is the right company to turn your ideas into reality?

There are three types of kitchen company you could choose to go with:

Big brands

Independents

Designer outlets

When you’re thinking about who to buy your kitchen from, think hard about what really matters to you as a customer.

What are your drivers and your deal breakers?

What is it that you most want to see from the company you’re paying a considerable sum to; to make a significant change to the hub of your home?

Creativity – you’re totally stuck for design inspiration

Practical guidance – you’ve got ideas but very little knowledge about what’s actually possible

Ergonomics – the driving force behind your decision for a new kitchen is greater ease of use

Craftsmanship – quality comes first with this important investment

Choice – you want access to a wide selection of brands

Innovation – the most fashionable design, the latest and smartest appliances

Trust – reassurance about who you’ll be letting into your home and what their credentials are

Time – there’s a ‘deadline’ such as a house move, new baby, a big occasion, trip or work/study commitments

Cost – your budget has very little contingency

Specialist knowledge – your property is unusual in some way and needs the right pair of hands

Of course, most of us would say “all of the above!” but there are some aspects of your kitchen journey that will bring you the most satisfaction (or the most stress) – and that’s what you should predominantly be led by.

With that in mind, it’s time to shine a spotlight on the pros and cons of each type of kitchen company: big brands, independents, and designer outlets.



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Big brands These are the well-known brands you’ll see advertised on primetime TV, such a Wren, Magnet, B&Q and Wickes.

Pros

Large showrooms where you can view lots of different kitchens ‘in real life’

More customers = more reviews, giving you a good feel for their quality and service

Can be less expensive than independents and designer outlets, ranging from B&Q at the cheaper end of the scale, to Magnet and Wren which are slightly more upmarket

Faster - more ready-made units kept in stock and a big database of fitters available to do the work ASAP

Cons

‘Run of the mill’ styles; big brands only tend to stock styles with mass appeal

Don’t usually do ‘made to measure’ options for difficult or unusual spaces

Kitchens might not be their specialist area e.g. Wickes

Lack of personalised service – some customers feel they’re “just a number”

Kitchen doors will be good quality, often using real wood; but the cabinet behind the door is the element that will probably let the kitchen down

A sharp focus on bottom line profits can mean cheap and nasty components e.g. hinges

Little consideration for ethical production e.g. copycat drawer runners mass produced in the Far East

They use a large pool of installers; and the quality of your installer can be potluck (it might not be the one who got the good reviews!)

You could get caught in the price war between competing big brands

Can quote more than the kitchen is worth and introduce misleading discounts, so you don’t always get value for money

Initial quotes can conceal hidden extras that will cost you more at a later date, sometimes even extortionate fees for fitting to make up for the discounted kitchen

The kitchens might be flat -packed, which means they are not as robust as a kitchen that’s fully built in a factory

For a fitter, assembling cabinets is a time-consuming process, which will increase your installation costs massively



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Independents The often regional, sometimes family-run businesses that might have a small showroom on your nearest high street and advertise locally.

Pros

Independent kitchen retailers are often run by people with a true passion for designing and installing quality kitchens at competitive prices

Smaller companies deal with fewer clients, so you are more likely to find the experience a lot more personal

Less chance of being sold a ‘package’ that doesn’t suit you – they tend to work on a more ‘pick and mix’ basis

Because showroom space is limited; many independents will be displaying the very best of their ranges

Where some designs can’t be shown ‘in real life’, 3D design software is often used to produce photorealistic impressions of your chosen kitchen style – with the added benefit of simulating how it works within your kitchen space

More flexibility to give you a competitive price and deliver your project for the best value for money

Without the massive advertising budgets that the big brands have, independents live and die by their reputation so you can be confident that they’ll give your kitchen 100% of their effort and care

Cons

Smaller teams with specialist skills could mean you may have to wait longer for fitting

Lead times for materials could be longer too – less likely to keep items ‘in stock’

Most independents will operate from smaller showrooms or studios than big brands, so when visiting to get ideas you may not have as much to see

Price range is medium to high, with fewer ‘budget’ options



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Designer OutletsA high-end bespoke option, where a designer is commissioned to create a one of a kind, luxury kitchen from scratch.

Pros

They will often employ the top creative interior designers

Freedom - the high profile of the designers means they often have carte blanche when it comes to what the factory behind them will hand produce

Genuinely bespoke and unique elements give jaw-dropping results

Fine details e.g. the designer outlets may use glass sided drawer boxes rather than metal for that extra ‘wow’ factor when you open them

Cons

You’ll pay 2 or 3 times more but there isn’t usually 2 or 3 times difference between a designer independent and kitchen independent when it comes to the quality of the cabinets

Great visual marketing means you could end up being ‘seduced’ by the label; the end result being ‘more style than substance’

The kitchens offered by designer outlets are priced at the very top end of the scale

The high cost often makes this a once in a lifetime investment, so there’s even more pressure to make decisions that you won’t regret 20 years from now



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Narrowing down your search

Weigh up your wish list, budget, drivers and dealbreakers and choose the right TYPE of company to match those needs.

If you’re not quite sure between one or the other, you might need to visit more than one type before you can make up your mind.

In either case, narrow down your search within each category by:

Searching which companies have the most 5-star Google reviews (and read the reviews to get a sense of their authenticity)

Browsing their websites for image galleries, videos, case studies, testimonials and information about the designers and tradespeople

Looking at their social media posts, the comments on those, and associated hashtags e.g. Instagram, Facebook

Paying attention to how they respond to comments and reviews – both positive and negative (Do they acknowledge praise? Do they offer to fix problems?)

Doing an online search to see if their work has been featured on any blogs or in magazines



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An important note about kitchen extensions…

Some builders will offer to fit your kitchen as part of an extension, but they might not have quite the right skills, tools or regular experience of kitchen work. Carry out thorough checks on their kitchen fitting credentials as well as their building qualifications.

You wouldn’t take your luxury car to be serviced by a backyard mechanic with a van load of tools, you would take it to a specialist dealer. The same applies to kitchens. A qualified kitchen fitter will have all the right know-how, practical tips and precise kit because they do that job day in, day out.

When you’re having an extension, make sure you involve the planning office, builder and the kitchen company all at the same time, from the outset! If tasks are carried out in the wrong order or communication between various parties is poor, you might not end up getting the kitchen you want and could end up out of pocket.



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Step 4: Consulting with designers and visiting showrooms

After all the careful consideration, valuable research and thoughtful preparation you’ve put into your new kitchen so far, it’s time to get out there and experience some kitchens in real life.

Visit some showrooms to get a feel for surfaces and finishes, see how light and colour work, test out some appliances, play with gadgets, and actually stand in the spaces that might soon become part of your own home.

In liaison with design experts, this stage will allow you to make firm decisions about a kitchen that truly works for your property and the way you and your family live.

Booking an appointment to visit a kitchen showroom

It’s wise to book an appointment with a kitchen company before you make the journey there. Yes, you can usually just turn up if you wish, but if they’re busy you might not get the most out of your visit.

Phoning to make an appointment not only means you can secure the time and attention of an expert when you go, it allows you to check if that company is actually going to be able to do what you need them to, in the timeframe you want it done…



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Great questions to ask when you make the initial call

“Do you do all the ancillary work?”

Ancillary work can include building, plumbing, electrics, plastering, tiling and decorating. Most kitchen installations will require a combination of skilled tradespeople to get the job done, so double check which skills your shortlisted kitchen companies can offer.

For example, a lot of retailers will avoid building work because it’s not their core business. It’s a difficult one to get right, requiring workers from different trades. Knowing this upfront will save you a lot of time meeting with a kitchen company that can’t deliver the entire project.

If you can find a kitchen retailer that will manage the whole process for you, it will reduce your stress levels significantly. Co-ordinating multiple ancillary contractors yourself can cause a lot of friction, especially if the project overruns.

When the kitchen company is in control, the process will flow better and your kitchen will be installed in a shorter period of time. They will have the right knowledge and expertise to communicate effectively between the builder and the electrician, for example.

Remember, poor communication can mean mistakes that you’ll have to pay to put right.

“Is there a charge for putting kitchen designs together for me?”

Some kitchen companies charge for designs, not just the work itself, so ask this question from the outset. Believe it or not, being charged for designs can be a positive thing for you as a customer.

Designing brilliant kitchens takes time. The challenge for retailers is that they don’t want to let their designs leave the showroom to buyers who aren’t serious, or who could take them to another supplier to fit.

But the advantage of paying for designs is YOUR time. If you don’t pay for the design, you will spend several hours and days visiting different kitchen showrooms, giving the same brief to each designer, waiting for the design to come back, then returning to go through that design with each supplier.

Where you pay for a design, you will end up with a better design that you own; perfectly suited to your needs. It’s normally a nominal fee, somewhere between £250 and £500. If you go ahead with the purchase of the kitchen, the design fee will normally be credited against the cost of the kitchen.



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“What are your typical lead times?”

Do you have an urgent date that you are trying to meet? Try to get a sense of how fast your shortlisted kitchen companies can deliver. Even the briefing and quote stage takes a minimum of two weeks but can stretch to two months, depending on your requirements.

Once you agree your design, you then need to factor in the actual lead time of the product. For some kitchen companies, the solution is ‘off the shelf’. Big brands will be your best choice if you’re looking for a quick turnaround because they have stocks of kitchen cabinets ready to be delivered at short notice.

Looking for something a little bit more bespoke and unique? Then be prepared to wait 4-10 weeks for your new kitchen to be manufactured and delivered.

On top of that, the kitchen company needs to source a suitable fitter. Big brands have loads of subcontracted fitters on their books, so they can just schedule someone in to meet your timescales.



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Your visit to a kitchen showroom

Your appointment with a kitchen designer is really something to look forward to. It’s so exciting to go and talk to someone who can help you get your project moving, at last!

As a guide, allow somewhere between 45 minutes to 2 hours. If you decide to go to one of the big brands, it may take longer as the designer tries to create your kitchen in front of you while you wait (beware - this is often a substitute for taking the time to fully understand your requirements prior to design, by winging it on the fly using your ideas and input).

Before the meeting, collate your preparation, which may include some of all of the following:

Wishlist

All your style inspiration e.g. Pinterest boards, magazine pages

A list of brands you love and any appliances/gadgets you’re keen on

Examples of craftsmanship you admire

Notes/questions about practical considerations and specific ergonomic needs

Rough room measurements and photos from various angles

Extension plans, if applicable

Budget parameters

Desired timeframes and any key dates

Any questions you haven’t asked yet about lead times and charges

During the meeting, good designer will sit with you, look at everything you’ve brought with you, ask questions as well as answer them - and listen. They’ll want to get a crystal-clear sense of what you want in your kitchen; rather than tell you what’s available and what they think you should have.

If you find a designer that asks many questions, it’s just because they want to offer you the kitchen that’s just right for YOU! If they don’t ask questions, don’t listen to or probe further to get a full understanding of what you want, it’s time to pick up your notes, save your time and walk away.

You should be given the opportunity to look at a variety of options in the showroom and try some appliances out. At this stage, be open minded about revising your original wish list as new options emerge and others no longer seem practical.



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What happens next?

Following the showroom visit/s and a thorough consultation with the shortlisted company/companies, you’ll want to know how to move ahead…

How will the kitchen company present my options and potential layouts?

This will vary depending on the type of kitchen company. The big brand national retailers that offer free design will usually prepare the drawings quite quickly and will give you one or two 3D renders of the room along with your quotation; there will be no detailed plans or elevations made available at this stage.

With independents and designer outlets, a survey of your space will take place (where possible) and your designer will spend a few days preparing a full set of plans, elevations and visuals before inviting you back for presentation.

Can we take swatches and samples home to help us make final decisions?

Most showrooms will be happy to at least loan samples and swatches. As we mentioned before, you should at the very least be given a visual render of the design and a detailed quotation.

If you have paid for design or have placed a deposit for your kitchen, your designer should furnish you with visuals, detailed and dimensioned plans, elevations and a detailed quotation and specification.



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How will I be quoted for the work?

Your quotation should be broken down to show everything that is included as part of your project e.g. furniture, appliances, accessories, lighting.

If you are paying for installation, be sure to understand what needs to be prepared in advance and whether any supplementary work is included, like electrics, plastering etc.

Can I have further meetings with the kitchen company if required?

Yes, it’s normal for clients to return to fine tune the design detail, review colours etc before ‘signing off’ on production.

Did you pay for design? If you’ve already made payment or placed a deposit, then it’s standard practice to have liberty to make design changes until you are satisfied. If you haven’t paid for design, you may be expected to commit to an order before any further design work is done.

Is there an agreement to sign? What if I change my mind?

Once you are happy with the design and specification, you’re ready for your kitchen to go into production. However, you should be given the opportunity to review all the details with your designer before signing your production order/contract agreement.

Normally, you will be unable to make any changes to your order after this point without penalty or further charges.



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When your kitchen installation starts

Your kitchen company should have discussed and agreed access, waste management and any working restrictions with you before delivery and installation. They should also ensure you have a clear understanding of the schedule of works and how the project will run.

Every home – and every kitchen project - is different, but preparation is always wise. Here are a few handy tips on how to prepare for the work to finally begin:

Get ready for disruption, noise and dust – it’s an unavoidable ‘side effect’ of getting a new kitchen, so focus on the positive end goal

Empty the contents of your existing kitchen and store everything in labelled boxes

Take this time to de-clutter – donate anything you don’t use to charity shops and recycle items that have seen better days

Depending on space, create a temporary ‘kitchenette’ area in another room of your house, featuring microwave, toaster, kettle, bin, washing up bowl and some essential cutlery and crockery (don’t forget some quick and easy snacks)

Sign up to apps like Deliveroo to get takeaways when you can’t cook meals

Save your £1 coins for the launderette (or call on the kindness of family and close friends)

Create a clear walkway through to your kitchen

Remove any valuable pictures and ornaments from the hallway or other access points

Ensure that there is ample space to accept delivery of your cabinetry

Arrange a clear working space of around 4 x 4 metres in your garden or on your driveway if you can by removing pot plants etc

As a courtesy, make your immediate neighbours aware of what’s going on (they might even invite you round for tea!)



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What happens if something goes wrong?

If your supplier is installing your kitchen, you should have been given a point of contact for discussing any issues or concerns throughout. Normally, your designer or an installation manager will visit your home to run through the project with you and the installer, overseeing all the work closely.

It is always best to raise any concerns with them as soon as possible, so that they can take a pro-active approach to address any problems and alleviate your worries.

In the case of any damage or snagging, your supplier should discuss and agree a plan of action with you to remedy this within a reasonable timeframe.

Once the kitchen is finishedAt the end of the installation, your supplier should attend site to assess the quality of the installation and go through how everything works with you – and of course make sure that you are satisfied with the finish before signing off.

Ask for copies of all documentation, appliance manuals and details on how to register for any warranties and guarantees.

And after that? It’s up to you! Cook, eat, drink, sing, dance, create, work and play… the hub of your home is now revamped, refreshed and ready for you to enjoy.



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Let’s talk about your new kitchen. Saffron Interiors is an experienced independent kitchen company that uses quality materials, highly skilled craftspeople and the latest appliances. We cover an area about 10 miles from our Guildford showroom including:

GuildfordWokingCobhamLeatherheadDorkingCranleighGodalmingFarnhamCamberleyHorsley

Opening hours:

Monday - Friday: 09.00 - 1730 Saturday: 0930 – 1600

Other times by appointment.

Call us today on 01483 511068




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Testimonials

“We have been so impressed with Saffron Interiors from start to finish. Professional, meticulous, helpful… we have not been able to think of anything that wasn’t ‘excellent’ for any aspect of their service.”

“Saffron really do add value to a project and I must say that in particular their design input was fantastic.”

“We were really impressed with the service from Saffron Interiors, from the design through to the installation of our new kitchen. The team kept us well informed at every step of the process and the quality of workmanship and attention to detail was excellent.”

Madeleine Hewish

Jack Sutcliffe

Carol Jones

For more information visit the Knowledge Centre on our website. Glossary of terms you will encounter visit https://saffroninteriors.co.uk/glossary-of-kitchen-terms


saffroninteriors.co.uk

229 Epsom RoadMerrow

GuildfordSurrey

GU1 2RE

01483 511068

http://www.saffroninteriors.co.uk

Documents

Buying a New Kitchen · 2020-07-01 · When the kitchen company is in control, the process will flow better and your kitchen will be installed in a shorter period of time. They will