the scenario ...
You've tramped round the glitzy showrooms. You have something in
mind (or perhaps you don't). You've been given all the sales pitch you
could ever want. You've been offered 'free' this and 'free'
that. What about the common line "My boss will knock off X number of
£'s but only if you sign tonight". You're sick of seeing permanent SALE
prices. And I bet you've had some ridiculous quotes. Sound familiar?
"someone has to pay for all these gimmicks - and that's you!"
the kitchen is the heart of the home
We spend a huge amount of time in our kitchens. It's one of the most
important places in the home - it's the heart of it. An expertly fitted
kitchen is one of the most valuable home improvement purchases you will
make. Not only for the ease, practicality and looks, it is top of the
list of improvements for increasing the value of your property.
A quality kitchen sells a home.
You don't buy kitchens every week. So when you need one, who do you
turn to when there's so much choice?
ask yourself a few questions:
Do the company have years of experience? Are they reputable?
You'd be surprised how many companies have inexperienced staff working
for them, from designers who just want to fill your kitchen with units
rather than working out what is best for your requirements, sales staff
who are only interested in a percentage commission, ordering staff who
just don't know what goes where and you end up with bits missing or
incorrect when it's installed, or fitters who perform shoddy jobs.
Will there be any pressure? Will you be allowed to think about it
privately without having to give someone a decision there and then?
Will you be pestered?
Will the sales person conveniently state that their bosses will allow
a huge discount, but only if you sign up on the night? If the boss will
be prepared to offer such a big discount, why didn't the company just
offer it at the right price in the first place? Don't be rushed into
a decision and don't be fooled by the roulette game. It's a large purchase,
so don't be taken in by the hard-sell and the false promise of a 'quick
bargain'.
Are they offering free incentives, such as free fitting or appliances?
Simply, nothing is free. Gimmicks such as these are just loaded into
the price of the kitchen, so you pay for it in the end.
Do they offer any guarantees?
Good quality fitted furniture should carry a 10-year guarantee on
cabinets/doors. Check what guarantees the company has on their furniture.
Appliances carry a minimum of 12 months manufacturers warranty, but
some manufacturers offer longer warranties.
How much does it cost?
To most people, this is the most important question. Yes, we'd all
like the big dream kitchen you see in the glossy studio brochures, but
for a lot of us, this is just impossible due to room size and budget.
As each kitchen is unique, there are lots of considerations that affect
the price - there is no such thing as an 'average kitchen'. Factors
such as the range you choose can have a dramatic effect on the price
- solid wood against a budget laminate for example. Likewise, appliances
can affect the cost, with big differences between budget and top-of-the-range
appliances.
Some companies ask outright how much you're willing to spend. You
may not know. Will they come in under budget or conveniently get it
to the amount you say (or higher in some cases)?
Decide what is important for you. Be honest in the factors affecting
your decision. Is it simply the best price around, and the most you
can get for it? Is it the overall look? Do you consider top quality
appliances and furniture the most important feature?
With prices ranging from £1,500 upwards, whatever your priorities
are, a TFK kitchen is built to last. We promise you won't be disappointed!
Check out our price guide to give you
some ideas of costs for example kitchens.
it's your dream
kitchen and your money - you decide.
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