The Zero Stress Guide to Kitchens

How to use this Zero Stress Guide for Kitchens

When it comes to buying a new kitchen, many people accept that high levels of stress are normal…

But it does not need to be that way.

Buying a brand-new kitchen is an exciting process. It can be daunting, too, with so many things to take into consideration. The temptation to rush to the showroom, choose your kitchen and set the ball rolling as quickly as possible can be hard to resist. Neglect the planning stage, though, and the kitchen of your dreams could turn into your worst nightmare.

Because the opportunity to fit out a kitchen from scratch doesn’t come along very often it can be hard to know where to start. May we suggest that this book is a particularly good place.

It is a straightforward guide designed to steer you through the myriad decisions you will be called upon to make – from initial layout through to final fitting. We will outline the pros and cons of various materials for cabinets, worktops and floors. Give you the information you need to weigh up the benefits of bespoke kitchens. You’ll find out about the choices to be made and what to take into consideration before you make them. We warn you about the pitfalls to avoid. We will point you to websites that will provide more details on particular aspects of the project in which you are especially interested. In short, we invite you to benefit from our expertise and make the whole experience as straightforward as possible.

Of course, no project is 100% stress-free but if you follow our advice you’ll come as close to it as humanly possible.

Furthermore, get it right and you can look forward to enjoying the benefits of your kitchen for many years to come.

10 things you need to know before you buy a kitchen

• The size of your budget – work out what you can realistically afford to spend, list everything you will need to buy and then choose your purchases according to your finances.
• Whether you want fitted or free-standing units.
• How and by whom your kitchen will be used – food preparation, dining, homework, socialising, office, etc.
• The importance of choosing a company that specialises in the construction you choose – flat pack, rigid, custom-built or non-fitted. If you choose flat pack units, check whether the company offers a fitting service.
• Whether your preferred supplier is a member of a trade body such as The Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association (KBSA) and if it offers a full after-sales service and inspection when fitting is completed.
• Exactly how much you will be paying – get a fully itemised costing.
• What the payment terms are. Never pay the full payment for your kitchen when you place your order and make sure you know the terms and conditions affecting the purchase.
• What style of kitchen you want – choose something that you won’t tire of.
• How much storage space you need – be generous with your estimates as you will probably need more than you think.
• Too-good-to-be-true offers usually are!