Renovating your kitchen is one of the biggest and best investments you can make in your home. The average cost of a new kitchen is £13,000.
Investing that kind of money means that you want to make sure the workers do everything right. You want the right contractors and most of all the best kitchen supplier.
Most homeowners don’t know what to look for in a supplier for their kitchen. It can be overwhelming to even think about. Fortunately, there are some simple criteria you can use to choose the right supplier for your project.
Collaboration with Your Vision
Many homeowners don’t know where to start with a kitchen remodel. You may have a general idea of a few things you’d like to change but aren’t sure how to help it all come together.
Or, you may have a complete picture of exactly what you want. You’ve drawn it out, cut out pictures from magazines, and scoured Pinterest.
Either way, you want a kitchen supplier who can work with your vision. Someone who will sit down with you and really listen to what you want. Someone who can suggest ideas, fill in gaps, and help you see what’s practical and what’s possible.
Your supplier should also visit your home to get a feel for what the layout and space currently looks like. If they do not take measurements and note access points for water and power during the visit, that’s a major concern.
You want to not only have a great ideas partner but a professional who knows exactly what needs to be done to bring your dreams to reality.
Options for Every Budget
They say you get what you pay for, and that’s certainly true. However, that doesn’t mean that the best kitchen supplier is going to be the most expensive.
A great supplier is going to have options for lower budget renovations, mid-level remodels, and high-end updates. You should be able to choose a variety of alternatives for every fixture, countertop, and cabinet.
Some of the best budget-conscious materials include:
- Oak
- Walnut
- Stone
- Ceramic Tile
If you can afford a mid-range update, consider these elements:
- Soapstone
- Quartz
- Butcher Block
- Marble
In high-end renovations, the sky can be the limit. Consider:
- Granite
- Custom cabinets
- Stone flooring
- Stainless steel appliances
If a kitchen supplier does not offer a variety of materials at each budget level, you haven’t found the right match. You should not be limited to only one or two choices simply because of your financial situation.
A Variety of Colour Options
It may seem like colour isn’t that big of a deal, but having the right colour can give an incredible feel to your kitchen. Also, the right colours can help your kitchen flow seamlessly into the rest of the house.
With today’s open floor plans, the kitchen isn’t hidden away from the other parts of your home. Guests are far more likely to see you as you work in the kitchen. As a result, the colour and appearance of the room are significant.
A great kitchen supplier will have many of the following colour types available:
- Dark, for when you want to have contrast and absorb extra light and heat
- Light, for those who want to open up a kitchen and create a spacious feel
- Vibrant, for when you want your personality to shine in your kitchen
- Chrome and stainless steel, for when you want a sleek modern feel
- Gold, for accents and a feeling of luxury
Colour impacts a variety of factors in a kitchen. You can add energy with certain colours, and induce a peaceful feel with others.
Colours can also help you invoke a specific style. You’ll want very different colours for a country kitchen than you would for a Tuscan style room or a modern retreat.
Mixing color can also be important. You shouldn’t feel limited to a single focus, although you should be sure to mix colours that complement each other.
A Variety of Brands
Different brands have different looks, strengths, and purposes. You want to have access to a variety of high-quality, reputable brands.
A kitchen supplier who only carries off-brand or unknown brands is not going to be someone you want to work with. If they do not proudly display the brand names they offer, you should find out why.
There are a number of excellent brands to look for, including:
- Dornbracht
- Hansgrohe
- Neff
- Sheraton
- Wolf Subzero
Your kitchen supplier should also be able to answer questions you have about each brand. What makes one better than another? Does the supplier recommend one for specific appliances and another for other products?
When your kitchen supplier can fully answer questions you have about each brand, tell you what warranties are available, and discuss what price points each brand represents, you’ve found a great partner for your renovation.
Support for Any Style
No two people are alike, and you shouldn’t expect to want the same style as everyone else. Even if you love classic pieces, you may want to mix in some contemporary or traditional looks as well.
An excellent kitchen supplier will be able to support any style or style combination you’re interested in. Don’t let a supplier make you feel bad for your aesthetic. You should never be bullied into accepting something you don’t like just because the supplier doesn’t have other options.
Some suppliers specialise in a specific look, but that will limit your options as you move through your remodel. Instead, choose a company that has a variety of looks, such as:
- Classic
- Contemporary
- Modern
- Traditional
Of course, within each aesthetic will be a range of options. Some people enjoy modern touches but still want a comfortable space. Others want an entirely industrial feel.
Finding a kitchen supplier that can support your style is key to finding the right partner for your project.
Kitchen Showrooms You Can Access Easily
A lot of shopping is done online, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have access to a store where you can touch and see the products you’re considering. Having access to a physical showroom is important to ensure you are comfortable with your choices.
It can be a great idea to review a supplier’s offerings online first so that you know what you’re most interested in when you arrive at the store. You can also prepare questions in advance to resolve any concerns.
Seeing products as they will look when installed can completely change what you think you want. In addition, a showroom may be able to give you an idea of what different styles and colours look like together.
Having someone you can talk to face-to-face is also important. Asking questions in person will help you determine if you feel comfortable with the supplier. If something seems odd, you can move on.
A kitchen is a significant investment. You want to make sure you’ve had as much experience with the products and appliances you choose as possible. A showroom you can easily access is an important step in the process.
Professional Installation and Delivery
Find out up front what installation and delivery options are available. The best suppliers will have a full-service professional process. If they don’t offer installation, determine whether you want to arrange for that step or find a better company.
Ask questions about who they use for installation and what credentials and licensing they have. Are they able to handle electrical, plumbing and gas? If not, you need a new supplier. Those utilities are present in almost every kitchen.
You also want to ask about liability insurance. Unfortunately, even the most professional crew is human, and mistakes can happen.
If something goes wrong, you want to make sure you’re protected. Don’t just ask if they have coverage, find out the details. If they can’t answer you, it’s a sign they’re not a good fit for your project.
Finally, find out what their guarantees are. Professional craftsmen should stand behind their work. Find out what you can do if you’re not happy with the result.
A Proper Payment and Planning Process
To protect yourself from scams, be sure that you understand and are comfortable with the payment process. You should never prepay more than a specific down payment amount.
Don’t accept demands for more money mid-project. While it may be frustrating to feel that you’re at risk of losing your initial investment, the truth is someone asking for more mid-stream is likely to take it and run.
You also want to ensure that all the details of your project are in writing. Don’t accept someone’s good word. If something is not in the contract, you can’t rely on it being completed.
Pay attention to the permits the contractors get. When you’re doing a significant remodel, there are laws contractors must follow, and permits are how the government follows up.
Make sure the contract includes the process for changes that occur mid-project. If you think that your supplier might be inventing problems, have a third-party inspect your home and verify the claims.
Finally, once you know you’re dealing with a reputable professional, find out what the plan is to minimise disruptions to your daily life. Living without a kitchen is tough, and you want to make sure the inconvenience is as small as possible.
Availability and Transparency
You want to work with a kitchen supplier that is easy to connect with. If they are difficult to contact during the quoting process, you should move on. If they don’t return calls or emails during a sales process, they certainly won’t once they have you as a customer!
During the remodel process take note of how well they stay on the timeline. Things can happen, and there may be delays. How are those communicated? Are you kept up-to-date on where things stand?
You also want to make sure that the kitchen supplier is receptive to answering your questions. This is a significant investment, and you deserve peace of mind.
If you feel uncomfortable with your kitchen supplier early in the process, don’t be afraid to ask more questions. If you still don’t feel right, don’t be afraid to find a different company to work with.
Excellent Customer Service
Finally, at the end of the process, you want a kitchen supplier that provides great follow-up and customer service. They should visit your home after the remodel is complete and make sure you’re happy.
If you have concerns, they should be willing to send the craftsmen back to correct any mistakes. They should also have a warranty and stand behind the labor they provide.
You can find out how their customer service is by checking reviews. You can ask for references from previous clients. You can also see how they act and treat you through the sales process.
Finding a Cotswolds company that treats you right and stands behind their work is essential to making sure you’re satisfied with your investment.
Find the Right Kitchen Supplier Today
It may seem impossible to find a Gloucestershire supplier that matches all these criteria, but it’s not. You deserve the best when it comes to your kitchen. That means you warrant the best partner in your project as well.
Finding someone who can work with your vision, offer you the options you need, has a kitchen showroom to visit in Cheltenham, and is professional is a vital part of having a successful remodel. It takes time, but you can find the perfect supplier.
Not only can you enjoy your new kitchen for years to come, renovating can increase your home value as well. Don’t settle for a kitchen supplier that doesn’t fit this list.
The good news is that Obsidian checks every box on this list. If you’re interested in learning more about what we can do for your kitchen, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us for a free design visit today!