FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS BY HOMEOWNERS
As kitchen designers we frequently forget, or don’t take into account, that our clients are not always aware of what it is that they want in a kitchen when they start the process. Below we have listed questions you should be asking yourself and questions you should ask the prospective company that will design and carry out the work.
If your question is not answered below, please use the form provided on this page to ask us directly. We look forward to being of service to you.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Your kitchen can cost as much as you want to spend. Depending on the type of material used entry level or top of the range, granite or Quartz surfaces, regular hinges and drawer systems, or soft close?
HOW DO I STAY ON BUDGET WITH THE EXPENDITURE OF MY RENOVATION?
A good guideline is to take the market value of your property, not municipal value and allocate 10% of that value as your budget for your kitchen refurbishment.
WHO CARRIES OUT ALL BUILDING WORK?
We prefer that the building alterations i.e. stripping, breaking, plumbing, electrics is done by professionals that carry there guarantees of workmanship. We have preferred suppliers we can recommend.
HOW LONG WILL THE PROCESS TAKE?
Again depending on the extent of the renovation and depending on the finishing. Anything from six to eight weeks- providing you use reliable suppliers.
HOW WILL I PREPARE MYSELF FOR THE DURATION OF THE RENOVATION?
We always suggest you set up a temporary kitchen, consisting of your fridge, microwave, gas stove, braai and washing up facilities.
WHAT TYPE OF HINGE AND DRAWER MECHANISM SHOULD I USE AND WHY?
We use Blum which is imported from Austria and comes with a lifetime guarantee. Why Blum? Because in ten years/ fifteen years from now your drawers and doors will all be functioning as if they were brand new.
WHY USE QUARTZ SURFACES AND NOT GRANITE?
Granite is a cold surface and is porous and stains. Quartz is granite and resin combined, the colour is consistent, it doesn’t stain, and the surface is warmer.
SHOULD I USE STAINLESS STEEL OR STONE SINKS?
That is personal taste as they are both durable and also very attractive.
WHAT IS PREFERABLE TO COOK ON: GAS OR ELECTRIC?
In today’s economy, gas is more cost efficient, gives you instant heat, and still works in power outages.
THE INDUSTRY REFERS TO A COOKING TRIANGLE CAN YOU PLEASE EXPLAIN?
A cooking triangle consists of a fridge, stove and water, which should be placed close together, or a triangle, but we prefer using the term work zones.
Below are some Questions you should ask yourself before you meet your prospective designers:
1. What do I like or dislike about my existing kitchen?
2. What do I want in my kitchen?
3. Do I want an open plan kitchen?
4. What type of finish or look will appeal to me?
5. Do I want an island, in terms of practicality what would I use it for?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS BY DEVELOPERS
As kitchen designers we frequently forget, or don’t take into account, that our clients are not always aware of what it is that they want in a kitchen when they start the process. Below we have listed questions you should be asking yourself and questions you should ask the prospective company that will design and carry out the work.
If your question is not answered below, please use the form provided on this page to ask us directly. We look forward to being of service to you.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Your kitchen can cost as much as you want to spend. Depending on the type of material used entry level or top of the range, granite or Quartz surfaces, regular hinges and drawer systems, or soft close?
HOW DO I STAY ON BUDGET WITH THE EXPENDITURE OF MY RENOVATION?
A good guideline is to take the market value of your property, not municipal value and allocate 10% of that value as your budget for your kitchen refurbishment.
WHO CARRIES OUT ALL BUILDING WORK?
We prefer that the building alterations i.e. stripping, breaking, plumbing, electrics is done by professionals that carry there guarantees of workmanship. We have preferred suppliers we can recommend.
HOW LONG WILL THE PROCESS TAKE?
Again depending on the extent of the renovation and depending on the finishing. Anything from six to eight weeks- providing you use reliable suppliers.
HOW WILL I PREPARE MYSELF FOR THE DURATION OF THE RENOVATION?
We always suggest you set up a temporary kitchen, consisting of your fridge, microwave, gas stove, braai and washing up facilities.
WHAT TYPE OF HINGE AND DRAWER MECHANISM SHOULD I USE AND WHY?
We use Blum which is imported from Austria and comes with a lifetime guarantee. Why Blum? Because in ten years/ fifteen years from now your drawers and doors will all be functioning as if they were brand new.
WHY USE QUARTZ SURFACES AND NOT GRANITE?
Granite is a cold surface and is porous and stains. Quartz is granite and resin combined, the colour is consistent, it doesn’t stain, and the surface is warmer.
SHOULD I USE STAINLESS STEEL OR STONE SINKS?
That is personal taste as they are both durable and also very attractive.
WHAT IS PREFERABLE TO COOK ON: GAS OR ELECTRIC?
In today’s economy, gas is more cost efficient, gives you instant heat, and still works in power outages.
THE INDUSTRY REFERS TO A COOKING TRIANGLE CAN YOU PLEASE EXPLAIN?
A cooking triangle consists of a fridge, stove and water, which should be placed close together, or a triangle, but we prefer using the term work zones.
Below are some Questions you should ask yourself before you meet your prospective designers:
1. What do I like or dislike about my existing kitchen?
2. What do I want in my kitchen?
3. Do I want an open plan kitchen?
4. What type of finish or look will appeal to me?
5. Do I want an island, in terms of practicality what would I use it for?