Top tips for buying a new fitted kitchen

We all want to improve our homes to make it the best possible environment for us to live in, but one thing that we must never do is just rush out to the nearest retailer and make an impulse purchase. This is especially true with expensive improves like a new fitted kitchen. The benefits of having a nicely styled, efficient and new kitchen are plentiful to the homeowner, so the last thing you want is your dream kitchen to turn into a nightmare.

To help prevent that, here are some tips to help you when you are buying a new fitted kitchen. The first thing you have to realise is that the kitchen you want and the kitchen you are able to get will be two different entities.

Before settling on a company who are going to fit your kitchen, it's crucial to have a clear a picture of the company as possible. Do they have a good local reputation? The best form of advertising is word of mouth, ask around your friends and family, perhaps someone you know have used a company before. Always ensure that the company you will be hiring are a member of a registered UK trade body or have similar affiliations.

Once you've decided upon a company, make sure you know exactly what they are going to be fitting. Discuss this with the company and draw up an item by item invoice so you know exactly how much you are paying and exactly what you're getting. It may be boring, but always know the terms and conditions of the purchase you are making.

Something else that doesn't get given a lot of thought before buying a kitchen is to get a clear understanding of who will be getting the most use out of a kitchen. Modern kitchens are no longer just a place where food is prepared or stored. Family relations can grow stronger in a good spacious kitchen by having a breakfast bar for example. If it's for a family with small kids, make sure to plan areas where dangerous equipment, like knives and appliances, can be safely secured away from their reach. Likewise with the oven, hob and anything else dangerous. This may be more relevant in a smaller kitchen, but it's always worth discussing this with the fitters to see if they have any tips for providing you with a safe environment to work in.

A new or improved kitchen is never a cheap purchase and a modest modern kitchen can cost around £500, and that is before the addition of quality appliances. The kitchen trade is like any other trade, there are offers out there to be had. If at all possible, never settle on the first price that you are quoted. If you've been quoted one price by a good company, ask around and see if any other reputable companies can offer you the same work for a better deal. However, on the other hand, never be tempted to go for the 'cheaper is better' solution as this is rarely ever the case. Kitchens will be put under a lot of stress, so make sure the price reflects the quality.

It is never recommended to pay for the entire kitchen once the order is made. The majority of companies will, however, ask for a deposit to be paid at the same time as the order. This is where you can use your bargaining skills. Try not to be paying more than 9% or 10% of the overall value. If at all possible, avoid paying the total balance until the work is completed and has been privately inspected to ensure the quality of the kitchen reflects the amount paid.