PARTNER NEWS
Ensure you are comparing apples with apples when getting more
than one kitchen quote.
It is common for clients to obtain more than one
quote before embarking on a kitchen renovation.
Often there is a wide disparity on pricing. It is
important to understand why to ensure you get the
right kitchen from the right company. We asked the
Kitchen Specialists Association for their advice on
how to do this:
• Reputable companies have the added expense
of complying with the law. The fact that they pay
their dues to SARS, UIF, the Bargaining Councils and
Workman’s compensation will affect the price they
charge you. It is important to deal with a company
that is complying with the law and looking after its
employees. Don’t be afraid to ask the company for
proof of legal compliance. In the long run this will
protect you, as the consumer, too.
• Do the companies have a showroom or somewhere
reputable where you can view their workmanship?
Reputable companies invest in their businesses by
ensuring you can view the quality of workmanship
they will provide in your home. They also invest in
machinery, computer design software and staff to
ensure you get the best design, service and quality
they can offer. The added expense of a showroom
facility will be reflected in your quote but it also
means you have a quality base to work from and the
company has roots and cannot easily disappear with
your deposit. It may be tempting to take the cheaper
quote from the company working out of a garage
but be sure your kitchen isn’t being compromised
by the lack of investment the company has made in
themselves and their staff.
• The use of different materials can drastically alter
the cost of a kitchen. Ensure that the companies
quoting you are using the same materials so you can
make an educated decision on which quote to accept.
The difference between solid timber and veneer,
duco and wrap can change the cost of a kitchen
dramatically.
• A reputable kitchen company will insist
on inspecting the site and taking accurate
measurements prior to designing and manufacturing.
They will also ask to submit their own design rather
than ‘plagiarising’ the design of a competitor.
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• After sales service is as important to a reputable