When buying a kitchen, there are various factors to consider and compare besides the price. A kitchen is not a commodity product like gas or electricity that can be compared like for like. There is more to it than that. Don’t get us wrong because comparing kitchen price is indeed important which is why we offer to design to suit any budget. But just keep in mind that it’s just one consideration amongst the many.

A kitchen is an investment that should last a lifetime, which is why the cheapest option is not always the best. In buying a kitchen, consider all the factors that you need other than the price – like how it is built and where you order it from.

Even Phil Spencer, a UK TV presenter and property expert agrees:

‘Choosing where to buy a new kitchen or bathroom is a decision that should be carefully considered. For big investments, such as these, price comparison websites are no substitute for old-fashioned research, as they only scratch the surface of what you really need to know to make an educated purchase. I always advise choosing quality products that will last for many years and add maximum value to your home. The cheapest option isn’t necessarily going to be the best.’

Here are some considerations that are worth thinking about:

Choose wisely and add value

A key consideration when buying a new kitchen is how much value it will add to your property. Even though you might not be thinking about moving home in the short term, you never know what the future holds. If you choose wisely, then a kitchen will not only be an attractive home improvement but also a good investment.

Nothing can compare to a quality custom built kitchen

It’s not enough to judge a kitchen by its appearance. Of course, it should look good. But durability is also important. Choose a kitchen that is solidly constructed so that it will last for years. Avoid going for a flat pack nightmare that could start to fall apart in a matter of months. Elite kitchen cabinets are as solid as our reputation. They’re all rigidly built and from 16mm board for added durability. They have smooth European soft close doors and drawers as standard, top-quality hinges that are all guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Nothing can compare to a reliable service

By service, we don’t mean big smiles, sales chat and empty promises. We mean the real thing – service that supports you at every stage of buying a kitchen if you want to or service that you can call for assistance whenever you need help or advice.

Basically we do everything we can to make it as easy as possible for our customers to choose, order and install a kitchen. So although buying a new kitchen might sound like a daunting prospect, there is no need to worry if you get it from us.

Unless you are a kitchen expert yourself, service is not something you can do without – especially a good one. Not everyone who is in the business is equipped to provide it which is why before you decide to buy a kitchen you have to make sure that it has solid support behind it.

Nothing can compare to great value for money

Remember never to confuse value for money with cheapness. There is often a lot of truth in the statement ‘you get what you pay for’. So when you pay less for a kitchen, it could also mean that the quality and service you get is less.

Value is all about getting the most out of every penny you spend. Elite Kitchens offers affordability without compromising the quality and service. Since we do not cut corners, then we can promise an exceptional value.

But it’s not just our kitchens that promise you more for your money because all of our products have beauty built in them – they are packed with details, features and great ideas. The closer you look, the better it gets.

Nothing can compare to a reliable kitchen supplier

In today’s economic climate, kitchen retailers can come and go very quickly. There’s a lot to be said for choosing whom to buy your kitchen – from a trustworthy and experienced supplier, of course. This is the only way that you will get the quality and good service that you want and deserve.

We always try to deliver kitchens within the timeframe required. However, keep in mind that every Elite kitchen is made to order according to your chosen design and specifications which requires us, depending on the level of existing orders, an estimate of 5-7 weeks to manufacture your kitchen and cabinets. This period begins as soon as our quote is signed, and you have confirmed acceptance of all the final plans and all the final specifications, and have paid the required deposit.

Your designer will discuss your delivery date with you during your design appointment and will try to accommodate your needs whenever possible.

Every kitchen is different, so as a result pricing is calculated on an individual basis depending on each customer’s requirements. We take into account the size of your kitchen and all your individual choices – including the benchtops, materials and fittings that you select.

If you already have a budget on how much you will spend, we can advise and suggest to you on what possible things we can do with it. We will try our best to help stretch your budget as far as we can.

We cannot provide a definite answer to this question because the length of time is dependent on a number of factors including the size of your kitchen, the complexity of design and the number of people working on the installation. For example, if the installation process involves plumbing, tiling and bespoke granite benchtops then it is likely that the process will take longer.

On average, a kitchen installation (excluding solid benchtops and splashbacks) takes around 1-3 days. As with all types of building work carried out at home, there will be some disruption and inconvenience whilst your kitchen is being installed. We will do our best to complete the work and leave your new kitchen tidy and ready for use as soon as possible.

As we have mentioned before, every single kitchen and cabinetry is made to order.

Aside from kitchens and cabinets, we also provide bathroom vanities kitchen sculleries, pantries, entertainment units, bookcases, wardrobe shelving and just about any sort of domestic and commercial cabinetry.

We work closely with a number of reliable appliances suppliers and we can refer you to them to help you get the most reasonable prices. Appliances that are to be fitted into your kitchen cabinetry, such as ovens and dishwashers, are delivered to Elite for intergration into your kitchen during manufacturing. These will then be delivered at the same time as your new kitchen.

Please refer to our getting started page as guide for the 6 simple steps in getting new kitchen or cabinetry.

A deposit of 50% is payable on acceptance of the quoted price, 45% before delivery and the balance on completion of installation.

As the heart of your home and your food preparation area, Elite believes your kitchen needs to be healthy and safe, as well as being kind to the planet.

The standard panels used by Elite in the production of our cabinetry are:

• Manufactured in New Zealand

• Certificated by Environmental Choice New Zealand;
• Certified as the product of Responsible Forestry from the internationally recognised Forestry Stewardship Council;
• Produced to ISO 14001 standards; and
• Products that accrue Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) points for HomeStar.

The standard European hardware Elite uses has been manufactured to similar equivalent applicable standards. For example:

• Blum is both ISO 140001 and ISO 150001 certified; (See: http://www.blum.com/nz/en/company/environment/)

• Hafele NZ is ISO 140001 certified (See: http://www.hafele.com/nz/documents/HNZ_ISO_14001b.pdf)

• Hettich is EMAS Certified according to EU Regulation Nr 1221/2009 and EM ISO 140001:2009 (See: https://corporate.hettich.com/en-de/company/corporate-responsibility.jsp)

If you have any queries concerns about your new Elite kitchen or other cabinetry we will be happy to answer them.

Environmental standards:

Environmental Choice New Zealand

The New Zealand Ecolabelling Trust operates New Zealand’s most trusted multiple criteria environmental labelling programme. Environmental Choice operates to internationally recognised standards and principles.

Initiated and endorsed by the New Zealand Government, Environmental Choice recognises the genuine moves made by manufacturers to reduce the environmental impacts of their products and provides a credible and independent guide for consumers who want to purchase products that are better for the environment.

For more details see: http://www.environmentalchoice.org.nz

HomeStar (New Zealand Green Building Council)

Homestar is the independent rating tool that evaluates the sustainability attributes of New Zealand homes in terms of energy, health and comfort, water, waste and more. The overarching objective of the Homestar rating tool is to improve the performance and reduce the environmental impact of new and existing New Zealand homes, making them warm, healthy and comfortable places to live.

For more details see: http://www.nzgbc.org.nz

Forestry Stewardship Council

Forestry Stewardship Council certification assures consumers that certified products come from forests that are managed to meet the social, economic and ecological needs of present and future generations.

For more details see: https://ic.fsc.org

ISO 140001

The ISO 14000 family addresses various aspects of environmental management. It provides practical tools for companies and organizations looking to identify and control their environmental impact and constantly improve their environmental performance.

For more details see: http://www.iso.org/iso/iso14000

EMAS

The EU Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) is a management instrument developed by the European Commission for companies and other organisations to evaluate, report, and improve their environmental performance.

For more details see: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/emas

To download our Product Care Document, please click here.

The design team at Elite Kitchens always make sure to stay on top of the latest in kitchen design paint colour trends. Check out our article detailing the hottest trends.