Whether it's a newly built home, a freshly renovated semi-detached house, or an unfurnished rental apartment – almost everyone has to deal with buying a kitchen at some point. But this can sometimes prove tricky. As everywhere, there are also black sheep among kitchen consultants who try to pressure you or make dubious offers.
But you can also quickly throw a wrench in your own plans if you go into the planning phase unprepared. Westfalia Möbel-Peeck GmbH in Cottbus exclusively employs competent consultants who will strategically bring you closer to your dream kitchen. Below you will find a compilation of the 10 most common mistakes when buying a kitchen, to save you from disappointment.
Mistake 1: There's still plenty of time
A fitted kitchen is not simply conjured up out of thin air. On the contrary, you should allow plenty of time for the individual steps. This starts with your preliminary considerations and agreeing on must-have and nice-to-have elements. This is followed by the search for a suitable kitchen studio, including viewing exhibition kitchens. Once everything is finalized after two to three planning appointments, you must expect several weeks of manufacturing and delivery time, and also factor in the installation work. Realistically, it will take about two to four months until you can call your new kitchen your own.
Mistake 2: A fixed budget isn't that important
Before your first appointment, you absolutely must think about your budget. Without a financial framework, you quickly get lost in special equipment variations that ultimately exceed your possibilities. Not least, you waste your own valuable time and that of the consultant with planning that leads nowhere.
Mistake 3: Rather: Overthinking - why?
Many desire the perfect result - with minimal effort. But anyone who wants to be happy with their purchase decision for 15, 20, or 25 years in the end should absolutely weigh different planning variants. This not only opens up various options for the total cost but also offers you various furnishing options from which you can choose the right one.
Mistake 4: A complete package is always the best choice
Complete packages are not inherently bad - yet caution is still advised. Often attractive in price, the offer doesn't always hide the optimal solution for your needs. You might settle for a less valuable solution, although you could have better equipment for the same money. Especially the limited say in appliance selection should be viewed critically. Question everything - only then will you get what you envisioned in the end.
Mistake 5: You have to grab limited-time special offers
People like to be lured by special offers and discounts - that's a known psychological effect. But beware! Great discounts on newly planned kitchens should be treated with caution, as the normal price is often presented as a supposed bargain. Stay away from limited-time special offers! If salespeople put you under pressure and demand a quick purchase decision, you should leave as quickly as possible.
An exception to this, however, is merchandise that is only available in limited quantities from stock, e.g., because it was purchased at more favorable conditions, or discontinued models from the previous year. Here, as is often the case, the well-known motto "While supplies last" applies.
Mistake 6: You don't have to be too precise with space requirements
A little crockery here, pots and pans there, a cutlery drawer – what really needs to be stored? Actually, more than you think. Because over the lifetime of a kitchen, a lot of utensils accumulate. Adequate space should be provided early on. Don't just think about enough storage space in base and wall cabinets, but also on the worktop. Once the coffee machine, toaster, etc. have made themselves comfortable on it, there should still be enough space for cooking and preparation.
Mistake 7: Ergonomics are for older people
Ergonomics are far too often neglected when buying a kitchen. Whether washing up, cooking, baking, or cleaning – you spend more time in the kitchen than you might think. For workflows that are effortless, careful kitchen planning is necessary, which, for example, takes into account body height or the fact that you are left- or right-handed.
Mistake 8: The ceiling light is enough, isn't it?
Good room lighting in the kitchen is essential – for general well-being as well as for efficient work at any time of day. Many believe that a simple ceiling light is sufficient. But consider this: If you have wall cabinets above the worktop, they swallow up a large part of the light, not to mention the darkening caused by your own shadow. Strategically placed under-cabinet lights provide a remedy.
Mistake 9: Efficiency? The main thing is it looks good.
Especially for those who spend a lot of time in the kitchen, short working distances make working at the oven, dishwasher, etc. incredibly easier. Whether a large or small room, pay particular attention to maintaining the so-called kitchen triangle: cooling, washing, cooking – these are the three main activities that are smoothly carried out in a well-equipped kitchen. If the distances between the refrigerator, sink, and hob are less than 8 meters in total, then you've done everything right.
Book a planning appointment with one of our sales representatives now.
Image credit: AdobeStock_244155334 // Author: Andrey Popov
