Forming such a central part of the residential space, many homeowners are looking to rejuvenate their kitchens, but are not sure when to actually take that big step.
The Kitchen Specialists Association (KSA), featuring at the 25th edition of Decorex Joburg, have offered their insights into the best time for kitchen revamps and renovations.
Is there ever a right time to tackle a kitchen refurbishment?
Honestly, no. Even in the best of times being without a kitchen for four weeks and having tradesmen in your home is an inconvenience. However, there are times of the year that are more conducive to a stress-free renovation than others.
Avoid the year-end rush
Most of us take some time planning a renovation and, because year-end is the time for bonuses and holidays, there is a trend to try and squeeze the renovation into the last quarter of the year.
This, unfortunately, will add to the possibility of a stressful renovation. September through to December is the busiest time of year for the kitchen industry. As a rule, the related building industry closes around 15 December.
This means that, should your site experience delays on the building side, the chances of a completed kitchen before industry shut down is slim.
Consider the supply for kitchen revamps
Suppliers to the kitchen industry project their stock holding for the last-quarter on sales trends of earlier months, and the previous history of the final quarter. This is to ensure that they are not left holding excessive amounts of stock over the holiday period and is a normal and sensible business practice.
Picture: Spotlight Kitchens
With many of the goods used in a kitchen being imported, it is possible that the supply of materials, hardware and accessories are limited come year-end, particularly if there has been a higher-than-anticipated volume of kitchen orders.
When it comes to imported goods, the international supply chain can be erratic, particularly nearing the holiday season, and control of overseas deliveries from suppliers is out of a kitchen manufacturer’s control. This could lead to your kitchen company only being able to complete the job in the New Year when stock is once again readily available.
Beware early closures
The likes of door manufacturers and other suppliers close their order books sometimes as early as November, depending on demand. It is not always possible for a kitchen company to order your goods as soon as they get your deposit.
Not all companies are equipped to store the raw materials or pre-manufactured goods for long periods of time or for multiple jobs. Unfortunately, this can mean that when they come to order for your job, their supplier’s books may already be closed for the year.
Stone fabricators also have a huge influx of work during the last quarter of the year and their order books fill up quickly too. You could face a situation where your kitchen is complete but the tops cannot be fabricated or installed.
Consider an early-year option
No one likes to turn down work and, although a kitchen company may have capacity to assist you close to year-end, there is no guarantee that their suppliers will be able to do the same.
So, if you are going to opt to have your renovation done towards the end of the year, do so with your eye open to the potential pit falls. It may well be advisable to postpone your renovation to the first third of the year where supply chain is more consistent, and where the kitchen companies themselves are under less pressure.