Kitchen Renovation Before or After Christmas? & How Independent Retailers Benefit You

In this episode of Love Your Kitchen, freelance kitchen designer Faye Newman talks about the stresses of trying to get a kitchen installed before Christmas. Faye suggests that people might be better off waiting until the new year to avoid the holiday rush.Lisa Palmer, Company Director at Elgar Kitchens shares the perks of working with independent kitchen companies, like getting personalised service, clear communication, and competitive prices. Lisa mentions that the average kitchen costs between £20,000 and £30,000, with an extra £10,000 for additional expenses. Elgar offers a range of styles, including popular shaker designs, and they focus on delivering quality and keeping clients happy. Lisa also reflects on her own kitchen renovation experience, highlighting how crucial it is to plan well and have solid support during the installation process.Key TakeawaysTiming is crucial when planning a kitchen renovation before Christmas - it's important to start the process early and be realistic about lead times to avoid stress and delays.When you’re on the hunt for the right kitchen company, take some time to research local independents. Check out their reviews and be open about your budget—this will help you find a good match that fits your needs.Going with an independent kitchen company can be a fantastic alternative to the big chains. You’ll often find that they offer quality and customisation that rivals even the premium brands, giving you the stylish and functional kitchen you’ve always wanted!Best Moments"We wanted to set up an environment that was nice, an environment that was pressure free, an environment that people felt they're comfortable to make a decision in and made an informed decision in a decent timeline, rather than being pressured because we're doing a discount or a sale or something.”"We use a local supplier, so we use a local factory, yeah, because we're one of their biggest clients, they give us the biggest discounts. So we're able to pass those savings on to our clients.”"Kitchens have gone up 30% since covid. So a kitchen that was £20,000 is now £26,000. That's a huge increase on a big-ticket item. So we're having to manage clients expectations that haven't bought kitchen for 10 years.”About the GuestLisa Palmer is the co-founder and owner of Elgar Kitchens and Bedrooms, an independent kitchen company based in Worcester. Lisa has been working in the kitchen industry for nearly 30 years, starting with larger corporate brands like Howdens and Benchmarks. Lisa felt the larger companies were more focused on the sale than providing a quality kitchen and personal service to clients. This inspired her to start Elgar Kitchens 5 years ago with a business partner.Connect with Faye Newman Design:Visit the website at www.fayenewmandesign.com for more kitchen design inspiration, resources, and services.Join our vibrant email community to receive exclusive updates, tips, and special offers by clicking here.Follow us on Instagram @fayenewmandesign for daily doses of kitchen design inspiration and behind-the-scenes glimpses.Whether you're renovating your kitchen, looking for organisation hacks, or seeking culinary inspiration, Love Your Kitchen is your go-to resource for all things kitchen-related. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.