A kitchen consultation is the most important step in any renovation. It’s where your ideas become a concrete plan — and where you discover whether a kitchen company truly understands what you need. Here’s how to make the most of that first meeting.
What to Prepare Before Your Consultation
Walking into a consultation with some preparation means you’ll get more out of the meeting and the designer can give you more accurate guidance.
- Inspiration images — Save photos from Pinterest, Houzz, or magazines that show styles, colours, and layouts you like.
- Your must-have list — What are the non-negotiables? More bench space, a bigger pantry, soft-close drawers, an island bench?
- Your frustration list — What doesn’t work in your current kitchen? Poor lighting, not enough storage, awkward layout?
- Budget range — You don’t need an exact number, but knowing your ballpark ($30K? $50K? $70K+?) helps the designer recommend appropriate materials.
- Appliance preferences — Are you keeping existing appliances or upgrading? Gas or induction? Integrated or freestanding?
Questions to Ask Your Kitchen Designer
A good kitchen company will welcome questions. These are the ones that separate serious professionals from salespeople:
About the Company
- Where are your kitchens manufactured? (Local NZ manufacturing means better quality control.)
- Can I visit your workshop or showroom?
- Do you handle the full project or do I need to manage separate tradespeople?
- What’s your warranty on cabinetry and installation?
About the Design
- Will I receive 3D renders before committing?
- How many design revisions are included?
- Can you work within my existing layout, or do you recommend structural changes?
- What material options do you offer for benchtops and cabinetry?
About the Budget
- Is the quote fixed or an estimate?
- What’s included — and what’s not? (Plumbing, electrical, tiling, painting?)
- Are there common cost surprises I should plan for?
- Do you offer payment plans or staged payments?
About the Timeline
- What’s the current lead time from sign-off to installation?
- How long will installation take?
- Will I need to vacate the kitchen during installation?
What Happens After the Consultation
After a KiwiCraft Kitchens consultation, you’ll receive:
- A concept layout with 3D renders (usually within 1–2 weeks).
- A detailed, itemised quote — no vague estimates.
- Material samples so you can see and touch your options.
There’s no pressure to commit on the spot. We want you to take the time to compare and feel confident in your decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens during a kitchen consultation?
During a kitchen consultation, the designer visits your home to measure the space, discuss your requirements, review your budget, and understand your style preferences. You’ll typically receive a concept design within one to two weeks.
How should I prepare for a kitchen design consultation?
Gather inspiration images (Pinterest, Houzz, or magazines), list your must-have features, know your approximate budget range, and think about what frustrates you most about your current kitchen.
Is a kitchen consultation free?
At KiwiCraft Kitchens, the initial consultation is completely free and comes with no obligation. We visit your Auckland home, take measurements, and discuss your project at no cost.
How long does a kitchen consultation take?
A typical kitchen consultation takes 45 minutes to an hour, including measuring the space, discussing your needs, and reviewing material options.
Book Your Free Consultation
Ready to start planning your kitchen renovation? Contact KiwiCraft Kitchens to book a free in-home consultation, or learn more about our Auckland kitchen services.
