Below are some frequently asked questions we often hear from customers. If you have a question not answered here, please contact us

Q: What would an 2500mm x 3000mm kitchen cost?

A: This is a very difficult question to answer.  The Wellborn cabinet line is constructed three different ways not to mention that different wood species vary in price.  Also, a standard base cabinet is less expensive than the same size drawer base cabinet or a wastebasket cabinet.  The choices you make will ultimately decide the price.

Q: How long will the process take?

A: A standard kitchen if planned properly generally will take 2-3 weeks from start to finish.  There needs to be good communication between the kitchen designer, the finish carpenter, the painters, the plumber, the electrician and the counter top installers.  You should also be assured that the finish carpenter will devote his main energies toward your project and not split his time with other jobs.  Communication is the key.

Q: Do you install the cabinets and counters yourself?

A: No, I work with local contractors that I have developed a rapport with and recommend one or two that I think would work best for your project.  I do not make money from them and they deal directly with you for scheduling and payment.  I can recommend a “handy man” that can handle the rip-out, the install, the plumbing and electrical himself or a highly skilled finished carpenter that subs out the trades.  It all depends on your budget and expectations.

Q: For about the same price as Corian, I want Granite!

A: While it is true that some granites are similarly priced as acrylics, their characteristics are very different.  Granite counters will most likely have a visible seam and are very unforgiving to glass objects.  If you have young children who tend to place glasses/cups down hard, think about the safety aspect of granite.  Granite also takes a long time to warm up and can feel cold on winter mornings.  Acrylics are seamless and more forgiving and take on the room temperature quickly.  However, being plastic, they scratch, but can be sanded/buffed back to their original new look.

Q: What is the kitchen "work triangle" and why is it important?

A: The "work triangle" is the kitchen area from the refrigerator to the main cooking area to the main sink. Connect the three and it should form a triangle (unless you have a 'one-wall' kitchen). It's important because at or immediately adjacent to the triangle's points, all the key kitchen activities - food preparation, cooking and clean up - take place. The work triangle helps to ensure that your kitchen will be functional. It keeps cooking activities centered in one area, with all the necessities close at hand.

Q: What can I do myself to help cut costs?

A: How much you can or should attempt to do depends on your ability and knowledge of remodeling. You'll definitely be able to tear out old cabinets (be careful not to damage walls and beams), take up old vinyl flooring and handle trash removal. You may also want to paint or wallpaper on your own. You're better off letting the pros handle plumbing and appliance hook-ups - if you try it on your own, you may violate building codes or invalidate manufacturer warranties. And let a professional installer put your new cabinets in so that they look their best.

Q: What about contracts and orders?

A: Before any work begins on your kitchen, get detailed, written estimates, project specifications and signed contracts from the professionals you hire. Make sure they're bonded and insured. Check references carefully. Your designer should prepare project drawings including floor plans and renderings that clearly represent your project. If anything changes mid-project, you should be asked to sign a change order.

Q: What about payment?

A: Most firms will require a percentage (usually 50 percent or so) when you sign the contract, additional payment (usually 40 percent or so) when cabinets are delivered or installation begins, and the balance (10 percent or so) when the job is complete. You may also be required to pay a design retainer at the start of the job.

Q: Where's the best place to put a microwave?

A: Like most things about your new kitchen, it will depend on how you and your family use the appliance. From a safety and accessibility standpoint, the microwave should be positioned so that the bottom of the appliance is 600mm to 1200mm above the floor. Consult with your designer for the best place to locate it.

Q: How much will my kitchen remodel cost?

A: The cost of a kitchen remodel will vary greatly depending on the size of the kitchen, scope of the project and quality of materials selected. There are no shortcuts to estimating a projects cost. What is required to obtain an accurate estimate is to perform a comprehensive review of the scope, design and grade of materials to be incorporated into the project. This is the process that M & A Kitchens employs in the beginning stages of our work with new clients. That being said, the information below is a rough guideline of typical project costs and should be used for information purposes only, as each project is unique.

Q: How long will it take?

A: The estimating process usually runs about 1 week. The design process takes another 1-2 weeks. The duration of the estimate/design phase is greatly dependent on the availability of the homeowner to participate in the design review sessions. The construction process takes about 3 weeks to order the materials and another 4-6 weeks for installation.

Q: Which materials should I buy for my kitchen?

A: M & A Kitchens will provide a great amount of information regarding the various choices you have for your kitchen cabinets, countertops, applicances and fixtures. Along the way, we will explain the various differences in quality, functionality and cost so you can make informed choices.

Q: Who will help me design my new kitchen ?

A: M & A Kitchens will design your new kitchen for you based on your project requirements and budget. We will design your kitchen using a CAD design system and provide 3-D color renderings of your project to help you visualize your design choices.

Call M & A Kitchens, and let's begin the process of designing your new kitchen today. We look forward to working with you soon.