A new kitchen
Buying a kitchen in the Netherlands can be a challenge. There are many choices to make. When we bought a kitchen, we made a huge mistake: there was no installation in the quotation. So no water pipes and electrical wires. Now we think it’s funny, but at that moment it was not. More about that you can read here. In this blog (especially written for expats and internationals) you read which things you can keep in mind when you want to buy a kitchen. Hopefully, you will make no mistakes at all ;-).
Preparing
Be well-prepared when you decide to buy a kitchen. You can ask yourself this questions:
– What do I really need in a kitchen?
– Do I have specific wishes? Like the height, style, appliances?
– What is the current situation? Where are the ducts and piping systems? What is the colour of the floor?
– How big is the space which is available for the kitchen?
– What is your budget? A really basic kitchen, without installation, starts from €2,500 onwards. An average kitchen around €20,000 including installation. Be aware that tiles and applying sealant are normally not included in the price of a kitchen.
– Where do you want to buy a kitchen? What kind of quality are you looking for?
– Do you want to install the kitchen yourself or outsource it?
Orientation
So now you have already done a lot of work. But before buying a kitchen, take some extra time to do some research. Ask your friends or colleagues what they find practical in their kitchens. Look around in showrooms and think about what you would like. Read reviews on Google or ask your friends on social media. Sometimes it takes a while to know which style suits you, or what is needed in your situation.
Buying a new kitchen in the Netherlands
Well, you now know what you want and need. It is time to visit showrooms, ask for quotations, and negotiate. Negotiate? Yes, in the Netherlands, it is normal to negotiate over the price when buying a kitchen. Although there are some kitchen stores that have fixed prices, a 5-10% discount is common. Nowadays, it is normal to make an appointment to purchase a kitchen from a showroom. Some friends of mine needed to wait 6 weeks before they could visit a showroom
Sales people work in showrooms. These are people who are skilled in designing a kitchen and also know how to sell and how to best influence your decisions. They will open the drawers with the best systems you can imagine, try to sell you the most exclusive oven because the food will taste better, etc. You can take advantage of their knowledge and learn from them. Be straightforward in what you want or need. They might pressure you to decide the same day, saying only then can you get the best offer. Breathe, and take the time you need. Let them give a quotation first and then negotiate. Read the fine print and ask if the installation is included in the price, and what the kitchen will cost. Customarily, the costs are split in the offer. Don’t be pressured, and feel free to ask for other quotations from other companies.
Remember, when you order a kitchen, the wait for delivery can be long. So keep that in mind.
Some other suggestions
You can, of course, buy a kitchen from a kitchen showroom, but there are other options. You can also buy kitchens at the local cabinet-maker, search for a good second hand one online, or design and build your own.
There could be several reasons why a new kitchen would be too expensive for now, or not as urgent as you might think. Sometimes a kitchen is just ugly or outdated, but still in a good state. Replacing just the doors of the cabinets and the counter can be an option too.
Conclusion
When you know what you want, it is possible to buy a kitchen for a good price in the Netherlands. The preparation can consume time, but it can be worth it. Always ask what is in the price and take your time for a good decision. Other options are purchasing a second hand kitchen or replace the cabinet doors. We are looking forward to seeing your new kitchen. What is your story?
If you want help with (technical) house issues, please contact me.
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