Extra mile

Research is important when embarking on a kitchen renovation. To protect your investment, you need to look beyond design layouts and colour schemes, to find a company that sees things from your perspective.

With more than 40 years in the industry, and his father a founding member of the NKBA (National Kitchen and Bathroom Association), designer Rex Sellar has seen it all. He worked in the first kitchen design retail outlet in New Zealand and owned a successful kitchen company before his retirement.

Like most passionate people, retirement was short lived. With his skills, qualifications and experience, he soon found his way back into the industry, designing kitchens and offering consultancy.

"I wanted to align myself with a manufacturer that shared the same philosophy and integrity I had developed in my own company," says Sellar.

Fineline Kitchens fitted the bill. Sellar knew the company to be a quality, established brand in New Zealand, which was under new management.

"Fineline not only shared the same outlook, but had a rare approach to service."

Although Fineline's owners are highly-qualified managers, they do not have a cabinetry background. This enables them to look at the kitchen business from the client's point of view.

Instead of the usual deposit, Fineline uses a bond system, meaning each progressive payment transfers ownership of that part of the project.

Sellar speaks of strong customer support systems designed by Fineline's new owners, which put the designer ego aside. Ten areas for a successful kitchen have been identified, and systems created for support in these areas.

Reliable information was found to be the first priority when choosing a design company. That's why Fineline runs kitchen information evenings.

"These evenings are for those starting out to gather information for their projects," says Sellar.

These are casual events over wine and nibbles, where designers explain the types of companies available, cost-saving tips, and where to avoid cutting corners. Evenings end with a tour of the workshop.

For more details on Fineline Kitchens, phone (09) 636 8123. Email info@fineline.co.nz. Website: www.fineline.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas