Hundreds of people have kitchen and bathroom installations completed successfully daily. How do they do it? The answer is proper planning – know what you want, what you can afford and use a reputable company. 98% of all complaints received by us are concerning companies who are not KSA members. The objective of this leaflet is to give you some guidelines as to how to plan and purchase your new kitchen, bathroom or built-in cupboard, whilst avoiding the all-too-common pitfalls of poor quality workmanship.
Why insist on KSA quality?
The KSA is an industrial parent body with one fundamental mission: to create a professional and stable trading environment in which the industry and you, the consumer, can enjoy complete peace of mind.
The KSA has a strict ethical code to which all our members subscribe. The code covers design, manufacturing, installation and service standards. Membership is not easily awarded and is something which all member companies have earned through consistent performance.
Our standards mean that you are guaranteed the best kitchen and bathroom possible, in the price range of your choice, leaving you free to enjoy the result rather than worry about poor quality craftsmanship and unduly high cost.
The KSA guarantee
All the KSA members have signed and agreed to abide by any ruling handed down by the KSA.
The KSA mediation department is available to ensure a fair and equitable resolve on your behalf – this means you are covered by us, no more having to deal with shoddy workmanship or products!
KSA affiliate members’ products are guaranteed and will be replaced in the unlikely event of latent defects.
Remember, if the company used is not a KSA member, there is no guarantee or recourse!
KSA Payment
As a rule, KSA members require 50% deposit upfront, a further 40% once cupboards are delivered to your premises, and a final 10% payable on completion
KSA Trust Account – Arrangement to protect your deposit can be discussed with us.
Choosing your kitchen and bathroom
Your kitchen and bathroom are probably the most frequently used rooms in the home and so the most important. You want to know that the company creating your ideal kitchen and bathroom are going to give you the best value and craftsmanship possible.
Our affiliate members include board manufacturers, producers of appliances, surfaces, handles, sink disposal units, taps, doors, extractors, computer design, wood flooring, etc.
Before you start!
If you are thinking of starting a kitchen or bathroom project, make sure you choose a company who will give you exactly what you need. To help you get the best possible service, use our checklist below:
Checklist for prospective buyers
- Is the company a member of the Kitchen Specialists Association? If not, check to ensure that the company you have chosen is registered in terms of South African Law.
- Does the company have 75% of their installers KSA accredited?
- Does the company have a showroom?
- Obtain quotations from 2/3 different kitchen companies making sure you are comparing the same products and services. Then check the following.
- One company may quote for a 900 mm floor unit which incorporates pot drawers, whilst another may just quote for a 900 mm floor unit with shelves.
- Also ensure the materials used are of the same quality e.g. carcass, doors, drawer boxes, worktops and fittings.
- Check the material being used e.g. melamine as against basic chipboard.
- Check the thickness of the worktops being proposed 32 mm against 16 mm.
- Ask what type of corner unit is being installed, e.g. L-shaped or Reach in.
- What is the method of carcass construction? Dowled, nailed etc.
- Is the edging on the carcass pre glued or hot melt?
- Is there a lifetime guarantee on hardware(drawer runners, hinges etc.)?
- Will the Kitchen Cupboards have backs?
- Are Slab sides, base box or plastic adjustable legs used?
- Will you receive a CAD design and computer generated quotation on an official company letterhead?
- Does the company only use “A” grade board in the manufacture of your product?
- Does the kitchen company offer you the means of inspecting standards of quality and installation?
- Does the kitchen company offer you the means of inspecting standards of quality and installation?
- Does the company have the infrastructure and resources to be able to provide high levels of service and quality of product?
- Does the company conduct a full survey of your needs and requirements and balance its proposal against your budget?
- Do they insist on inspecting the site, prior to manufacture?
- Clarify what appliances are to be fitted and / or connected.
- Is the company happy for you to visit previous customers?
- Have you ensured that their contract is reasonable?
- Will the company supply a written guarantee and is the guarantee period on their quotation?
- Make sure that provision is made in terms of payment for an amount of money to be retained until you are happy that the installation is complete and to your satisfaction.
- Beware of misleading special offers.
- Before signing, make sure that you are fully aware of the materials being used and that the design and any structural alterations have been fully explained.
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