design-process

The Design, Quote & Install Process

The following information has been set out in order to explain the processes involved with the Kitchen design, manufacture and installation process.

STEP 1 – Initial consultation
Living Worlds designer will meet with you on site to discuss your initial ideas, requirements, and dreams for your new project. At this stage it is important to think about what appliances you may require and where they are to be located in the room. This plays a very important role in how our designers will layout your design concept.

We recommend at this stage of the project to show our designer any magazine pictures, brochures, samples etc. This is a great way for our designer to ascertain the particular look you are after. It is also beneficial to the over all budget you can afford to spend on the project.

It is our Mission to give our clients the best value for money. It is important to specify a budget amount at the beginning of the project, so that we can offer you the best custom made product for a fixed contract price. Living Worlds will strive to design a kitchen packed with as many features and quality products as we possibly can to suit your specified budget.

Keep in mind that if you are renovating that there are additional costs that need to be considered.

  • Relocating services, Plumbing, electrical and gas outlets. To save costs try to leave existing appliances in their current locations if possible.
  • Floor coverings. Are the existing floor coverings remaining or will new flooring be required.
  • Tiling (Walls, Floors)
  • Plastering, patching of walls, cornice and ceiling in some cases.
  • Possible building works. (Moving internal walls, windows or doors etc.)

STEP 2 – Design Review
Once the Design has been completed you are invited to make an appointment with our designer to view and discuss the design drawings. Living Worlds use CAD based (computer aided design), which means we can provide you with a realistic visual impression for you to review, just like the example below (except that we will present many views from different angles, and using the full screen on a large display monitor). Once you are happy with the design we will then go ahead and generate costing options based on this design.

It is at this stage that we require all of your appliance details. This is crucial as it will affect your final design. Please note that manufacture of your cabinets will not proceed until all of this information is received.

STEP 3 – Quotation
You will once again be invited back to discuss the Quotation in detail. At this stage our designer will highlight the important features and product options that have been costed.

This process may require a number of consultations to establish a price and design you are comfortable with.

STEP 4 – Selections
Now the fun begins!
Based on the design and quotation, it is now time to finalize colours and finishes from the product ranges noted in your quotation. It is at this stage that we will require all of your appliance details. This is crucial as it will affect your final design. Please note that Manufacture of your cabinets will not proceed until all of this information is received.

STEP 5 – Contract
With the final selections made, it is now time to finalize the contract price, payment terms, inclusions and exclusions and the scope of work to be carried out by associated trades. Also at this time we will aim to provide an anticipated installation date and project completion date.

STEP 6 – Variations
Variations are any changes that may be made after signing the contract. These changes may incur additional cost increases or deductions to the original contract. If a variation is required we will provide you with written variation form noting the changes made and costs involved. Please note that variations will not proceed without your approval in writing.

STEP 7 – Check measure
Soon after the contract is signed we will contact you to organize a time for our Detailer to inspect your site to confirm final details and measurements. At this stage our detailer will also establish a project timeline which will specify the order in which all relevant trades and processes will commence. We will provide you with a copy of this approximately 2-3 weeks prior to installation of your kitchen.

STEP 8 – Delivery
Approximately 1 week prior to installation our production manager will contact you to confirm the delivery date of your new kitchen. At this point in time you will also be advised of any payment that will be required before delivery.

If you are removing your old kitchen yourself, or organizing your own trades then please allow plenty of time prior to delivery as you may encounter hidden “nasties” that need to be altered or disconnected. E.g. gas lines or plumbing inside of cabinets, holes in walls to be patched etc.

This is also a good time to be prepared to make alternative arrangement for meals, washing up etc. as your kitchen area will not be fully serviceable or accessible until the project is complete.

STEP 9 – Installation
Once your new cabinets are delivered, the old kitchen removed and plumbing and electrical re positioned to suit the new design, our installer will arrive to begin fitting your cabinets. This is generally a two day process, depending upon the size and complexity of the kitchen. Once the cabinets have been installed, it is then time for the services to be re connected and time for tiling and floor coverings to go in.

It is important to note that if you are having Stone or Corian benchtops, that an additional 10-12 working days will be required after the cabinets are installed for the stone mason to take his templates from the new cabinets, manufacture the tops and then install them. An additional 5- 7 days may be required after this if you are also having glass or stainless steel splashbacks.

As a general rule on-site installation timeframes for the following kitchen types apply:

  • Laminate benchtops, and tiled Splashbacks 3 DAYS
  • Stone benchtops, Tiled Splashbacks 15 DAYS
  • Stone benchtops, Glass Splashbacks 21 DAYS

NOTE: the above mentioned is a guide only. Please refer to your project guideline provided after check measure stage.