Use the following simple checklist to help ensure you have considered the most important areas before making your purchase:

1. Visit several showrooms to get ideas for your ideal kitchen
   
2. Check which suppliers are members of The Furniture Ombudsman
   
3. Decide what facilities you want the kitchen to include e.g. laundry, dining area
   
4. Decide on your total budget, remembering that there may be additional costs beyond those quoted by your supplier
   
5. Consider how you will pay for your kitchen – if finance is needed will this be offered by your supplier or will you need to use a loan or other form of credit?
   
6. Decide on type of kitchen you want to buy – flat pack, rigid construction, custom built, fully fitted, non-fitted, free-standing.
   
7. Make choice for worktop materials
   
8. Make choice for cabinet materials including door and drawer fronts, cornices, plinths, edging panels etc
   
9. Select appliances to be included in kitchen and their type e.g. gas, electric
   
10. Measure kitchen, noting location of existing service points, doors and windows.  Mark your preferred location for the sink, appliances, storage and work surfaces
    
11. Agree specification for your kitchen, its design and layout, with the supplier
    
12. Get a full quote for your kitchen showing what is to be supplied, all costs involved, and when payments are due from you.
    
13. Agree specification for your kitchen, its design and layout, with supplier.
    
14. Check whether contract includes technical visit/site survey in your home before fitting starts.
    
15. Agree a timetable with your supplier for the site survey, delivery and fitting of your kitchen
    
16. Understand what is and isn’t included in the contract with your supplier.  If additional works are required (e.g. plumbing, tiling, decorating), be clear as to who will do these and their cost.
    
17. Read carefully and check terms and conditions before signing any contract.  Ensure you understand terms about payment, delivery, and fitting times.
    
18. Make arrangements for storage of your new kitchen before fitting starts. 
    
19. Make alternative arrangements for cooking, laundry, and any pets during the kitchen fitting itself
    
20. Agree with your supplier/fitter any ‘snagging’ work needed to complete your kitchen
    
21. Before signing off any satisfaction note, ensure you are happy with your kitchen and highlight any concerns to your supplier/fitter.
    
22. For extra assurance see if your kitchen is certified as having the FIRA Gold Award or check if the company operates under the FIRA Gold Award installation scheme.