Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a new kitchen or a My Kitchen Makeover?
Most kitchens that have been built since the late 1990’s are structurally sound, have cabinetry that can usually be retained and the general layout of the kitchen suits the space within the house. If this is the case, you don't need a new kitchen, so why replace what's already functionally sound. You can literally save thousands by doing a My Kitchen Makeover instead of ripping out and starting again.
Over the last 20 - 30 years, kitchens were usually built using Melamine lined MDF internal panels (white lining inside the cabinetry), with Meltica or Melamine covered cupboard doors, drawers and external panels. Most often in colours that were the fashion then but now are well and truly out of date.
Benchtops were made from Laminate (e.g. Formica) that could now be heat or water damaged, worn and/or stained, and also in colours that are also well out of fashion.
Using the My Kitchen Makeover process, we can give your kitchen a much needed upgrade, so that your made-over kitchen will have much better quality finishes than the original kitchen did to start with!
If your kitchen has an existing benchtop that you prefer to keep then we can work around it and upgrade the cabinetry faces etc without replacing the benchtop.
How is this possible?
My Kitchen Makeover will professionally lacquer over your new and existing cabinetry (doors, drawers and panels) or replace them in newer, modern Melteca,
We can also replace your existing benchtops with beautiful new Engineered Stone or Laminate benchtops (including adding breakfast bars etc if required).
Should you require cabinetry alterations, this also isn't a problem. Our trained cabinetmakers can enhance the functionality of your kitchen - such as turning cupboards into soft closing drawers, adding pantry systems, built in rubbish bins, extra storage and design features plus any other alterations you desire.
The My Kitchen Makeover team will help you create a kitchen that you will love to spend time in, and if you're selling your home, updating your kitchen will greatly enhance the value of the home.
How do I know if my kitchen can be made over?
My Kitchen Makeovers best suit kitchens that have been built since the late 1990’s (i.e. are up to 25 years old). The easiest way to tell the age of your kitchen is by looking at the date on your house plans (if you have them) or knowing/finding out when the current kitchen was installed if it is an older house like a Villa.
Alternatively, just measure the width of your bench tops – if most of the bench tops are 59cm/590mm or wider, and the inside of the cabinets aren’t made of solid timber, then your kitchen should be suitable for a My Kitchen Makeover.
Another way to tell is if your kitchen cabinetry has white internal linings and the hinges are on the insides of the doors – if so then it can usually be made over.
If you are not sure how old your kitchen is, or whether it’s suitable for a makeover, then please fill out the contact form on our website and we’ll get in touch and let you know.
What sort of cabinetry alterations and additions can I have?
Our highly trained cabinetmakers are proficient at creating solutions to improve your kitchen's functionality and ascetics.
Some examples of popular alterations and additions include:
Creating new spaces to add a larger refrigerator, microwave or double oven
Converting cupboards into drawers (full extension with soft close runners)
Updating cabinets and oven towers to accommodate new appliances
Installing new pantry's, pantry systems, cupboards and drawers to add more storage space
Converting cupboards into double rubbish bin drawers or installing bins into the sink cupboard
Installing bulkheads or architraves above tall cabinets to enhance the look of your kitchen
Coming up with creative solutions to store your on-bench appliances (e.g. blenders and toasters)
What type of cabinetry finish should I choose for my kitchen?
We offer both Lacquer and Melteca door, drawer and panel finishes.
Both products have various slight advantages over the other but generally speaking they are both great to use!
Your My Kitchen Makeover designer can help you decide on the best product for you.
What is the difference between Engineered Stone and Granite?
Engineered Stone is a combination of Granite and Quartz, which has been formulated to create a hard wearing surface that looks and feels like granite, but has several distinct advantages:
Engineered Stone is highly stain resistant
Engineered Stone is very hard wearing
Engineered Stone is scratch resistant
Engineered Stone will stand the test of time (which is why it comes with a 10 year manufacturers warranty)
Engineered Stone is manufactureed using Environmentally sustainable practices
If you prefer, we also offer Laminate and Granite benchtops too.
Why are My Kitchen Makeover's considered to be hassle-free?
My Kitchen Makeover professionally manages your entire kitchen makeover - ensuring that everything runs smoothly from start to finish.
Your kitchen also stays operational during the makeover process as we leave your current benchtop in place until the new one is ready to be installed.
All parts of your My Kitchen Makeover are coordinated, so that the additions and/or alterations to your cabinetry, professional lacquering or installation of your Melteca doors, drawers and panels, installation of your new benchtops and fitting of your new appliances and accessories are organised efficiently.
Because this is a makeover (and not a kitchen replacement), you will find it is completed quickly and with much less hassle (and significantly less mess) than ripping out your old kitchen and starting all over again.
Using our proven, time efficient and stress free process guarantees that you will be much more relaxed, in both your daily life and about your kitchen.
How long have we been in business?
We started doing makeovers in 2008 (during the GFC!) and have completed well over 1000 to date. Auckland Kitchen Makeovers Ltd, the owner of My Kitchen Makeover, was incorporated in 2010.
Is My Kitchen Makeover environmentally friendly?
Absolutely - please see the “Environment” on our website for details.
What forms of payment do you accept?
My Kitchen Makeover accepts bank transfers, Visa, Mastercard and AMEX (please note that merchant/transaction fees apply to credit cards - none of which go to My Kitchen Makeover).
.
How can I meet with a My Kitchen Makeover designer?
To discuss your makeover ideas in more detail, book a free in home design consultation by filling out our contact form today or calling us on 0800 696 253.
