The rules to building or remodeling kitchens are clear:  Hire a reputable kitchen contractor who has a portfolio of satisfied customers then call at least three of these customers and ask them to describe their kitchen remodeling experience.    Then inquire if they would hire the same contractor again, or recommend them to friends and family. 

“Doing your homework on your kitchen contractor is essential,” says Bob Skilton, owner of Pay Less Kitchens.  Skilton has designed, built and installed kitchens for more than 25 years in York Region. “I insist that new customers talk to my previous customers to find out what the actual experience of working with Pay Less Kitchens is like. It’s a critical part of the whole process.”

While it may seem that Skilton would steer potential customers towards previous clients whose kitchen remodeling went off without a hitch, Skilton knows it’s a much better idea to have them talk to clients where problems were encountered then solved.

“There is no kitchen renovation that is problem-free,” says Skilton. “But some have bigger challenges than others. That’s where true professionalism comes into force, knowing how to deal with the inevitable plumbing, electrical or space issues. It’s how we resolve these challenges that makes our customers so happy.”

Of course, the problem solving begins with the first meeting with customers. With most of their work coming through referrals, Skilton and his business partner and wife, Katherine, view their customers as an integral part of the team. “We work closely with the customer to ensure that their kitchen meets their lifestyle now and in the future,” says Katherine. “We know that the kitchen is the heart of every home and we work closely with our customers to ensure their dream is achieved.”

One of the biggest challenges for customers is matching their dream kitchen with a realistic budget. The fact is that most people don’t have an unlimited budget and simply want a great kitchen at a great price. 

“We like to say we are a hybrid kitchen company,” laughs Katherine. “We offer the professional design, installation and project management that our customers want, yet we provide a high-end line of fully assembled cabinets and fixtures that allow for a range of budgets.”

With so many horror stories about kitchen renovations gone wrong, the Skiltons know their reputation as professionals who will do the job right is as precious as gold.  “My favourite part is after the kitchen is completed and the customer invites us back for a cup of coffee. As we sit in their new kitchen, seeing how much the family enjoys the new space, I feel a sense of satisfaction. It’s good to be good at what you do.”

From Era Banner - Sep 15/09