Our Process - Kitchens

Our Process - Bathrooms

Our Process - Renovations

  • You have decided it is time to update your current kitchen, as this is something you may not be familiar with doing and unlikely to have done it several times in our lifetime. What are the first steps you should take when embarking

  • You have decided it is time to update your current bathroom, as this is something you may not be familiar with doing and unlikely to have done it several times in our lifetime. What are the first steps you should take when embarking

  • Sometimes a renovations is as simple as updating the cabinets or a simply to retile the bathroom to give your space a spruce. Below are a few before and after images to give you some ideas on how you could update your space.

A WONDERFUL NEW KITCHEN IS SIMPLE. WHEN YOU'VE GOT WONDERFUL SERVICE.

What our customers say"After all the time we spent with Brad, he must have been ready to kill Frank and me, but throughout the whole process of designing our renovations, the kitchens and bathrooms look amazing, and special thanks to the other people at TRENDS that we dealt with along the way, it was simple great, thank you."

C. B - Toowong

What our customers say"Recently your company installed a new kitchen into my unit which I am very pleased. I have had many people come in and look at the comments I receive are fantastic, thanks Ann who designed and made it all happen. Thanks to the tradesmen who were not only punctual and did a great job."

T. K - Robina

At TRENDS, we understand that choosing to design and build new kitchen is a big decision and a commitment to invest in your home. Over the years we have built a skilled team, and tried and tested processes that will help you every step of the way, ensuring that your investment meets your individual needs.

Your TRENDS team will take care of everything for you. From initial design to manufacture, from ordering - tiling, stonework, electrical, plumbing, flooring, painting, just to name a few - to installation... it's all part of the TRENDS service.

Our production team and your dedicated project manager will ensure that all goes to plan and you will be kept informed throughout the entire process.

So, you've decided it's time to update your current kitchen. This may be your first new kitchen experience and you're feeling a bit overwhelmed about where to start. What are the first steps you should take when embarking on this exciting yet possibly daunting experience?

STEP 1: RESEARCH: FINDING THE RIGHT SUPPLIER FOR YOU

The first step to your fabulous new kitchen is choosing your supplier, and your decision simply comes down to:

 

Do you want to install the kitchen yourself using prefabricated, processed, imported products?
OR
Would you like your new kitchen to be custom designed to suit your individual needs and built locally by craftsman, where everything is done for you and you only ever deal with one company?
 
Once you have decided on your supplier there are a few things you may want to consider before taking the next step, such as:
 
  • Kitchen area: What size would you like your new kitchen to be? That is, the length, width and height dimensions of the room
  • Connections: What electrical, water, lighting, etc., connections will you require? For example, do you need more power points? Where do you want them placed? Would you like to add a dishwasher? Does your refrigerator require water to be connected?
  • Adjoining areas: A kitchen is quite often directly connected to the house's living/dining areas, or possibly the outdoor entertaining area. So, these areas should be taken into consideration when designing your new kitchen. What style of kitchen will suit your home? How can you integrate your new kitchen with other parts of your house? Why not visit our online gallery to view a few kitchen styles and help you with formulating your ideas?
  • How would you like the kitchen to function? Are you a mum on-the-go? Are you a regular entertainer? Would you prefer to keep an eye on the kids as they do their homework? Do you and your family or friends seem to always congregate in the kitchen area?
  • Do you have any physical restrictions or safety concerns? Ease of access and personal safety are critical considerations for your kitchen. Do you or a family member have mobility issues? Where should you place your oven and other appliances to ensure accessibility? Are you able to reach up to overhead cupboards? Will toddlers be in the kitchen?
  • What sort of cooking is preferred? Are most meals prepared on the stovetop, baked in the oven or reheated in the microwave? Is space required for a coffee machine or food processor? Do you use a collection of portable appliances? Do you have a large family?
  • Consider your storage requirements: What capacity pantry do you require? Is your shopping done in bulk? Will you now require a new fridge, or should your design build in the ability to upscale your fridge sometime in the future? Do you own an ever-growing collection of Tupperware or other such containers?
  • What flooring should you consider? What flooring should you consider?
   
  Along with this checklist, we have also created a downloadable checklist, which is an ideal starting point when planning your new kitchen. Before you meet with a TRENDS consultant or designer it would be helpful if you complete the checklist in as much detail as possible, and then bring it with you. That way, we can make sure that nothing important is overlooked when discussing your needs.
STEP 2: SPEAK TO ONE OF OUR EXPERIENCED DESIGNERS

The next step in the process will be to speak with one of our experienced designers, either from the comfort of your home or in our state-of-the-art designer showrooms. All TRENDS designers have the skills to understand the function of the kitchen within each family environment and the experience to deliver that functionality through lifestyle and budget considerations.

And it all begins with listening to YOU, your ideas and what you want in your kitchen. We take into consideration your primary objective for creating a designer kitchen, to suit your lifestyle and within your budget.
STEP 3: CHOOSE YOUR FINISHES, APPLIANCES, COLOUR, STYLE

At TRENDS, we make it our business to keep at the forefront of our industry. This way we know that we are creating unique experiences for our clients. Before you commit to a new kitchen concept, we invite you to visit one of our showrooms, walk through the specially created kitchen displays, open and close cupboard doors, compare and choose exactly what your new kitchen will contain. From the finishes to the taps, a sink, perhaps a space-saving bin, the appliances, bench tops, cupboards and drawers, colours and textures.... there really is so much to consider.
STEP 4: 3D DRAWING

We take your input and fine-tune it, so that our designer can create a computer-generated 3D visualisation of your new kitchen, right down to the finest detail.

We will generate concept drawings for you, as well as a detailed proposal showing all relevant items provided within the project, including all trades, services and an estimated costing. The design becomes our building plan so serious thought and a great deal of time should to go into the design process - it will pay dividends in the end.

Finance options: TRENDS has a number of finance options available to help you fund your new kitchen purchase. Ask your appointed design consultant for details. You can complete your application there and then in our showroom. Terms and conditions apply, subject to credit checks


STEP 5: FROM DESIGN TO REALITY

At TRENDS we design, organise and personally supervise the entire process from start to finish. That's our promise to you to ensure the complete process is stress free and seamless. It's also your guarantee of quality as we maintain complete control of the project.

Once your design has been signed off you will be introduced to your very own, highly experienced, project manager. They will look after every aspect of your new kitchen and ensure that all goes according to plan. Of course, you will be kept informed throughout the entire process. Your dedicated project manager does the entire running around for you and they are always just a phone call away.

Your project manager will visit your home, conduct a site survey and accurately measure all areas relating to your kitchen project. By this stage you will have chosen your appliances, so we will require you to supply us with all of the model numbers. This will allow our designers to produce your final set of design plans, including a detailed proposal showing all items, trades and services being provided by TRENDS.

Once this process is completed your project manager will consult with you to ensure you are completely happy with your design and the associated costs.

Once the design is completed we will enter into a building contract. You will also need to sign off the final plans at the stage, before we commence production. Please ask questions beforehand if you need to. It's in your interests to make sure you are completely satisfied before we commence production because if there are any changes after this point they will incur variation costs and applicable administration fees. This is also the stage when your next progress payment is due.
STEP 6: PRODUCTION:

Once your payment and signed off drawings are received, your job goes into production where our highly skilled craftsman and manufacturing team make your dreams a reality.

All your cabinetry is custom made, especially for you, right here in Queensland. Absolutely nothing is imported from Asia! Not only is everything made specifically for you in our factory, we also use only the best Australian Standard Boards of E1 and E0.

Some rogue suppliers disguise themselves as "custom kitchen suppliers", but they make a kitchen from standard, generic size cabinets that are made to generally fit into most kitchen scenarios, and then they will fill in the left over spaces with blank fillers and/or panels. Even worse, some may do this with cheap imported cabinets from Asia, without considering the implications of the strictest Australian Standards in formaldehyde and other such chemicals that are often used to make carcass and door boards.

As we own and operate our own factory, we have complete control over everything we do for you.
STEP 7: DEMOLITION:

Your old kitchen will need to be removed and all plumbing and electricals disconnected prior to us arriving to install your new kitchen. If this is included within your TRENDS contract there is no need for you to have any concerns, as your dedicated project manager will take care of everything.

Please note: Prior to demolition we will not have seen what is underneath your existing kitchen and there could possibly be hidden problems. We do allow for this in our quotation however some problems are larger than what we could ever expect and could incur extra costs. Please bare this in mind when budgeting for your new kitchen, especially in older homes.
STEP 8: DELIVERY AND INSTALLATION:

The manufacturing process and delivery of your kitchen components will be completed within approximately 5-7 weeks after sign off, depending on which products you have selected. Your dedicated project manager will contact you one week prior to delivery to remind you that your next progress payment is due (in cleared funds) at least 48 hours prior to delivery.

Generally your cabinetry and laminate bench tops will be delivered on day one, with the installation process commencing following day.

- Cabinetry: Installation of your cabinets will take 1-2 days for a standard size kitchen. All laminate bench tops will generally be installed at that same time.

- Stone benchtops: Stone bench tops will be templated within approximately two days of your cabinetry installation. Once the template is complete your bench top will be installed within 7-10 working days.

- Plumbing & Electrical Work: Your pluming and electricals can be reconnected once the bench top has been installed.

- Bench top cabinetry: Any cabinetry that sits on the bench top, such as shutter units, will be installed after the bench top has been completely fitted. We do this to make sure everything is a perfect fit.

- Splash Back: Approximately 2 days after your bench top has been installed we will measure up for your splash back. Again, once the measure up is complete your splash back will be installed within 7-10 working days.
STEP 9: COMPLETION, LOVE YOUR SPACE...

At this point the installation of your new TRENDS kitchen is complete and your dedicated project manager and site supervisor will be in contact with you to confirm all is in order. This is also the time that you will be required to make your final payment

Within the first two weeks of you enjoying your new kitchen, the TRENDS team - your project manager and your designer - will be in contact with you, for the final time, to ensure that you are 100% satisfied with your new space.

And, remember, your TRENDS kitchen is guaranteed for up to 10 years for your complete peace of mind.
STEP 10: CARE AND MAINTENANCE

We offer unbeatable after-sales support. You can be assured of many trouble free years of use from your new TRENDS kitchen. If you do require any assistance, please feel free to contact our customer care line...

It's all part of the quality service you will have come to expect from TRENDS.
 

A WONDERFUL NEW BATHROOM IS SIMPLE. WHEN YOU'VE GOT WONDERFUL SERVICE.

What our customers say "I commend Kitchen and Bathroom TRENDS for the excellent customer service I received. I had many questions about the process of designing, choosing products and installing a new kitchen; Bharti was incredible with problem solving and extremely helpful, accommodating to all my needs. Thank the team at the display centre and all."

What our customers say "We'd like to thank the team at Trends for their professional service and in particular Trish and David for their patience during the design and settling in stages. We are a fussy couple and are extremely pleased with the end result!"

Paul and Alice

What our customers say "I want to thank TRENDS for designing a real special place in my home that we thoroughly love.

H. M - The Gap

At TRENDS we understand that when embarking on installing a new bathroom it is a big investment. Over the years we have built a team, and a tried and tested process, that will assist you every step of the way ensuring that your investment meets your individual needs.

At TRENDS we can take care of everything, from design, to manufacture, to ordering your tiling, stonework, electrical, plumbing, flooring, painting, you name it it's all part of the service at TRENDS. Our production team and your personal project manager ensures that all goes to plan and you are kept informed throughout the process.

You have decided it is time to update your current kitchen, as this is something you may not be familiar with doing and unlikely to have done it several times in our lifetime. What are the first steps you should take when embarking on this exciting yet possibly daunting experience?

STEP 1: RESEARCH: FINDING THE RIGHT SUPPLIER FOR YOUThe first step to your fabulous new kitchen is to choose a supplier and your decision simply comes down to: Do you want to install the kitchen yourself using prefabricated, processed, imported products OR would you like your space to be custom designed to suit your needs and requirements, built locally by craftsman, where you don't have to worry about a thing and you only need deal with one person? Then TRENDS is the company for you.
 
Once you have decided on your supplier there are a few things you may want to consider before taking the next step, such as:
 
  • Kitchen area: What size would you like your new kitchen to be? Length, width, height of room
  • Connections: What electricity, water, etc will you be requiring? ie: Do you need more plug points? Would you like to add a dishwasher?
  • Adjoining areas: A kitchen is often part of the living/dining areas, or the outdoor entertaining area, these areas should be taken into consideration. What style of kitchen would suite your home? To view a few styles and ideas head to our gallery or kitchen trends.
  • How would you like the kitchen to function? For example, are you a on-the-go-mum, do you do a lot of entertaining, does homework need to be done or perhaps you need to seat your family in this area?
  • Do you have any physical restrictions or safety concerns? How would you like to access your oven? Will overhead cupboards be within reach? Will toddlers be in the kitchen?
  • What sort of cooking is preferred? Are most meals prepared on the stove top, baked in the oven or reheated in the microwave? Is space required for a coffee machine or processor?
  • Consider your storage requirements: Is shopping done in bulk? Will a new fridge be required now, or allowed for in the future?
   
  As you can see there are many things to consider when planning your kitchen. We have prepared a downloadable form that can assist with helping you decide on the necessities for you kitchen of your dreams. When you decide to meet with our designers it would be helpful if you brought this checklist with you, that way we can make sure that nothing important is left out when discussing your needs. TRENDS is with you every step of the way and we are here to help.
STEP 2: SPEAK TO ONE OF OUR EXPERIENCED DESIGNERSThe next step in the process will be to speak with one of our experienced designers, either from the comfort of your home or in our state-of-the-art designer showrooms. All TRENDS designer have the skills to understand the function of the kitchen within each family environment and the experience to deliver that functionality through lifestyle and budget considerations.

And it all begins with listening to YOU, your ideas and what you want in your kitchen, we take into consideration your prime objective of creating a designer kitchen, your lifestyle and your budget.
STEP 3: CHOOSE YOUR FINISHES, APPLIANCES, COLOUR, STYLEAt TRENDS we make it our business to keep in the forefront of what is happening in the industry, this way we can ensure we can create a unique experience for our clients. Before committing to a new concept, come into one of our showrooms, walk through the specially created kitchen displays, open and close cupboard doors, compare and choose exactly what your new kitchen will contain, the finishes, the taps, which sink, perhaps a space-saving bin, the appliances, benchtops, cupboards and drawers, colours and textures.
STEP 4: 3D DRAWING With your input we fine-tune everything, so the designer can create a computer generated 3D visual of your finished kitchen, right down to the finest detail. We will provide you with the concept drawings and a detailed proposal showing all items provided including all trades, services and an estimated costing. Serious thought and a great deal of time should to go into the design - it pays dividends in the end. Please note at TRENDS we do not pressure sell and at this stage there are no costs or obligations.

Finance options: TRENDS has a number of finance options available to help you fund your new kitchen purchase. Ask your appointed design consultant for details, you can complete your application there and then in store. Terms and conditions apply, subject to credit checks.


STEP 5: FROM DESIGN TO REALITY At TRENDS we design, organise and personally supervise everything from start to finish, it's our promise and it's your guarantee of quality to ensure the complete process is stress free and seamless. At this stage you will be introduced to your very own highly experienced, project manager, they will look after every aspect of your new kitchen and ensure that all goes to plan and you are kept informed throughout the process. Your dedicated project manager does it all for you and they are only a phone call away.

Your project manager will visit your home, carry out a site survey and accurately measure all areas relating to your kitchen project. By this stage you would have chosen your appliances, we will require all model numbers as the designers will now produce your final set of design plans this will include a detailed proposal showing all items being provided including all trades and services. Once these are finished your project manager will consult with you to ensure you are completely happy with the design and the costs.

A contract will be drawn up and the final plans will need to be signed off by yourself before production begins. Please ask questions beforehand if you need to - it's in your interests as well as ours, if there are any changes from this point, they will incur variations and applicable admin fees. At this stage your 40% progress payment will be due.
STEP 6: PRODUCTION: Once payment and signed off drawing are received, we pur your job into production where our highly skilled craftsman and manufacturing team bring your dreams into reality.

All your cabinetry will be custom made especially for you right here in Queensland, nothing is imported from Asia! Not only is everything made specifically for you in our factory, we also use only the best Australian Standard Boards of E1 and E0.

Some rouge suppliers disguise themselves as "custom kitchen suppliers", but they make a kitchen from standard, generic size cabinets that are made to generally fit into most kitchen scenarios, and then they will fill in the left over spaces with blank fillers and/or panels. Even worse, some may do this with cheap imported cabinets from Asia, without considering the implications of the strictest Australian Standards in formaldehyde and other such chemicals that are often used to make carcass and door boards.

As we own and operate our own factory, we have complete control over everything we do for you.
STEP 7: DEMOLITION: Your old kitchen will need to be removed and all plumbing and electricals disconnected prior to us arriving to install the job. If this is included in your contract with us there is no need for you to have any concerns as your dedicated project manager will take care of everything.

* Please note: Prior to demolition we would not have seen what is underneath your exisiting kitchen and there could possibly be hidden problems. We do allow for this in our quotation however some problems are larger than what we could ever expect and could incur extra costs, please bare this in mind when budgeting for your new kitchen, especially in older homes.
STEP 8: DELIVERY AND INSTALLATION: Your kitchen will be dispatched approximately 5-7 weeks after sign off depending on which products have been selected. Your dedicated project manager will contact you one week prior to delivery for a reminder that your next 45% progress payment is dues at least 48 hours prior to delivering (of cleared funds).

Generally your cabinetry and laminate bench tops will be delivered one day and installation will occur the following day. - Cabinetry: Installation of the cabinets will take 1-2 days for a standard size kitchen. All laminate benchtops will generally be installed at the same time.

- Stone benchtops: With stone benchtops they will be templated within approximately 2 days of your cabinetry install. Once the template is complete your benchtop will be installed 7-10 working days.

- Plumbing & Electrical Work:Your pluming and electrical can be reconnected once the benchtop has been installed.

- Benchtop cabinetry:Any cabinetry that sits on the benchtop such as shutter units will be installed after the benchtop has been completely fitted, we do this to make sure everything is a perfect fit.

- Splashback:Approximately 2 days after your bench top has been installed we will measure up for your splashback. Again, once the measure up is complete your splashback will be installed within 7-10 working days.
STEP 9: COMPLETION, LOVE YOUR SPACE... At this point your installation is now complete and you will get a final visit from the site supervisor, and project manager, you will also be required to make your final 5% payment.

Within your first two weeks of enjoying your new kitchen your project manager and your designer will be in contact with you, for the final time, to ensure that you are 100% completely satisfied with your new space. Our kitchens are guaranteed for up to 10 years for your complete peace of mind.
STEP 10: CARE AND MAINTENANCE We offer unbeatable after-sales support, therefore you can be assured of many years, trouble free use from your new TRENDS kitchen. If you do require any assistance feel free to contact our customer care line... It's all part of the quality service you would have come to expect from us. Thank you for choosing TRENDS.
 

A RENOVATION IS SIMPLE, WHEN YOU'VE GOT WONDERFUL SERVICE.

Sometimes a renovations is as simple as updating the cabinets or a simply to retile the bathroom to give your space a spruce. Below is a few before and after images to give you some ideas on how you could update your space.

If you are interested on what process to follow when embarking on a renovation, please review our kitchen and bathroom planners, new or old, our tried and tested the process at TRENDS is the same.