3 Reasons to hire our approved IKEA kitchen installer in Washington, D.C.

IKD interviews a top IKEA cabinet installer in Washington DC

It’s time for the latest edition of Kitchen Installation Confidential. This time we spoke with Chuck, founder of INEX, who has been operating out of the DC Metro area since 1991. As one of our Install Connect approved kitchen installers, he shared his tips for getting a great IKEA kitchen installation.

#1: Why do your customers hire you instead of using IKEA’s installation services?

I can think of 3 big reasons.

1. We’re one of the Washington Consumer Checkbook top rated installers for kitchens and bathrooms in the DC area. My crew has over 25 years of experience installing IKEA products: we worked with the IKEA store in Woodbridge starting in 1999, and they provided us with detailed product training.
2. We only take one job at a time, so the customer knows they are our top priority. We don’t multitask! It also enables us to operate on a strict timetable and minimize the amount of time customers are displaced from their kitchens and living on microwaved meals.
3. Customers save money by working with us. I can offer competitive pricing since I work out of my home. Also, we don’t subcontract with licensed plumbers and electricians because that can mark up the price by about 25%. Instead, we encourage our customers to contract directly with those contractors, but then we coordinate all aspects of our customers’ projects to make it easy for them. Our recommended plumbers and electricians offer our customers a discount from retail. Learn more about discounts from our recommended business partners here.

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#2: What is something you wish your customers knew about installing an IKEA kitchen in their homes?

Customers absolutely have to have their IKEA kitchen design in place before they attempt to hire an installer. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been contacted by customers who want a remodel, but they don’t have a design, so I can’t give them a quote. I’m happy to recommend designers at that stage (including IKD of course).

In an ideal world, all my customers would have a basic understanding of:

• Local state laws about the permitted scope of work licensed contractors can provide
• Why they must use a licensed electrician and plumber – licensed state contractors flat out cannot provide either service, legally

But, explaining those things is part of the customer service that INEX Construction happily provides.

#3: What situations typically cause delays? What is the best way to mitigate those delays?

Product availability. That’s huge. I won’t even start or schedule until I know that the IKEA kitchen products are available. That’s another good thing about working with IKEA: 90% of their product is immediately available in store.

Of course, then you’re dealing with countertop, appliances, and flooring. I’ve gotten in the habit of calling vendors personally to ensure delivery date of the products, because I like to have everything a week ahead of time, that’s my responsibility to my clients.

#4: What’s one place where customers should always splurge?

Hands down, don’t be afraid to splurge on your range. People in the Washington D.C. area like to cook, men and women alike. The feedback I get from customers is that they really prefer to have a high-quality range in their new kitchens, whether it’s gas or electric.

#5: While their kitchens are being built, what do customers typically do?

Microwaved meals and pizza delivery.

Luckily, because we only take on one job at a time, our customers know beforehand that we have a good time frame. Projects usually average about four weeks, and our clients tend to be pretty psychologically prepared to eat like college students for a little while. It helps that they know beforehand that we only do one job at a time and we meet our deadlines.

#6: What else should an inspired kitchen design client located in washington, d.c. know about you?

From day one, I’ve made it my priority to pay my employees more than the average contractor, because I would not have been successful without these people and I know it. As a result, my people are loyal, they’re invested in their trade, and they personally have fuller lives. I’m all about respect for the individual – and starting 2006 I turned INEX into an employee owned organization. Empower people, and be fair, and you just can’t lose.

Find a highly qualified IKEA kitchen installer near you

INEX Construction installs IKEA kitchens for the metro Washington D.C. area.

If you live elsewhere, never fear. Our database of IKD-Approved Install Connect Contractors has IKEA kitchen installers in your area that can install your kitchen without the hassle of dealing with IKEA.

If you’re interested in hiring any of our approved contractors, remember Chuck’s words of advice: “I very highly recommend people have a design before they call contractors.”