Kitchen advice

[fundy]

In our last house, and probably next year in current, we used an independent fitter and got the kitchen from Howdens. Their kitchens are really good, as you say you can't see too many of them but from the design software got a fair idea and were very happy how it turned out.

Might have changed but the fitter had to buy the kitchen from Howdens, we couldn't as you had to have a trade account with them iirc.

if you want to buy a kitchen they have no problem letting you open an account!

 

[HDID Kenny]

I work for a kitchen manufacturer and would suggest the following:

Find a range you like and is within your budget, put in the best branded appliances you can afford. Then most importantly get a good quality fitter that has been recommended or has great reviews. A poor fitter can make a 20k kitchen look bad.

 

[chrisd]

To answer a few points

The builder did a similar job for a regular golfing mate and has worked for other members who vouch for his quality of building work and kitchen fitting ability.

I looked at reviews of Wren and Howden on Trustpilot - you can't believe how bad Howdens come out on that but maybe only the bad jobs complain! The builder runs a cash account at Howdens so I just order and get his discount.

Still happy to read any other opinions - thanks all

 

[louise_a]

I worked for a fitted kitchen company for 30 years, The most important thing is the fitter, if you end up with a company that employs commission only salesman then be careful on the price, they usually quote high in order for you to get "discounts out of them" They also sell the desire rather than the actual end product.

 

[chrisd]

I worked for a fitted kitchen company for 30 years, The most important thing is the fitter, if you end up with a company that employs commission only salesman then be careful on the price, they usually quote high in order for you to get "discounts out of them" They also sell the desire rather than the actual end product.

Cheers Louise. I believe, from recommendations that the fitter is top notch. I'll probably get Wren and Howdens to quote and try a Dutch auction!

 

[Deleted member 1740]

Try benchmarx very good quality cabinets with a huge range , they're part of Travis Perkins.

http://www.benchmarxkitchens.co.uk/Kitchens/c/1300000

 

[chellie]

Another vote for Howdens and avoiding Wren.

 

[Chrisb83]

So I've just finished doing exactly what your planning on doing.

If you really like a particular wren kitchen try www.joinerydepot.co.uk based in Hull they are the trade arm to wren and about half the price. I know this as I ordered from wren and they refused to price match them even though they say they beat any quote and it was the exactly the same kitchen.

My view on wren is they just stick young kids in sales roles designing kitchens the most expensive way they can i.e two small cupboards rather that one large one.

We ended up going to b and q and they designed a great kitchen for us, two mates just got theirs from howdens and there's not much difference in quality but would say howdens is better but my Mrs was put off by there not been a show room.

Appliances have a look on ao.com

Most important thing as other have said is get a good fitter.

 

[Bunkermagnet]

I would also add that don't consider the appliances "after the event". Think about what you really want and where you want them and also if they go wrong.....will they be easy to remove?

 

[chrisd]

Thanks for your advice guys

 

[chellie]

Think you might have missed out on Howdens sale but worth checking. BTW it's a proper sale not one that's on all the time.

 

[spongebob59]

Cheers Louise. I believe, from recommendations that the fitter is top notch. I'll probably get Wren and Howdens to quote and try a Dutch auction!

Chris, my builder/ fitter says the one at Whites table usually has 4 on display and they change them round monthly. He also suggests looking at benchmark which is across the road and you can usually get the two bidding against each other.

 

[GeeJay]

After seeing their website, the missus and I went to DIY Kitchens' showroom yesterday and must say I'm impressed with what I've seen. Their units look really good. Definately worth considering IMHO.

I fitted out our kitchen in 2009 using IKEA units (replacing B&Q units from some years before). The units from DIY Kitchens are much better quality and I'm planning to use some of their stuff to kit out our home office.

http://www.diy-kitchens.com

 

[chrisd]

Chris, my builder/ fitter says the one at Whites table usually has 4 on display and they change them round monthly. He also suggests looking at benchmark which is across the road and you can usually get the two bidding against each other.

I popped into both yesterday before going to Wrens, Howdens here did have about 4 and Benchmark a couple but I think a bidding war would be really good

 

[HowlingGale]

Plus one for Howdens. Had an extension built last year with a new Howdens kitchen.

What I would say is be clear with Howdens about what you want. Watch out for extractors priced at £1200 'reduced' to £600. Do loads of research about layouts and especially appliances. Buy good quality appliances online at ao or wherever. Their cupboard carcasses come ready made so are considered more sturdy than flat packs.

At the end of the day it's all about the fitter. Yes there are some problems but they're minor.

 

[Val]

For what my tuppence is worth you should consider using a kitchen design and fitting company. I did around 6 years ago and nhe came in and designed our kitchen with bespoke purpose built carcasses and fascias, he organised all appliances and works (plastering, re-wiring etc) and it run perfectly.

Granted this isnt the cheapest option available and to be fair it's fair from it but in the event of any issues you point the finger at 1 guy. We had an earthing issue as we are in an older ex LA house, he sorted it. Had I arranged all trades I may have been without a kitchen for 6 weeks. Im so glad we went down this route, they were in our house 8 days start to finish. Worth every bean and everyone who seen our kitchen after it was finished were blown away by the quality of the work.

 

[chrisd]

For what my tuppence is worth you should consider using a kitchen design and fitting company. I did around 6 years ago and nhe came in and designed our kitchen with bespoke purpose built carcasses and fascias, he organised all appliances and works (plastering, re-wiring etc) and it run perfectly.

Granted this isnt the cheapest option available and to be fair it's fair from it but in the event of any issues you point the finger at 1 guy. We had an earthing issue as we are in an older ex LA house, he sorted it. Had I arranged all trades I may have been without a kitchen for 6 weeks. Im so glad we went down this route, they were in our house 8 days start to finish. Worth every bean and everyone who seen our kitchen after it was finished were blown away by the quality of the work.

We have a builder who's doing everything but we will order the kitchen. He comes highly recommended by other golf club members

 

[Bunkermagnet]

We have a builder who's doing everything but we will order the kitchen. He comes highly recommended by other golf club members

Just be sure that all aspects of the appliances instal follows the manufacturers instructions. Things like not having the required ventillation will invalidate the warranties.

 

[KenL]

Never buy a kitchen from a big outfit unless there is at least a 50% off sale. Things are massively over priced normally.

Also go over the fitting prices with a fine toothed comb. about 10 years ago I got a kitchen fitted by magnet. Their price breakdown included a huge installation charge for appliances. I was not buying a new washing machine or fridge and they wanted to charge about £100 to install them. I told them I could plug them in myself!

 

[chrisd]

Never buy a kitchen from a big outfit unless there is at least a 50% off sale. Things are massively over priced normally.

Also go over the fitting prices with a fine toothed comb. about 10 years ago I got a kitchen fitted by magnet. Their price breakdown included a huge installation charge for appliances. I was not buying a new washing machine or fridge and they wanted to charge about £100 to install them. I told them I could plug them in myself!

Thanks Ken

At the moment I have an "all in price" from my builder for the building work, plumbing, electrical and kitchen fitting etc, all I have as extras is paying for the kitchen, gas boiler and moving gas pipes etc, tiling, flooring and decorating