Buying a New Kitchen

[Westdene Seagull]

Thanks Rowdey - my query, on using a dedicated fitter, is how do they incorporate the design element into it? Will they be just as professional and efficient when it comes to that side? Will they have the same access to all different designs and makes, and be able to effectively build my kitchen virtually before sourcing the parts and fitting it?

Having experienced the Moben model of kitchen installation ( and I believe most mainstream kitchen providers such as Wickes, B&Q etc use it ) I would highly recommend going to an independent or a specialist kitchen fitter. It will be worth the extra few quid.

 

[mwrpoole]

I would recommend a place called 'pd kitchens' in Southwater nr Horsham. They make their own units & doors onsite so were very reasonable and they didn't charge much to fit it, the fitter did the lot.

 

[raz_18]

hi well i work in B&Q showrooms and i believe the best thing to do is to to get the kitchen and the fitter from the same place.
It saves a lot of hassell and won't take as long to complete as they are use to working with that particular type of kitchen.
the reason why installation is more expensive in shops is because of the garentees you get with the kitchen(well at least with B&Q it is).
and if you need it B&Q offer up to 4 years 0% finance so you can afford an even better kitchen.
hope this helps

I work at Homebase, i would suggest us over ***

 

[Vegas Seagull]

What is your max budget, all else follows this...

 

[trueblue]

Windmill Kitchens in Burgess Hill are a reputable company and huge Albion fans to boot. Had a hoarding at Withdean for years. Micky Adams, a couple of players and Derek Chapman used them in the past ... And he knows a bit about building work!

 

[armchairclubber]

What is your max budget, all else follows this...

Yes, because its the salespersons job to make sure you spend it all in my experience ! Just bought kitchen at homebase this weekend (60% off + extra 20%) and though I am happy with deal, make sure you check all the extras added on your statement (that you didn't ask for or particularly need) its their job to try and sell them.
I would suggest not divulging the full extent of your budget to them as they may try to keep to it.
I'd also suggest you get in quick, kitchens are likely to be much more expensive in feb / march and you may get fleeced.
Oh and BUY YOUR APPLIANCES INDEPENDENTLY ONLINE, MUCH CHEAPER, b&q, homebase etc can't match online prices (try kitchen science or my choice for bosch etc)
Still happy with homebase and you can get idea what you want with their online kitchen planner, but i'm saving £2000 ripping out and building units myself with friend doing plumbing/ electrics (about 3 days work)

 

[HAILSHAM SEAGULL]

Get yourself a decent carpenter, go with him to Howdens so he can order them through the trade, if he is any good he will know a sparks and a plumber.

 

[Superphil]

Argh. Thanks for all the responses. Seems to be a bit of a 50/50 split in favour of the retailer doing the fitting, and Mr KitchenFitter. Also thanks for the offers of local traders - but I'm actually in Luton.

You could do worse than visiting Wren Kitchens in Stevenage, they supply fully assembled units, like Howdens, all made in England, and I think they can tie you up with a fitter too. The independent fitter we used is based in Sussex, but he reckoned their cabinets compared well with Howdens.

 

[Razi]

Good stuff - thanks to everyone for all the tips. Think I'm a bit clearer with what I need to do now and in which order. I move into the new house on Friday 13th and the kitchen is one of my priorities, so I might update with how it goes...

 

[brighton bluenose]

hi well i work in B&Q showrooms and i believe the best thing to do is to to get the kitchen and the fitter from the same place.
It saves a lot of hassell and won't take as long to complete as they are use to working with that particular type of kitchen.
the reason why installation is more expensive in shops is because of the garentees you get with the kitchen(well at least with B&Q it is).
and if you need it B&Q offer up to 4 years 0% finance so you can afford an even better kitchen.
hope this helps

DO NOT get a kitchen from B&Q - very expensive for what it is, quality and workmanship and finishing is average only and the customer service is TRULY APPALLING.
After the initial installation they left my 72 year old mother waiting for 3 weeks+ to finish it off with skirtings and pelmet etc just left lying across the kitchen floor for her to trip over!!

 

[Rowdey]

Thanks Rowdey - my query, on using a dedicated fitter, is how do they incorporate the design element into it? Will they be just as professional and efficient when it comes to that side? Will they have the same access to all different designs and makes, and be able to effectively build my kitchen virtually before sourcing the parts and fitting it?

In our own experience, we would direct you to a friendly Howdens/Magnet and they will come out and design it to your specification, mock up 3d drawings etc, then give it to us at trade cost.
We will then come back to you with a 'Trade plus' costing for the kit, and a separate labour costing (inc Tiling, elecs, plumbing, plastering etc)

Other fitters may happily do the design & 3d drawings all for you themselves or even do the leg work with Howdens/Magnet/Whoever for you - each to their own, but that's why you should get a couple of quotes in for comparison.
The cheapest is rarely the best or legal of course, but the initial meeting/quote stage should give you insight to their knowledge about 'magic corners' 'integrated dishwashers' and 'Part P' compliant electrics..!

HTH

R

 

[Superphil]

insight to their knowledge about 'magic corners' 'integrated dishwashers' and 'Part P' compliant electrics..!

HTH

R

Interested in your knowledge about magic corners, what is your angle on them? Ours has a 'Wari Corner' which has a broken spacer which seems to be a non replaceable part, any suggestions.

 

[banjo]

Howdens expensive but great quality, units come made up. They have a website take a look. They will send someone round to measure and design for You, just need to fit them if Your handy ? or find local builder to fit.

 

[Westdene Seagull]

'Part P' compliant electrics..!

HTH

R

Which is one of the most pointless regulations in history ! Totally unenforceable.

 

[Rowdey]

Interested in your knowledge about magic corners, what is your angle on them? Ours has a 'Wari Corner' which has a broken spacer which seems to be a non replaceable part, any suggestions.

Angle.. well customers like them and they look great until they get overloaded or overworked, then break or bend, and are then a pest and you wish you had a carousel instead..

Depending upon what 'spar' has gone, can you not splint it with a a piece of metal ?
Mostly, it's a new frame i'm afraid - Most kitchen hardware is either made by/for Hafele in my experience; see if they'll take your call or look online for help.

Which is one of the most pointless regulations in history ! Totally unenforceable.

Well, depends if you're on the receiving end of a shock due to some chancer calling himself an electrician.. Wasn't it brought in because a Judge or MP's daughter died due to the above
Of course the sceptic in me says it's also seen a market created for a hitherto little used thing called an RCD at £40 odd a pop..!

Personally tho, it made me a better (but financially poorer..) electrical installer; getting qualified, and testing etc.

Certainly some 6 years after being brought in, the public still have little/no idea about it all..

 

[Westdene Seagull]

Well, depends if you're on the receiving end of a shock due to some chancer calling himself an electrician.. Wasn't it brought in because a Judge or MP's daughter died due to the above
Of course the sceptic in me says it's also seen a market created for a hitherto little used thing called an RCD at £40 odd a pop..!

Personally tho, it made me a better (but financially poorer..) electrical installer; getting qualified, and testing etc.

Certainly some 6 years after being brought in, the public still have little/no idea about it all..

Don't get me wrong - I agree with the principle but it went too far and is unenforceable. Officially I can't even change a socket fascia without then getting a Part P. The only time the Part P becomes practical is in projects that require Building Regs - at least then the council won't sign off without it.

When I sold my house a while back I was asked about Part P for any electrical works that had been carried out. I just said I hadn't altered any electrics ( although I had ) - it really is that easy to get round. It hasn't stopped cowboy electricians nor home owners doing their own work and instead has just increased paperwork and costs for genuine electricians. It should be scrapped for anything other than projects requiring building regs. If the authorities want to help people avoid cowboys then extend the GasSafe scheme to electrics but don't make it compulsory to hold it to be able to do electrical works. The public can then ask to see the ElecSafe ( ? ) certificate if they want to ensure the electrician is competent.

 

[bobby smith]

Don't get me wrong - I agree with the principle but it went too far and is unenforceable. Officially I can't even change a socket fascia without then getting a Part P. The only time the Part P becomes practical is in projects that require Building Regs - at least then the council won't sign off without it.

When I sold my house a while back I was asked about Part P for any electrical works that had been carried out. I just said I hadn't altered any electrics ( although I had ) - it really is that easy to get round. It hasn't stopped cowboy electricians nor home owners doing their own work and instead has just increased paperwork and costs for genuine electricians. It should be scrapped for anything other than projects requiring building regs. If the authorities want to help people avoid cowboys then extend the GasSafe scheme to electrics but don't make it compulsory to hold it to be able to do electrical works. The public can then ask to see the ElecSafe ( ? ) certificate if they want to ensure the electrician is competent.

WE have a safe system that regulate us the NICEIC is just as strict as GASSAFE

 

[Westdene Seagull]

WE have a safe system that regulate us the NICEIC is just as strict as GASSAFE

Fair enough - probably needs a bit more publicity to encourage the public to ask for proof of membership ( maybe a better name as well ? ).

 

[Jonny Boy]

I think most people have covered it but use a local builder with a good reputation, best place to look for one in your areas is Checkatrade.

Howdens will do a free design, just give them the measurements and what you are after.

Using a builder might be a little more expensive then using individual trades but for the extra they will a mange the whole installation, make sure your happy with it and issue any guarantees that go with it.

Lastly for appliances, we use Appliances Online and found they always tend to be the cheapest.

Hope that helps!

 

[bobby smith]

Fair enough - probably needs a bit more publicity to encourage the public to ask for proof of membership ( maybe a better name as well ? ).

It stands for National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contractors