Howden's or Homebase?

gouldilocks

Thanks for your replies, thats basically what my fitter said with quality of units so think will stick with Howdens.

Janeluvi can't believe you've got the Lyndhurst with the Ebony work tops, if we don't go for gloss work tops that is exactly the same as we're going for! I know this is really nosy but any chance you could post a photo of your kitchen?! Would be great to see it with the tiles etc. to get some ideas..... x

JANELUVI

Hi, we've obviously got impeccable taste! Have got some photos already on my camera which I have not got with me at the moment so will get brother in law (who's better at computers than me) to help me to send them to you at weekend

gouldilocks

That would be very much appreciated.... can't wait!

wildmandy

I thought Howdens was trade only.
http://www.howdens.com/ - First tthing you see is "trade only" in big letters.

So, please tell me more, like how did you choose your kitchen etc?

Thanks,
Mandy

JANELUVI

You have to know a fitter who is a trade customer of Howdens which luckily I did. The public can go into their local Howdens where they have a display of doors, worktops/sinks, appliances, choose the kitchen they want then one of the planners comes out and measures up and does a room plan for you and sends a copy to whichever fitter you are going to use, they don't send you the price though only the fitter! Although Howdens don't recommend fitters they do have local fitters trade cards. I don't know if check a trade is countrywide but you can check fitters out on that and see how other people rated them. Howdens also have a good catalogue which they will give you if you pop in. (I sound like a sales person for Howdens, but can assure you I'm not!!) Hope that helps.

want2bmortgage3

I would NOT recommend homebase. The order was incomplete and somehow I ended up with some doors from a completely different kitchen range. They are so unorganised its untrue, months later I am still waiting for 2 correct doors and an end panel. After waiting about 6 weeks the first time, I found the door they re-ordered was a drawer line door (2 pieces) and not the full height 1 piece door. I've heard good things about howdens, so I'd go with them. If you have any problems then I'm sure they will replace parts a lot quicker than homebase, as they keep them in stock.

wildmandy

JANELUVI wrote: »

You have to know a fitter who is a trade customer of Howdens which luckily I did. The public can go into their local Howdens where they have a display of doors, worktops/sinks, appliances, choose the kitchen they want then one of the planners comes out and measures up and does a room plan for you and sends a copy to whichever fitter you are going to use, they don't send you the price though only the fitter! Although Howdens don't recommend fitters they do have local fitters trade cards. I don't know if check a trade is countrywide but you can check fitters out on that and see how other people rated them. Howdens also have a good catalogue which they will give you if you pop in. (I sound like a sales person for Howdens, but can assure you I'm not!!) Hope that helps.

Yes it helps a lot, thanks! One last question - does the catalogue include a price list?
Many thanks,
Mandy

JANELUVI

No it doesn't I'm afraid as they only let their trade customers have that who actually can get quite a big discount I believe up to 70% but whether the fitter will pass that on is another matter!! As a rough guide I went into a web site called top class carpentry and worked out the prices roughly from that. I've only got a small 9' x 9' kitchen and got my appliances from Howdens as well as I didn't have the time to shop around (you pay a hell of a lot less getting them yourself), I had a Franke sink and taps from them as well and paid I think (I had a sneaky look at the fitters quote when he left it behind!!) about £3000 plus I got the tiles myself although my fitters did the actual tiling and redecorated plus made a cupboard up to fit the boiler in and made a big non standard cupboard up using the same Howdens doors , they organised a plasterer and electrician (and the electrical side was tricky) so I paid in all about £5800. I didn't get the discount passed on but they did such a good job I can forgive them.

woodbutcher_2

The fitter isn't going to pass on his discount to you.That's what makes him competetive and gets him the work.Considering the extra cupboards,electrical work and plastering i think you got a good price.The likes of B&Q would have charged you £3000 just for fitting.