Withknobson / DIY-Kitchen / Crown

MartandCal

Hello,

First time posting on this board, so apologies if going over old ground. I've spent hours researching a new kitchen which I am planning for our house once the extension is completed. My mind is spinning with all the hints, tips and advice I've gathered, however I have narrowed down my choice of suppliers to 3 or 4, and am working on the assumption that sourcing my self and paying for a fitter is the best option (anyone know a good fitter in the South Birmingham / North Worcestershire area?).

Has anyone any views on whether flat pack (Crown Imperial) is worse or better than buying ready assembeld units (DIY-Kitchens or Withknobson)? I am primarily interested in views of the quality of the cabinets (I plan to go for an oak timber frame door which all 3 do).

Thanks in anticipation....

CKdesigner

Hi, A glue and dowelled rigid carcase kitchen built in the factory will always be better than a flat pack but I would say you really need to go and see it in a showroom. Compare it to buying a car, I don't think anyone would purchase a new car from online pictures and a description, you would at least visit a showroom to see one. Really the purchase of a new kitchen is far more important than a car, because if you don't like your new car you can always sell it in a year or 2!

Try a locoal indepent kitchen specialist that comes with a good reputation.

Happychappy

Mart, I am in the same position as yourself, but possibly one stage up ; ) I visited the DIY-Kitchens factory at Wakefield and was shown their production line as well as the showroom which they are still building. I was very impressed with the cabinets, very strong construction, especially the drawer units. I have a flat pack kitchen at present which has not lasted.

If you live near one of the places, go and take a look at set your mind at rest. My last hurdle now is the worktops, just can't decide on either the second nature worktops in Oak or another 40% for granite ?

cally1_2

Me too!

I have the lady from Crown Imperial giving me a quote tomorrow. Also priced up similar on DIY kitchens and withknobsone and also found another webiste called supplyonlykitchens. I think they are abit nearer to me in the south so thought I could pay them a visit!

Will watch this thread with interest.

MartandCal

Thanks Happychappy, you've set my mind at rest. I live in the Midlands, so I will probably end up going to Wakefield at some point, but I feel safer going on the back of a recommendation. I was looking at both DIY-Kitchens and Withknobson websites, and getting concerned regarding cabinet construction, particularly the backs of carcasses for the floor standing units.

I will probably end up getting marble, funds permitting, and there is a place close by at Bromsgrove that comes recommended both on price and quality. I just need to find a decent fitter for the cabinets now!

CK designer - I'm put off going to a local retailer, as I always feel that I am paying for shop space and mark up. I'm not great at haggling, and using your car analogy I always have a feeling in the back of my mind that someone may be taking advantage of me.

CKdesigner

Hi Mart, I see your point but I would say especially in these economic times that a local independent that is recommended to you would generally do a much better job for you as long as you are honest about a budget. As you would probably realise the OH and myself have our own kitchen specialist shop and we will always be able to design and supply a much better kitchen than an internet company. You might expect that we would be more expensive but as we have a direct account with one of the largest kitchen manufacturers in the UK and direct accounts with Miele and Neff and also spend a lot of money with one of the largest granite companies our prices are very comparable.

We also find that people take comfort in the fact that we are not too far away, so customer service and reputation mean everything to us.

Good luck.

sheslookinhot

Jeeso. I am also in the market for a new kitchen. So far have quotes from Howdens (Hampton), need a repeat visit, Jewsons (Emilia Ferrara, solid oak) and Homebase (Framed Oak). I will be pricing up an equivalent at diy-kitchens and Wren Kitchens followed by a trip to Wickes for a kitchen planner to help me with my design and cost.

What concerns me slightly is the gaps where I will need small filler pieces. I will need to ensure that for example diy-kitchens, will supply these parts.

So far, the prices of Homebase/Howdens are comparable (8k), Jewsons at (9.5k). This is for everything in the kitchen as it is a total rebuild. The main note is that Homebase does not include worktops and are flat pack. The other 2 quotes do include worktops and the carcases are built, Jewsons with doors on.

Included in the price are 4 integrated appliances at £500 each, and a 900mm Cooker with hood and Splashback, about £1,400.

Thoughts/comments welcome.

robkwal

What worktops are you after although homebase hasn't include worktops depending on what your are after not that big a deal! Maia seems to be a popular worktop at the moment, very easy to fit for DIY enthusists and not to bad on the back pocket!

sheslookinhot

I am after good quality tops, not sure what yet. However, Homebase quoted Granite for me at £8k :eek:

ivavoucher

cally1 wrote: »

I have the lady from Crown Imperial giving me a quote tomorrow.

Hi Cally

Is there a direct line for Crown or do you have to go through an agent?

Those looking at worktop have you considered hi-macs? similar price to granite but I love it.

CKdesigner

Hi All,

Crown are the manufacturer and they sell to 2 distributors, Allied and Waterline who then supply independent kitchen specialists. Crown are a fairly good flat pack kitchen manufacturer.