Kitchen

RoisinD

After doing a year of research, I can confirm that:

B&Q
Homebase
Wikes
MFI

Will always have a 'sale' on... extra 10% days etc.

After collecting catalogues for a year the prices never change... its the same old thing really.. there is never a sale.

As for FRANCE, I have also heard this about barthrooms....

come on someone must have the answer...

if no I will have to post on https://www.moneysavingexpert.FR

Have you had a look at Howdens, who I believe are the trade 'arm' of MFI. They are much cheaper and have branches throughout the country. Shouldn't be too difficult to get someone in the trade to help.

I too am interested in looking at France as I hope to start building my own house later this year. I did see something about bathrooms on Property Ladder some time ago but have found it difficult to get further info. Had a look at Leroy Merlin site (there is one in Calais) but as I have no knowledge of French I am struggling. Any help would be appreciated.

Suggs

Have you had a look at Howdens, who I believe are the trade 'arm' of MFI. They are  much cheaper and have branches throughout the country. Shouldn't be too difficult to get someone in the trade to help.

I can confirm Howdens are pretty good, I just had my kitchen fitted by an independent installer, he was very good and Howdens supply the carcasses pre-made, which saves time.

Anyway I have a standard Fridge, an standard upright Freezer and an electric cooker all around 3 years old, all working, How do I "give them away" the local chairty shops/Depots wont take them ???

lkalka

Cheers for the help on this one.

Ended up ordering from a local firm - nearly made a complete c**k up. I thought all wall unit were a standard size but because of restrictions ours have a max height of 570 mm (normal size is 720 mm) - I was very close to ordering standard ones.

Because of the non standard wall units I couldn't order from MFI, Wickes or the 'bulk' companies etc.

The local firm do made to measure units and ready made carcasses and the quality is much better. The carcasses are also the same colour as the units.

Best quote was 2,100 from MFI (after getting an extra 10% of there discounted price) for the Schreider range - paid £2,500 so although more expensive - seem to me a decent buy.

Cheers.

Mick.

alasota

As a kitchen fitter by trade (well, fitter/carpenter etc.), if you want cheap and very good quality 'standard' kitchens, you will not do much better than Howdens. I've been fitting them for quite a while now, and if you get a trader on your side, you will get a very good price. (or open an account yourself - you can only ask!) They also always have some special on - especially in the final year quarter.

The Oldham place is certainly not the place to get your kitchens from. Not only do they arrive flat, they have no instuctions to speak of, no pre-drilled holes and essentially are non standard cabinets. Having quoted to fit one of these things about 2 years ago in a normal sized kitchen, what would normally take about a week to fit took 12 working days, and it was a !!!!!! in other ways. Incorrect delivery (and because it is all flat, you cannot check until you are ready to fit), absolutley awful customer service - I went to the factory to change some doors that they incorrectly sent, and the hassle and insultss I got was just not appropriate. Finally, the doors started fading within 2 months of fitting them. I felt quite sorry for the customer, I could have suplied and fitted a much better kitchen myself for much less.

In summary, Howdens are great for your basic kitchen. You want something special, go to your local. Avoid the Oldham place like the plague unless you really want cheap units that are a !!!!!! to install and do not last very long!

Hope this helps you - but probably a bit late!

lkalka

Hi alasota,

Thanks for the response, not too late yet as I've sort of given the nod but no contract signed and no deposit given - yet!!!

How does Howdens work - do you know if the is a branch near me (Chorley - North West)?

One other question, do you know if they do non-standard height wall units as the max I can have is 570mm.

The website seems to be down at the moment so I cannot check.

Thanks.

Mick.

BlondieE

I am also looking to purchase new kitchen. Had B & Q out on home visit to design and price. Price of units were £3100 which I found quite reasonable but installation was another £3000 ... think this is quite expensive.

I found out from friend that they have account with Howdens - would I be cheaper buying kitchen from them - could anyone tell me do they sell appliances and do they have a installation service.

All advice would be greatly appreciated as I feel our 30 year old kitchen and brown tiles are 'slightly dated'!!! ::)

aminchom

Our new kitchen is being fitted in 2 weeks time. Got it from a local family firm of joiners. Total cost is just under £9000, but less than £2000 of this is fitting (that includes kitchen, electrician, gas fitter and tiler). Obviously, I dont know how big or complex your kitchen is but Id shop around for someone else to fit it as £3000 sounds a bit steep.

psy

I found out from friend that they have account with Howdens - would I be cheaper buying kitchen from them - could anyone tell me do they sell appliances and do they have a installation service.

Blondie - Howdens is the trade side of MFI. Prices are about the same as MFI, but the carcass is a Schrieber and come ready made (MFI sell Schreiber and Hygena kitchens, Schreiber the more expensive).

Howdens hold kitchens in stock rather than waiting weeks from MFI. They do sell appliances (same range as MFI), but I've found them to be over-priced.

As far as I know they don't offer an installation service.

BlondieE

Thanks aminchom and psy, went to MFI today and found their kitchens to be reasonably priced but will also get quote from Howdens to see price difference.

Bought my appliances from B & Q - brilliant deal on those items. I will shop around for joiner. MFI are charging £1200 for fitting only excluding all electrial and plumbing!

Psy - do you know if I was to buy Hygena kitchen would Howdens supply them will schreiber units and do they sell accessories such as worktops and lighting etc.

Thanks again for all your help.

lo-jo_2

Howdens are trade arm MFI but you get better carcasses and don't have to wait for them which is great for alterations to plans during works and if anything is damaged.