getting a new kitchen....how should I do it?

muffinmclean

I am hoping to get my kitchen done, I dont just want units out new ones in, I will have to knock down a small cupboard, and id like to jiggle things about a bit so I was wanting it computer designed first. The thing is, I am giong to need a plasterer, tiler, plumber, kitchen fitter and no doubt other trades, so is it easier but a LOT dearer getting a company? i just cant be bothered with hassle and thought this the easier option. Not sure if places like b&q are worth going with either or whether to get a local company. I've never done this before so sorry if I seem daft, thanks for any insights!

maggie111

Bump for this - I am (fingers crossed) buying a new house and will be doing something similar so any advice would be appreciated

booty40uk

Hi
Your best bet is to get one of the sheds round to do the design for you. They will measure up the room taking into account the changes you want to make and then design a kitchen to fit the space and your needs. Once you have a plan, you can then call in people to quote you on the installation.

The sheds will charge a small fortune for installation so you'ld be better off getting in local companies for your quotes. As you have said, you will need a fitter, electrician, plumber/gas fitter, tiler, plasterer etc etc and a decent company will be able to supply all of these within their quote. Make sure that the quotes include everything that you want, or that needs, doing.

Get at least 3 quotes and get references with them. Call the references and if possible look at some of their previous work.
If possible, get quotes from companies that have been used by friends or family and come recommended to you by these people.

The sheds will try to give you the hard sell but you are under no obligation with them but make sure that their design service is free first. Most are.

By the sounds of it, your kitchen will be slightly dearer than a usual fit because of the building work required but, in my experience, you should still save anywhere from 25% to 50% on the sheds installation costs.

If you are anywhere near South Wales you can contact me for a quote. There are also several other fitters on here around the country that may be able to help you out.

HTH

Andy

premkit

as andy above, it is a lot of hassel getting and looking for the kitchen you will be happy with.
wickes
magnet
howdens
homebase
b+q
ikea

in that order, i have fitted them all. wickes have a fixed install admin around 480, this will not change, the fit charge will depending on size.
the bigger the company the bigger the chance you have of getting a fitter from hell.

CKdesigner

Hi

It sounds to me like you want someone with a bit more of a kitchen design background/experience round to give you some options rather than the non specialist 'kitchen designer' from a DIY store. I would suggest for a proper designer you have 2 options:

1) Contact a freelance kitchen designer who is truely independent like www.advancedkd.co.uk obviously they charge for this service but you will get a set of plans for a well designed kitchen that you can take to any kitchen company from the likes of Ikea up to Bultaup who can then quote you for the products and services etc. Generally these sort of freelance kitchen designers charge £200 - £300.

2) Visit a local independent kitchen specialist (like me!:D) who obviously wants to sell you their products but generally you will also get a very well designed kitchen, as afterall, it is their business so they have to do a good job. Then the idependent specialist will have a group of trades people that do all their work from the fitting, electrics, tilling to decorating.

Family and friends is a good place to start for a recommendation. Alternatively have a look on the Miele and Neff appliance websites and find a local independent kitchen specialist to you. I suggest these 2 appliance manufacturers sites as any decent kitchen specialist should have an account with both or either of these companies as they do have to prove to be proffesional in the business to have these accounts especially Miele.

The choice is yours, I think with option 1 you will have more leg work to do yourself and option 2 should be fine. You just need to feel comfortable with whoever you choose, but the main thing I would say is avoid the DIY stores if you want your space designed properly and individual to you.

Good luck and I hope you generally find the experience enjoyable!

Meepster

OK...

STAGE 1: go to Wickes and get them to do a home survey. Then make an appointment to go see them when they have done a plan. At the end of this appointment, say you can't make a decision without consulting your OH, but they are away on business, so can they give you the plan (not the 3D drawings, you don't need them for stage 2) if they refuse, simply say that you were hoping to make a decision in the next week, but if you can't get the plans from them, it will be 6 weeks before you can decide, they should then give you the plans. (The DC's in Wickes are on a monthly commission structure, and will want to get any sales in ASAP, not wait for a few weeks, so will usually give you what you want, you just need to seem REALLY keen)

STAGE 2: Shop around, if you are wanting ANY building work done, the sheds will be VERY expensive for installation, so be prepared to get a price for the kitchen etc and a seperate quotation for installation/building work. (However, this means you have two companies to deal with). Also go to some local independants and get quotes from them. Most decent independants will be able to offer you a complete price, for all installation and building work and will also project manage the whole job for you, which will get rid of some of the stress.

STAGE 3: Open a beer and relax as all the work is then done for you...

Meepster

CKdesigner wrote: »

You just need to feel comfortable with whoever you choose, but the main thing I would say is avoid the DIY stores if you want your space designed properly and individual to you.

Grrrr CK, how many times I have told you to not put all designers who work in sheds in the same basket? They don't all "put boxes in rooms, ya know :rolleyes:

CKdesigner

mwilletts wrote: »

Grrrr CK, how many times I have told you to not put all designers who work in sheds in the same basket? They don't all "put boxes in rooms, ya know :rolleyes:

LOL! I agree with you, obviously there are some good ones out there somewhere! And Wickes is the place I think to find the better kitchen designers (for a DIY store) but I feel the problem is also the products they have to work with are quiet limiting with sizes etc.

Meepster

CKdesigner wrote: »

but I feel the problem is also the products they have to work with are quiet limiting with sizes etc.

That's definately true. I can't believe the fact that Wickes have introduced a 450mm fascia, (to be used with a slimline dishwasher, whereas before you had to put a 500mm door on) but they haven't introduced a 450mm unit. That just seemed really daft. I also don't like the fact that their tall units are only available in 1970mm high. This can get quite restricting where there are low ceilings (I lost a couple of deals when at Wickes due to this)...

Otherwise, they aren't "that bad" I guess...

CKdesigner

mwilletts wrote: »

That's definately true. I can't believe the fact that Wickes have introduced a 450mm fascia, (to be used with a slimline dishwasher, whereas before you had to put a 500mm door on) but they haven't introduced a 450mm unit. That just seemed really daft. I also don't like the fact that their tall units are only available in 1970mm high. This can get quite restricting where there are low ceilings (I lost a couple of deals when at Wickes due to this)...

Otherwise, they aren't "that bad" I guess...

Cricky! I knew the choice wasn't that great but I didn't realize it was that restricting!

Meepster

Yup, can be quite restricting at times. And please don't get me started on their appliances...

P.S. Are you going over to Kuchenmeile this year?