Encore, Maia, Apollo, Earthstone etc worktops

ryder72

If you're saying to me that a purchase is only about utility function, then I agree with you. A Bentley takes you there as does a Mondeo and a Kia. How it makes you feel is another thing. As is, comfortably you arrive there.

A crappy washing machine may last as long as a Miele, maybe more. Its about the statistical probability of a crappy one lasting as long as a good one. Its also about how well is washes your clothes, how much water and energy it uses to wash clothes etc and this is where the likes are Miele generally are ahead of the crowd.

Perhaps we are digressing slightly - My point is this, trying to buy directly from fabricators with price almost always being the main driver comes with its risks which have been mentioned before. I believe those risks are magnified when the worktop in question is a one off sale from a fabricator to a retail customer. One party doesnt know what to look out for to achieve a quality result and the other party can get away with less than perfect workmanship knowing that there is less scrutiny of the end result and no repeat business to be had.

Its obviously not always going to be the case. I have personally seen too many cases of customers buying worktops direct from fabricators (both corian and stone) and the work quality being generally inferior or the delivered product being of a lesser spec than what we would expect to deliver. Its then obvious to see why the worktop was 'cheaper' in the first place.

Shaanbles

kmdesign wrote: »

If you're saying to me that a purchase is only about utility function, then I agree with you. A Bentley takes you there as does a Mondeo and a Kia. How it makes you feel is another thing. As is, comfortably you arrive there.

A crappy washing machine may last as long as a Miele, maybe more. Its about the statistical probability of a crappy one lasting as long as a good one. Its also about how well is washes your clothes, how much water and energy it uses to wash clothes etc and this is where the likes are Miele generally are ahead of the crowd.

Perhaps we are digressing slightly - My point is this, trying to buy directly from fabricators with price almost always being the main driver comes with its risks which have been mentioned before. I believe those risks are magnified when the worktop in question is a one off sale from a fabricator to a retail customer. One party doesnt know what to look out for to achieve a quality result and the other party can get away with less than perfect workmanship knowing that there is less scrutiny of the end result and no repeat business to be had.

Its obviously not always going to be the case. I have personally seen too many cases of customers buying worktops direct from fabricators (both corian and stone) and the work quality being generally inferior or the delivered product being of a lesser spec than what we would expect to deliver. Its then obvious to see why the worktop was 'cheaper' in the first place.

KM I have to disagree with you. As a retail customer I have to balance up whether paying an extra £1500 - £2000 for the same worktop is worth it. I've had quotes direct from fabricators that supply the local kitchen retailers and the price offered to me is £1000 less - and I know it'll be the same fabricator doing the job. So why would I go through the kitchen retailer??

If I was to go through a kitchen retailer I would end up paying almost £20K - I already know I can get appliances cheaper, the same kitchen doors cheaper and splashbacks and worktops cheaper - hoping to come in at under £8K for the same thing by just doing a bit of work searching for the best deals. For me piece of mind is NOT worth £12K!

There are also companies, like Diapol, who you don't pay until the job is finished and you are satisfied. I'm on this site reading threads where people have found their own fabricators and been happy. I might be proved wrong but I'm prepared to take the risk and go with a company that has recommendations but doesn't charge the earth.