Kitchen Planning

Monkeymagic

Meepster - yes, that would be my preferred option and then present it to howdens as this is what I want and how much is it going to cost me. How should I go about finding a 'real' one?

cddc

The trick with Howdens is to get someone else to design it properly and then take their design to Howdens for a price comparison.

Most Howdens branches have so called designers who could not design their way out of a paper bag. I have seen many terrible or even illegal under building regs efforts from Howdens.

The only real advantge of using Howdens to be honest, is cheaper fitting as pre-assembled units obviously take less time to fit, and the fact that they stock so any delivery errors/damages can be quickly rectified. The units themselves are only glued and dowelled (no cams) and only have MDF back panels. Whatever others say on here a properly assembled decent flatpack eg: Wickes and a few others will be just as servicable if not better if they are solid backed.

To make it competetive on price for the kitchen you really need to haggle them down to 75% and 70% discounts. Do bear in mind though that even if the headline price of the units is higher than flatpack competition you will save on the fitting time and hence cost by getting a pre-assmbled unit.

Meepster

Monkeymagic wrote: »

Meepster - yes, that would be my preferred option and then present it to howdens as this is what I want and how much is it going to cost me. How should I go about finding a 'real' one?

I'll help you design it if you like...

Monkeymagic

Meepster wrote: »

I'll help you design it if you like...

Thats a very kind offer, thank you I have spent the last couple of hours working out how to show you plans. I have uploaded the plans and birds eye views of the 'designs' from B&Q and Howdens here (fingers crossed it has worked) http://s1135.photobucket.com/albums/m623/monkeymoo9/

the B&Q one is the most accurate (they have at least included both windows )
They were both presented with the same list of must haves and dont wants which were
Must have - wide (as big as poss) tower pull out or pull and swing larder, one open unit (not shelves) for cook books, space for american f/f (which havent got and may come much later so asked it not to be built in as in no units above it), round sink, pan drawers under hob, 4 ring gas hob, built in double oven, built in dishwasher, breakfast bar area where i can chop carrots one side while kids do homework other side - hence dont want hob in it. And i really like curves, no sharp edges on corners or worktops. wanted cream cupboards and oak style (too clumsy for the real mccoy) worktops. simple matt handles.
Dont wants - not keen on islands and not sure space is right for that anyway, no glass cupboards, none of those wall cupboards where the door lifts up.
Other things may need to know, currently the kitchen is only half this size. If you look at B&Q plan, there is large arch currently between where they have suggested the hob, across to end of where they put the pull out larder. This is being knocked out and steel put in ceiling. on same plan, we currently have a door where they have put f/f. this leads into extremely piddly utility area and downstairs loo. this door will be blocked up as planning on chopping bit off our ridiculously large dining room to make an almost ridiculously large utility - that will all come later so we didnt ask for that in plans, but just wanted to explain why no wash mach or tumble dry in plan and to explain doorway F2 on b&q plan doesnt yet exist and can be moved along. Phew!
So there we have it, fairly specific but thought that would make it easier for them. Apart from that, I am open to suggestions and all help gratefully received. Bet you're glad you asked now

Kitchenlady

Go back to Howdens and speak to the designer about your concerns. It is important that you are happy with the kitchen as you have to live with it for the next 15 years or so!

I notice that the Howdens plan has a wall that goes back coming away from the sink wall and the B & Q doesn't. If this piece of wall is straight then the Howdens plan could be tweaked by turning the corner unit around and putting the sink unit up to the corner. This will mean that the hob can move back to where it needs to be. I know that the sinks you have chosen need a 1000 base for all the plumbing that comes with them. If there is other building work to be done are you able to move any electrics or gas pipes to allow you to move the hob to a different position?

Also, I think I have added it up correctly ,you could probably put a 300 larder to either side of your american fridge freezer (on the howdens plan) I know that you asked for as big a larder as possible but you could have one shelved and one with a pull out. This will move the pull out away from bifold door.

Hope this helps

Leif

I am sure there are a number of independent kitchen sellers near you. Optiplan is one example, but there are others. In the case of Optiplan, they will sit down with you and take 10 minutes to create a rough design, with a price. It is only rough, maybe +/- 10%, but it'll give you an idea, and if you like the look, they can do a proper design, and I think you are not committed until you sign the paper. There are of course places like Magnet too. And then there are companies that do the design and fitting for you using off the shelf stuff from Howdens etc. CheckATrade is one way to find some companies. I'm not sure how they operate, but I think they usually visit, chat with you, take measurements, go away, then supply a quotation. Probably quite a bit of time is spent doing quotes for prospective clients, but when you employ them you know all the money goes to the fitters, not some shed like B&Q, who pay the fitters a pittance.

Viorica_2

The best plan for you will be if you search on the magazine what do you like and then hire some one to do the remodeling, because I have remodel my kitchen 3 years ago, and I like what I have done. I took different ideas from different magazines, put them together and then I was looking for someone who could do the job I wanted. I am happy! Do not put price on the job, look at the quality and if you like it. That is the important think to do. You spend a lot of time in the kitchen!!

Monkeymagic

Thank for replies. Yes I am more than happy to look at electrics, gas pipes etc being moved, and had also thought about moving sink to the corner. Not keen on 300 size units though, much prefer wider ones.
May look at independents next as suggested, just always assume they are more expensive?

Meepster

Hi

Sorry for not looking at your plan earlier, been a little busy. Anyone would think there was a sale on or something lol

I'll download your plans tonight and put something together for you tomrorow

Meepster

Ok, plan done. Will upload pictures when I get home tonight