Howdens Kitchens?

rfowler

Hi All,

Has anyone bought a Howdens kitchen before? Also is it diffrence prices for diffrent people i.e membership etc..

I checked the website and its seems expensive but i have asked around and people seem to be getting a good deal.

Any advice....

Peater

I have just bought one.

They only sell trade, so find yourself a builder who has an account with them. Ideally someone with a personal relationship with someone at Howdens as that's where the good discounts are.

nictry

As I had posted this on a different thread earlier (I didnt see your post/question) but I thought I would post again as you are directly asking about buying one of their kitchens.

I would add we received up to 80% discount as their prices are just stupid to start with but the builders etc. with accounts get a discount based upon their usage/relationship etc.

Anyway onto my experience, dont let it put you off totally as the kitchen (real wood) is beautiful but the service/aftersales leaves a lot to be desired!

I know it is usually only the 'negatives' that tend to be highlighted on forums but I did just want to urge some caution with Howdens (as compared to standard retailers like B&Q and Magnet etc.)

I have recently had a Howdens kitchen fitted and the overall cost was not insignificant (£10k+) so you would think some care/attention/cust service would be in order, however in my case the entire process (following payment) was a nightmare, the initial receipt of the units/worktop/appliances etc. had nearly 40% of the items missing (this despite them having known about the order/delivery for weeks) so a kitchen fitter was booked and could barely do any work withouth constant chasing for the missing parts etc.

There were continued missing items, the delivery driver was a rude and ignorant guy who abused my neighbours just because they asked if they could move their car off their drive (he had blocked their drive and hadnt even started the unload process)

Now things are even worse, one of the appliances broke almost immed and they pretty much accused me of making it up????? The cooker chimney was dented, again I was accused of causing the damage and the biggest nightmare of all is the so called pro fit flooring is coming apart and yet again this appears to be 'our' fault, the fact it can only be fitted one way and our fitter was 15 years experienced seems to be totally unconcerning to them, so we could end up with a kitchen floor that needs completely lifting and the whole kitchen needing refitted

So as they say 'buyer beware' these guys are used to dealing with big corporate customers, tradespeople etc. if you are an individual buying through a builder etc (as we were) you may find your treatment from aftersales leaves a lot to be desired!

rfowler

Peater wrote: »

I have just bought one.

They only sell trade, so find yourself a builder who has an account with them. Ideally someone with a personal relationship with someone at Howdens as that's where the good discounts are.

How much did you spend in there?

rfowler

nictry wrote: »

As I had posted this on a different thread earlier (I didnt see your post/question) but I thought I would post again as you are directly asking about buying one of their kitchens.

I would add we received up to 80% discount as their prices are just stupid to start with but the builders etc. with accounts get a discount based upon their usage/relationship etc.

Anyway onto my experience, dont let it put you off totally as the kitchen (real wood) is beautiful but the service/aftersales leaves a lot to be desired!

Thanks for the heads up

grannybroon

I have a Howden's kitchen. My joiner designed the layout and ordered the units. Delivery was on day stated and everything was there. Joiner did a first class job installing everything. I am delighted with the quality of the units.

katejo

nictry wrote: »

As I had posted this on a different thread earlier (I didnt see your post/question) but I thought I would post again as you are directly asking about buying one of their kitchens.

I would add we received up to 80% discount as their prices are just stupid to start with but the builders etc. with accounts get a discount based upon their usage/relationship etc.

Anyway onto my experience, dont let it put you off totally as the kitchen (real wood) is beautiful but the service/aftersales leaves a lot to be desired!

The feedback which I have heard about B & Q has not been that positive

the3evans

Hi, i used to work for howdens many years ago they used to be part of MFI (MADE FOR IDIOTS ). i would look @ IKEA kitchens they have a 25 year guarantee. :j
much better quality thicker carcases
:beer:

adamg

the3evans wrote: »

Hi, i used to work for howdens many years ago they used to be part of MFI (MADE FOR IDIOTS ). i would look @ IKEA kitchens they have a 25 year guarantee. :j
much better quality thicker carcases
:beer:

With no service gap and flat packed and weeks to wait for extra bits

cddc

the3evans wrote: »

Hi, i used to work for howdens many years ago they used to be part of MFI (MADE FOR IDIOTS ). i would look @ IKEA kitchens they have a 25 year guarantee. :j
much better quality thicker carcases
:beer:

Actually carcasses are same thickness these days, but you are right about Howdens warranty, which is 5 years and via the fitter that bought the kitchen so hope that he is around if you need to claim.

Also make sure you get a Howdens kitchen at the right price. They are reasonable value for the quality if you do, but they are also a good way for certain more unscrupulous fitters to print money, by putting a massive mark up on what Howdens charge them on to the price they charge you.

terrym82

Hi all,

I've had a quote from Howdens for my kitchen, approx 12 units, 3 of which wrap around an American Style Fridge Freezer (bumped up the cost a little).

Total cost with box standard worktops is £3718 (excluding appliances - I will be sourcing from elsewhere).

What's your thoughts on the amount of this quote? It has come through my fitter who has just passed on the Howdens sheet to me (I don't know if they have a separate one with lower cost etc marked up.. may be some fitters on here can help with that..)

The kitchen style is Saponetta Light Oak.

I have considered Wren but after reading their reviews I think that option is a disaster waiting to happen, especially with the nearest store 100 miles from me... will give them a miss I think..

terry