The quality of cheaper kitchens?

smallblueplanet

Hi, I'm starting to get quotes for a 'basic' replacement kitchen of about 2mx3.5m l-shaped. I realise there are different qualities of kitchen even at the cheaper end such as Wickes and IKEA, but the thing is I don't know which is better or more desirable than which.

I've the first chap coming round to quote on Sunday and he's bringing some doors but which type of door is better then which? What is a must on cabinet construction and types of worktop?

Is there anywhere that gives a breakdown of kitchen construction materials?

He will supply & fit (apparently he does Symphony but I can only find bad reviews *eek*) but which other 'cheaper' variety kitchen would you recommend please, having seen some of the comments about IKEA and lack of service spaces and B&Q and delivery problems...

...any help or advice gratefully received, thanks. :beer:

CKdesigner

Hi Smallblueplanet

My advice would be not to bother getting anyone round at this stage, don't waster your time or theirs. As your kitchen seems relatively small and simple I would get the design done first, sort out the combination of units you need. You can do this yourself with an online planner or get a professional kitchen designer to do it for you. Then with this plan visit a few selected kitchen retailers to get them to price it (try some independents as well), this way you will get the most like for like prices you can. When you have chosen your supplier they will want to come round to confirm measurements etc.

You see if you get say 6 different designers round representing 6 different companies with 6 different interpretations of what to do with the space, etc. etc. etc. Doing this makes the price comparison process impossible, and absolutely wastes everyone's time.

Good luck

CK

smallblueplanet

Thanks CK. I have been looking at planning the kitchen - it's maybe fairly straightforward useagewise. I've used IKEA & B&Q (I think) kitchen planner software and the IKEA one adds up the cost of the units. I've looked at Wickes catalogue and others online but as I say just what type of finish to the doors is a good choice - what is all this foil/laminate/etc thing? What type of worktop should I look at - is 28mm too cheap are there things to look for? What about the cabinet construction, does it matter that IKEA's has no 'service space'?

These are the things I won't understand the relevance of when comparing quotes. If I was buying a car and someone said it's 4-door metallic paint with wire wheels versus 2-door standard paint and ordinary wheels I might know how to choose - but what should I look for to be included in a quote? Afterall if I'm not comparing like with like or I don't know that laminate is better than err well I don't know...you see what I mean, how can I compare quotes even in a small kitchen area?

majjie

I'm not allowed to advertise - but if you were to search out my website - you'd find a free guide called "Before You Start". It's got a big section on what costs the money in a kitchen and it describes the characteristics of a good carcasse - and all the door finishes.

I'm not touting for business - I'm absolutely snowed under at the moment (and I don't sell kitchens) - just thought it might help!

Oh - and if you search for IKEA on the site - you'll find my opinions.

smallblueplanet

Thanks majjie - I have been to your website, your name makes you easy to spot! But I skipped over it too quickly obviously and I shall go back and have a proper look, thanks.

Thanks, I've found the link - there is sooo much info! Lol! I'm just waiting for my login to take effect...

00ec25

majjie wrote: »

you'd find a free guide called "Before You Start". .

excellent resource many thanks
nice bit of not advertising too

majjie

You're welcome - I know it's naughty - but the guide is free!