Very long and stressful Kitchen Fit

BBriton

Hi there,
I paid in full for a kitchen to be delivered.The company said they have their own recommended fitters to use but are not responsible for the kitchen fit. All the costs of fitting and dates to install the kitchen were done with the kitchen company and everything was organised through them and not a fitter. I was told the kitchen fit would last 3-6 days. I said that this would be fine but eager for things to not take longer as I was pregnant. I am now in week 7 of my kitchen fit!!!and my baby is due to 2 weeks time which is immensely stressful. 6 weeks ago I reported problems with the plugs (the non-standard smart chrome push in types by Villeroy and Bosh). I was desperate to get them replaced in order to do the washing up. Each person from the kitchen company said they would deal with it and then went on holiday before doing anything. I was told today that someone had ordered the parts but the closest delivery is in 2 months! Nobody has an explanation as to why these were'n't ordered 6 weeks ago. Seems totally crazy. I also have a cracked door and a warped door that need replacing. I have been told they aim to replace the doors but they won't put this in writing or say when.

I have not paid for my kitchen fit yet as I only have to pay on completion but I really wanted this over and done with before the baby arrives. The kitchen fitters seldom turned up, damaged the kitchen and walls. I've had to wait for their painters to come and repair everything.

Any suggestions as to what more to do? Going nowhere fast. Am I entitled to deduct money for my kitchen fit or compensation for the huge amount of time this has taken. Can't quite believe I haven't even had an apology or response from the manager.

forgotmyname

You cannot decide your own compensation and not pay them that amount.

You risk them taking you to court for the balance + costs. Or them coming round to remedy something and making matters worse.

My previous job had me chatting to various fitters and some of the stories make you think hard about who to trust. And what they can get upto.

When paying you need to make it clear its paid under protest. Or put the bill into dispute 1st. Paid or going to pay by credit card?

Someone will come along later and give you a better legal path.

But write a list of all jobs that needs doing, Go through everything with an extra
pair of eyes.

When you 1st said 7 weeks. I thought. No way, But it seems it was fitted in the 3 - 6 days? And these are remedials?

Maybe a name and shame? Seems to work for some.

A few negative posts on here and somethings its amazing what they are suddenly willing to do.

Bad comments soon spread in this day and age.

This website pops up quite high on google searches, Sometimes above that
of the companies website.

Thats not a good thing when potential customers google their name and your post appears with terrible reviews, And the worst bit are the issues have gone un-resolved.

I would go running to another company.

arcon5

Put your issues in writing, so if they won't you have your own recOrds of what conversations took Place

I'd be tempted to give them say 7 days to complete the work and tell them if it isn't complete by then you will get somebody else in to complete the work and deduct the cost from the total bill.

A judge would accept this if you gave them reasonable opportunity to rectify it, but may be less sympathetic for you giving yourself compensation for stress out of it

somethingcorporate

I agree the above, you cannot be arbitrary in how much you deduct.

Get a couple of quotes from remedial work and deduct this and get it finished off elsewhere.

Probably best to give them 7 days in which to fix it first.

BBriton

I've already paid for my kitchen in full (no money to hold back) The fitters are independent (although recommended by the kitchen company) and the damaged doors/plugs need to come from the kitchen company before they are installed. I can't deduct the money for the doors/plugs from the installers as it is up to the kitchen company to replace the damaged goods. The installers just fit.

I've put everything in writing to the kitchen company, including giving them 7 days, no response.

The problems with the fitters were the amount of time they took (6 weeks to a functioning kitchen, wish it was 6 days). I saw there was a problem with the plugs before the sink was even installed.

I don't think the kitchen company will pay me back any money and don't want to be out of pockets by paying out for replacement doors/plugs from my own money.

So I'm still unclear as to what action I can take.

somethingcorporate

You should be able to sue the company for the cost of rectifying the mistakes. Get a couple of quotes, demand that they come and rectify otherwise pursue them through the courts (moneyclaim online) for the cost of getting it fixed elsewhere.

pinkshoes

Makes my 4 week ongoing bathroom installation seem not too bad!

I'd write to the fitters with a full list of all work that needs doing, and ask them for dates when the work is going to be done. Remind them that they originally promised 6 days, so that if they are unable to finish the kitchen to a high standard in a reasonable timeframe, you will have to employ someone else to finish it, and deduct the cost from the money you are due to pay them.

MelMango

Hi. Newbie here. We have just had a lucky escape with a company called Betta Living. We have had so many lies told and problems even before our kitchen was installed that you would not believe. I have been on forum sites to look at reviews on well known companies but they all seem to be negative e.g. Tescos, B&Q etc. We are wary about using an independent fitter as nobody we know can recommend one. How do we find a good one in Nottingham? I have been on Trust a Trader and there are no kitchen fitters on there that work in Nottingham!!!

I am getting so upset and stressed with all this so I hope someone can give me some advice please.