Howdens or diy-kitchens.com

mike_the_bike_2

Just out of interest (and I don't want to derail the thread) did you ever look at Benchmark kitchens at Travis Perkins? We went though this whole kitchen selection process 18 months ago and after much deliberation used them.. Basically they are trying to plat catch up with Howdens and INHO the kitchens are far better quality. They had a showroom we could visit and they computer planned it for us. We were allowed to open a "trade account" with them and the price was very competitive after we explained it was either them or Howdens. On arrival 2 pieces were slightly damaged and we received free replacements home delivered with 48hrs.

redrosegirlie

Thanks for all of your replies.

Maintenanceman, that's a shame you are too far away from the showroom but see if any kitchen places near you do Second Nature kitchens.

cddc,
Thank you! You have helped me to nearly make my mind up.

And Mike, thank you too. I will have a look at the Benchmark kitchens before I fully decide what to do.

I contacted an independant fitter today who said he likes his customers to source their own kitchens themselves so no bias there. On a minus point he can't come round for 2-3 weeks to do a quote as he is very busy! I take that as a good sign as a busy fitter is usually good.

aggypanthus

maintenanceman wrote: »

It's funny, I a in the same situation. Howdens or Diy.com. I am sceptical at buying over the internrt as I cannot see the product. It seems DIY kitchen manufacture their own carcasses, but they offer the Second Nature range, which from what I believe are doors by PBS. Can any one correct me on this.
Also with Howdens you only have a choice of white or oak carcasses, whereas whith diy kitchens you have the choice of matching carcasses.
As I am fitting the kitchen myself what worries me from buying over the interenet is possible delays with items, possibilty of incorrectly ordered item or missing items. All which will be hassle to sort out. Also you have to design the kitchen and buy it yourself with DIY kitchens. I am leaning towards DIY kitchens as I feel I might get a better product at a lesser price but the I can forsee downfalls so am not yet committed either way
Buying from howdens will be easier as you can visit their branches and sort out problems. That's the only advantage I can see from buying from Howdens.

I got mine from DIY 5 years ago, we visited the factory and they were pleased to show us around the factory. they are very helpful when ordering online or by phone. YES they are PWS second nature doors.
The carcasses come ready glued and built, you can choose to have them not glued if you want more flexibility.
Also consider joiners for quotes, not just kitchen fitters.

GandalfTheTight

+1 for DIY kitchens, got mine ready built from them. Fitters very happy with results. But you do need to do own plans and take responsibility. Very good price and good quality.

penguingirl

another +1 for DIY kitchens. We visited the showroom/factory before we chose (about a 90 minute drive for us) and spent a lot of time going over the design (with a bit of help from this forum). I also found DIY kitchens to be very helpful when we emailed them a couple of queries about options for getting a cupboard for an awkward space. As aggypanthus said the carcasses came pre-glued, although we chose to have a couple that weren't (under the sink and a corner cupboard that needed a bit of reconstructing behind the scenes to make them fit around pipes). Apparently they are very good about sending out replacement parts for damaged/ missing things, but we didn't need that as everything was spot on with our order and it does feel like good quality.

We didn't buy worktops or handles from them, just got those from a local timber yard and steel merchant as it worked out cheaper.

aggypanthus

As above, I got my handles and worktops from another source.

redrosegirlie

Brill! I have made my mind up to buy from diy-kitchens. Thanks everyone.

It's a shame that even though they have extended the current sale I can't buy them yet as the fitter that I have found can't go through my plans for another couple of weeks. (He said he would help me to order it all).

Does anyone know when they usually do their 10% discount sales?

firstflat

I am also choosing a kitchen supplier and have done plans at B&Q as my builder was there and at Howdens, whose measured and almost matched the price but have now gone silent on me. I can't decide which is better quality and warranty: Howdens or B&Q? Or anywhere else? This forum suggests Howdens are not that good service after buying. But they look better quality than B&Q. Can anyone help? Is Howdens better quality for the same items, even if B&Q is a bit cheaper, or not?
I have a builder who has an account there too, and have done the plan there. B&Q have less range and doesn't look quite as good but I note the points about Howden's appliances made on this forum.
I can't see a local Wickes (I'm in Finchley) and Homebase delivery time = 5 weeks, can't wait that long.
Thanks!

aggypanthus

maintenanceman wrote: »

It's funny, I a in the same situation. Howdens or Diy.com. I am sceptical at buying over the internrt as I cannot see the product. It seems DIY kitchen manufacture their own carcasses, but they offer the Second Nature range, which from what I believe are doors by PBS. Can any one correct me on this.
Also with Howdens you only have a choice of white or oak carcasses, whereas whith diy kitchens you have the choice of matching carcasses.
As I am fitting the kitchen myself what worries me from buying over the interenet is possible delays with items, possibilty of incorrectly ordered item or missing items. All which will be hassle to sort out. Also you have to design the kitchen and buy it yourself with DIY kitchens. I am leaning towards DIY kitchens as I feel I might get a better product at a lesser price but the I can forsee downfalls so am not yet committed either way
Buying from howdens will be easier as you can visit their branches and sort out problems. That's the only advantage I can see from buying from Howdens.

DIY - we had a factory tour and then bought ours. they are very helpful if you need planning advice , dont be put off for this reason.
they will call you back to ensure everything required is on the order.

aggypanthus

email plan

redrosegirlie wrote: »

Brill! I have made my mind up to buy from diy-kitchens. Thanks everyone.

It's a shame that even though they have extended the current sale I can't buy them yet as the fitter that I have found can't go through my plans for another couple of weeks. (He said he would help me to order it all).

Does anyone know when they usually do their 10% discount sales?

email plans to DIY they will advise you, ask for discount as you are a serious buyer