Replacing my kitchen - where should I go?

nikki2804

I'm looking to replace my kitchen (last owners seem to have damaged most of the doors and the kitchen isnt made anymore)

I got a quote from Howdens, max discount, no special gadgets and its still £3500. Tbh with the discount I expected a lot cheaper. I'm happy to pay for quality, reviews for Howdens seem a bit hit and miss though.

Who would you go to to buy a kitchen? Fitting is no issue so I don't have to include that in the price.

Thanks

Yorkie1

I've heard a lot of people say they are happy with their Ikea kitchens. I think they're a bit tricky if your walls aren't straight, though.

nikki2804

Yorkie1 wrote: »

I've heard a lot of people say they are happy with their Ikea kitchens. I think they're a bit tricky if your walls aren't straight, though.

I don't have a flush wall in the entire house.

I like the idea of an ikea kitchen, all the storage appeals but something puts me off. Not sure what though.

I've looked at loads of kitchens online but have yet to see one I loved. Prior to owning a house I found loads I liked. Sod's law!

manda1205

If you're still not happy with Howdens quote, ask to speak to the manager, depending on how they have met their targets he may let you have more off. Ours certainly did, I told him it was still over my budget so he dropped it down from £3400 to a round £3000.

andrewf75

Currently designing one from Benchmarx and we're really impressed (although we haven't got it yet so can only comment on initial impressions of the company not the final product). Similar price to Howdens, but I think they are generally rated higher.

I've noticed Howdens and Benchmarx kitchens on ebay. They seem suspiciously cheap but if you're going to fit it yourself it may be an option.

nikki2804

I might speak to Howdens again, I just feel a bit underwhelmed at the kitchen they designed.

I've seen a lot of reviews for diy-kitchens.com and some of the units look nice, anyone any experience of them? Is it a case of too good to be true?

pollypenny

Why not try a local firm?

You may find that they won't charge for the extras, like pull out drawers etc.

DigForVictory

A neighbour bought her Benchmarx from eBay. (Vendor had been given a newer & even nicer one - we speculated libellously as to why!) Her husband fitted it, nothing wrong with any part, & it's *stunning*.

nikki2804

I looked at a local firm, guy lives opposite me and seems to think that the value of my home means I can spend tens of thousands on a kitchen. £15000 is apparently a budget kitchen with no fitting! Put me off a little but ill investigate other local firms.

Benchmarx has been mentioned a few times, will look into them too.

cattie

I had a new kitchen some months ago now & went for quotes & designs to Howden's Magnet & then Benchmarx, choosing pretty much the same kitchen from their ranges.

Magnet refused to budge on price, Howden's were taking too much time to get back to us, so in the end I went with Benchmarx as they were the most competitive. I was very impressed with their service too as when a drawer front was found to have slight damage once fitting started, a phone call to Benchmarx resulted in one of their drivers dropping off a replacement that afternoon.

I'm more than happy with my kitchen & would certainly use them again.

emz118

We have a Howdens kitchen (in our cottage rented from my parents) and it's great quality. I can't comment on price as I have no idea what it cost, but it has been in for over 2 years and it's solid and sturdy compared to the previous 25 year old kitchen that was falling off the walls!!!
My parents have a Howdens too and were obviously pleased with it as they ordered ours after having theirs done.