New Kitchen - Recommend an approach!

ezman

Hi,

I am currently having an extension built and it will need a kitchen!
I have been to a couple of kitchen designers, one specialising in German kitchens, the other was selling dutch kitches

Both companies have quoted around £12k with integrated oven, combi microwave and fridge. This also includes laminate worktops
It would be quite a big kitchen with an island but I'd still hope I could pay a lower price AND get some real worktops.

Is a possible approach to get say, IKEA or Howdens units and then focus in on the worktops from a 3rd party?

I like the fact these design companies will take care of the project but they like to stick to their supply partners and have been extolling the virtues of high quality cabinets...and also selling me no brand, low end appliances because I'm not spending £40k.

Any good strategies for getting a good kitchen at a good value price?

I'm not asking for magic, your responses could help me to get real!

suisidevw

Absolutely. This is very easy with a bit of planning. I got units etc fro Howden, sourced my own tiles and appliances and got a local stonedealer out for the worktops. Very happy with it all

kah22

I'm in a somewhat similar position to ezman, I'm building a new kitchen and my architect has suggested sourcing my own cabinets and worktops and paying a fitter to put the stuff together

IKEA kitchens seem good but not standard, don't know that much about B&Q's kitchens although I have heard they are better constructed than IKEA.

Keep us up to date ezman with how you are getting along

redmalc

Ezman,in my opinion the quote you had is pretty good,i researched the market a year ago and it was a nightmare,in the end i paid 20K for the units and appliances, i replaced every appliance with Siemens and included a coffee maker.
The quote included minor building work,Karndean Floor,designer Radiator,and a new ceiling.
What part of the UK are you because the company i had were very good and i would recommend them,i am based in Nottingham.

redmalc

Ezman,in my opinion the quote you had is pretty good,i researched the market a year ago and it was a nightmare,in the end i paid 20K for the units and appliances, i replaced every appliance with Siemens and included a coffee maker.
The quote included minor building work,Karndean Floor,designer Radiator,and a new ceiling.
What part of the UK are you because the company i had were very good and i would recommend them,i am based in Nottingham.

redmalc

:jEzman,in my opinion the quote you had is pretty good,i researched the market a year ago and it was a nightmare,in the end i paid 20K for the units and appliances, i replaced every appliance with Siemens and included a coffee maker.
The quote included minor building work,Karndean Floor,designer Radiator,and a new ceiling.
What part of the UK are you because the company i had were very good and i would recommend them,i am based in Nottingham.

andrewf75

Try Howdens and Benchmarx. They will be cheaper than the fancy german firms and you can add stone or wood worktops and specify the high end appliances.

katejo

I got a kitchen from Magnet Trade but rejected their worktops in favour of Duropal. Also flooring from Homebase and appliances from John Lewis and a local store.

ezman

Thanks all, I went to IKEA and spent a good cpuple of hours with their kitchen designer - definitely works out a lot cheaper but if you use their kitchens fitters (approx 3k!) and stone suppliers you're almost in the same ball park as the other specialist design route.

I'm thinking of contacting some worktop companies in leeds and seeing if it could pay off working backwards from their, see if they can recommend anybody...will keep you posted.

suisidevw

Just get a fitter that can do everything that isn't subbed out by Ikea etc, obviously one that has been recommended!

I think Mayfair Granite are near you and they get excellent reviews.

kah22

ezman wrote: »

Thanks all, I went to IKEA and spent a good cpuple of hours with their kitchen designer

ezman I've been looking at the IKEA site; a home visit by an IKEA designer will cost £50.

Do they charge instore and what service do they offer there.
Kevin