Belgam Kitchens

carlm_3

Hi, We've just received a fitted kitchen quote from Belgam Kitchens, the price is really good but we can't find much info on the company.

Has anybody here bought a Kitchen from them?

malliw

yes. don't bother.

coldray

We have just had a belgam kitchen fitted and are pleased with the service and workmanship that we received. There were a couple of hick ups along the way but nothing that couldnt be sorted out. Lindsey who works in their office was a joy to work with.

We would recommend using them.

H.

BelgamKitchensNightmare

Hi all

We've had a real nightmare with Belgam Kitchens. We looked at lots of online reviews for fitted kitchens and Belgam seemed to come out well. However, we strongly advise you not to use them.

At time of writing it's 7 months later and Belgam still haven't finished our fitted kitchen. The cupboard they built to house the boiler had to be broken by the boiler manufacturer to access it when it needed a repair. The washing machine can't be repaired because it's been wedged in under the counter with a large piece of wood rather than set on legs. So we've been using the launderette for two weeks. The sink doesn't work either. A sink only needs to be able to keep water in it but it doesn't even manage that.

We'd planned to have everything done a long time in advance of having our first baby. As it is, the baby is due any time now and we have no washing machine, broken cupboards and a sink that leaks.

Belgam Kitchens tell us one thing but then do another, or, more commonly, don't do anything at all. We're currently trying to get our money back from them. We strongly advise you to try another company.

Meepster

Can't say I've heard of them, but thought I would offer some impartial advice, seeing that the only other ppl who've replied are first posters...

They are supplying a decent kitchen (PWS, Burbidge and Uform) There will be plenty of other independants in the area who are suppling the same kitchens, so shop around and compare quotes...

And if they are offering to supply you with the CDA appliances, don't bother, they aren't that good...

BelgamKitchensNightmare

Yep, we had CDA, AEG and Bosch appliances. The CDA washing machine is the only one we've had problems with but it's exacerbated by the service engineer not being able to access the machine due to the fitting.

Belgam Kitchens aren't replying to my emails or phone calls now. Any suggestions?

cheesesarnie

.ha...I'm moving house to get away from my CDA washer/dryer!

BelgamKitchensNightmare

Seriously though, does anyone know what I can do? We're stuck in limbo at the moment. Is there a trade body I can contact about Belgam Kitchens or an ombudsman like there is for financial malpractice?

Meepster

There is a trade body, but as they aren't registered with them, they can't help you. Sorry...

Keeop

They are in breach of the Sales of Goods and Services Act. Write to them explaining the situation you have been left in and post the letter recorded delivery. If you fail to get a response, get a quote from another company to put the work right and then write to Belgam again telling them that if they fail to put right the work you will get someone else to do it and then invoice Belgam for the costs. You can then take them to court if they fail to pay.

This is what you can do but it needs to be done properly so speak to the CAB or if you've got legal cover as part of your home insurance, speak to them as they should even be able to handle the court case for you. At the end of the day, you have six years from when the job was completed to get anything fixed.

You can probably find out more on the Government's Consumer Direct web site - sorry, I can't post links!

Cheers.
Keeop

dazz1975

I have just had my kitchen completed by Belgam and must say I have been thoroughly happy with the experience. I did look on these various review sites and found a few negative reviews but I also found many positive reviews and after getting far too many quotes from other companies ranging from too cheap to ridiculously expensive I decided that Belgam was the one. Their quote was £7200 for a solid wood door and bosch appliances so spec wise for the money they were good. The design process was pretty straight forward and pain free which is more than I can say for most companies out there!! The fitters were typical tradesmen, pulling faces and sighing when they first got there but eventually got down to the job in hand and did a sterling job. There were a couple of things missing when the kitchen was delivered but that got rectified quickly enough. I took the advice from most of the reviews I have read and made sure that we didnt pay the balance until the job was completed but this was only 1 day over the original schedule due to the missing items so no great drama. I would recommend them to any of my family or friends without hesitation. I would like to thank James especially for putting up with my constant stream of questions he dealt with everything admirably. Well done!