kitchen

teddysmum

I visited a local independent and he pointed out the differences in quality, which don't necessarily register when you see an attractive mock-up in a showroom.


His goods were more expensive than the DIY places' products, but much cheaper than I expected and when told what to look for, the difference in quality became obvious. Also, these places sell a limited unit range, some not available over their whole range, but he is able to custom build.


It is also often cheaper to buy your appliances, including sinks, separately.

Davesnave

teddysmum wrote: »

It is also often cheaper to buy your appliances, including sinks, separately.

But if you want medium - high end appliances, then an independent may pass on most of their discount, and easily beat the likes of AO.

robatwork

I once heard on a property show that your kitchen should cost about 10% of the value of your home.

Thinking about this, it's ridiculous.

An average 3 bed semi could be worth £120,000 in Sunderland. Kitchen cost £12,000 which may be reasonable.

The same house in Stevenage could be worth £260,000. Kitchen cost £26,000 which is ridiculous.

The same house in Camden could be worth £600,000. Kitchen cost £60,000 which is away with the fairies.

Not sure I am making a point here, just musing....

robatwork

AlexMac wrote: »

so you really have to go to their Dante-esque warehouse

Shortlisted for my quote-of-the-day

BrassicWoman

2 years ago 18 Howdens units, mix of base and wall, 2 narrow drawers and some corner ones; new worktop; new sink - local guy - £3.5k.

The units I wanted were on offer (wanted white gloss - have no kids! otherwise I'd have gone for something less fingerprinty) and I wasn't fussy about a fancy worktop.

If I adde appliances, tiling, floor.. 8 - 10 k easy.

Nebulous2

penguingirl wrote: »

We used diykitchens for supply a few years ago in our old house and were very pleased with the quality (come prebuilt, not flat pack, solid units), the price (about 1.5k for about 12 units) and the service.

We have been looking at them. Good website, more options for sizes of cabinets than others, which will help fit our room.

I'd like to see them rather than just a photo, so we're considering ordering a couple of sample doors to check the colours and styles.

GaleSF63

phill99 wrote: »

If you identify your location, somebody maybe able to recommend a fitter.

Or tell you who to avoid.

DRP

Even with the mainstream vendors the price they give you is not *the price*.

Spend time getting quotes from all these guys (Howdens, Magnet, Wickes, B&Q, others, ikea). Play them offagainst each other and you'll get immediate discounts.

Rain_Shadow

Davesnave wrote: »

But if you want medium - high end appliances, then an independent may pass on most of their discount, and easily beat the likes of AO.

That is very true. I have just had a new kitchen with Siemens appliances. As a for instance, the washing machine retails at £699. The kitchen supplier charged under £500.

maisie_cat

If you are simply replacing like for like without adding or moving electrics & plumbing it can be done quite economically. Do you really need to replace the carcasses & appliances or just want to replace the doors & worktops?
I bought my kitchen from handmade kitchens direct, the cabinets cost £5k for bespoke units, dovetailed drawers etc. The oak worktops from Ebay were £400 and as the units are basically freestanding we fitted it ourselves.
They did offer painting for £1000 which I wish I'd taken, but I did it myself.
I do have a solid wood kitchen that looks like it cost a few times more than it did and cost <£10k including miele & smeg appliances. When I've saved up I'm getting granite worktops!