New kitchen - where to start?

lizzie201296

I am planning on getting my kitchen replaced once we are back to normal, however I don't really know where to begin! 

I understand the big retailers such as Magnet, Wren, Ikea etc will design, supply and fit the entire kitchen but I am unsure whether this is the best way to go? What are people's experiences/recommendations regarding using one of these stores for the 'all inclusive' approach, or finding a local tradesman to do the work? For the latter - how does this work? Would the tradesman be able to design, source and fit everything or would I have to source all the materials for them to install?

I have a couple of online consultations booked in with Wren, Magnet and Ikea and I was planning on getting some plans from these (and seeing the costs they quote), then finding an independent tradesman on checkatrade and showing them my preferred plan from the big retailers to see if he could match it and his quote. Unsure whether a one man band would be able to do the whole job in the same way as Wren/Magnet can though?

Just interested to see what people have done themselves and would recommend? Pros/cons of each approach? I basically want the cheapest option that won't fall apart in 6 months!

FreeBear

Magnet did a design for me with stuff like drawers & dishwasher opening right inside a door - Could see what would happen if someone had a drawer open or loading the dishwasher and a small child came running through the door.

Little regard to safety with that design... Ended up doing my own layout, sourcing the units/worktops/appliances and fitting it myself.

EssexExile

Start designing your own layout now, look at it often, tinker with it, get the input of others. When you eventually go to a supplier they may have some useful input to enhance the design or they may point out things that you can't do for some technical reason.

TELLIT01

Work out what you think would be a good basic design and then speak to Magnet, Wickes or whoever to get the design refined to something you like.  Then tout that design around local kitchen fitters and see what price they can come up with.

rach_k

Ours was designed by Ikea (because I'd seen the fronts I liked and the prices are great), after we'd played around with their online design tool.  We paid for somebody to come out to the house.  I think it was £50 and we got it back off the price of the kitchen.  It was the best £50 I've ever spent.  They could have done it for free in store, but the guy standing in the actual room led to some great suggestions that he might not have made otherwise.  If you get it done in a shop, they only know what you tell them, and you might not think to tell them everything that could help.  

As we were having other work done - windows, doors, rewire etc - we didn't get Ikea to fit it, but if we'd already had the room complete I think I would have gone with them.  Our kitchen fitter was fine, but I think it would have been quicker if he was an Ikea fitter, or at least somebody with experience of Ikea kitchens as they are quite different in some ways. 

cpbackhouse

I've been playing with ideas using the online planner from diy kitchens
https: // planner. diy-kitchens.com
I've not bought anything from them so can't comment on them in that way (though they seem to get good reviews on here) but I found their planner really easy to use and play with ideas. They also have a way you can see a 3D picture of what you have planned.

lizzie201296

Thanks everyone - spoken to a few local fitters who are recommending I look at Howdens, through them, to see if it comes up cheaper. Magnet have quoted about 4k not including fitting or appliances (their appliances are far more expensive than if I just bought my own!). 

Another question - what on earth is the difference between vinyl and laminate flooring, which is cheaper, which should I get? Want something light coloured, sort of large stone tiles - but obviously cheap... Thoughts?

FreeBear

Laminate is an engineered wood with a timber or stone effect printed on top - Better quality ones will have a thin veneer of real wood. Unless designed for a kitchen floor (i.e. one that will get wet from time to time), it won't last long.

Vinyl is the modern term for lino - This can be cut from a big roll and laid as one piece. Laid with glue as tiles, or click together tiles like laminate. Lino from a roll can be dirt cheap and can last quite a while. Glued tiles are a pig to remove, but if done right, will certainly last if you go for the more expensive quality tiles. The click together tiles can be expensive, but a doddle to remove should you ever need to lift the flooring.

Vinyl, like laminate, come in a variety of colours & patterns. Anything from simulated wood effect through to ceramic tile look. I have a click vinyl in my kitchen - Went for a more industrial look of copper/silver. Wan't cheap, but very easy to lay myself, so saved on fitting charges.