used or ex display kitchen

u751904

Hi I am trying to keep to a 5k budget for a kitchen refurb.  There is quite a bit that is needed to be done.  Its a galley kitchen, needs replastering, removal of old units install of new, some electrical work eg reset of plug sockets etc.  This seems a tall order for 5k.   I have come across https://www.usedkitchenexchange.co.uk/ I'm thinking of getting a kitchen from them either a used or ex display kitchen for up to 2k / 2.5k.  
I'm getting various quotes in from trades at the moment.  I've mentioned my plans to use a ex display or used kitchen to one fitter and he wasn't keen.  I think his explanation sounds reasonable in that kitchens don't like being reinstalled.  However I think some people have managed this at least.  The supplier mentioned above seems to deal with higher end kitchens so the build quality should be a bit better than the average flat pack and therefore a bit more durable.  One electrician I spoke to (doing another job elsewhere in the house) said he was looking at it himself.  I'm looking for views from people who have installed a ex display or second hand kitchen.  
Any thoughts appreciated.

thank you Zoe

Paula_Smith

I have not done it but would suggest getting a bit more than you need so you have a couple of spare door and drawer fronts in case you are not entirely happy with the condition of them all.

Doozergirl

I have done it successfully and was delighted.  It was an absolute bargain.  I did buy something a bit bigger than we needed so that we could play around a bit with it.  

I sold a rather interesting 'installed but never used' bright blue shaker kitchen for a client during lockdown.  The lady that bought it sent me photos installed and painted and it looked so much better.   Being able to paint it would be handy as you can deal with the bumps and knocks more easily.  

u751904

thanks I can imagine a chippie would always prefer brand new out of the packet stuff but then again one that is good should be able to be helpful on this I hope...!

Petriix

I've had great results picking up used (but perfect condition) granite worktops from Gumtree and Ebay. The trick is to design the kitchen around the worktops you can find and find a friendly stonemason to cut bits down for you.

Ours came with a sink and a cutaway for a cooker. The stonemason made one cut and polished one edge. We picked up an offcut of solid oak worktop to extend one section and fitted it ourselves, reconfiguring the existing units. All for around £300 including fittings and sealant etc.

Gastines3

I used to re-furbish many flats and houses including our own,moved 17 times .I used to visit builders merchants and kitchen stores to see if any show kitchens were being sold -off. Probably bought about 30,including one showroom of 8 which included a Range cooker,washing machine and 2 dishwashers,sink/taps etc. The secret is to take them out yourself,pay up-front and get the job done.When installing an ex-display kitchen the one thing to ensure when working your installation out,is to get the door openings correct with the handles in the correct place. Seen lots of kitchens with one or more doors opening to the wrong side.
Bonne Chance

Working_Mum

I am knocking my new place around a bit and sold my kitchen recently on Gumtree - the guy removed everything - the cabinets were still made up - in a large van. He was going to play around in his space and see what he could use and sell/Freecycle the rest.

I sold it for £500 (including worktops, sink and cooker/hob) - it is a current Howden's kitchen so he can buy extra bits and bobs if he needed to.

Good way to go really and great value for him.