New Build Home - changes to kitchen $$$

Cath815

Hi all,
My OH and I have just sale agreed on a new build due to be completed in July this year.
We went during the week to choose our kitchen to the one supplier that the developer has provided. When we saw the initial drawing, we agreed that there wasn't enough counter space, and there was an empty part of the wall along the back of the kitchen. So we asked the designer, could we add some more counter space/cabinets and move the hob to a different spot. He said yes and gave us an updated drawing, which looked great. In total there is maybe new 5/6 cupboards, and we've effectively doubled our space.
However, he then said the cost of this would be £2,000 - to add a few cabinets and to move things around. This to me is crazy money, considering the house isn't even up yet and this is just a plan at this stage. We have chosen no other upgrades either - it is just the addition of these few cupboards.
I have asked him for a breakdown of costs, which he is yet to provide (I feel he has just pulled this figure from thin air!).
My question, considering there is only 1 supplier of the kitchen, am I in any position to negotiate on this price? And would anyone know if this sounds like a reasonable price?
My gut is telling me no!
Also, if he says no that he can't change the price and it is correct, do I have any other options?
P.S. i'm in NI if that makes any difference to answers!

GixerKate

That doesn't sound too surprising if I'm honest.  I've just moved into a new build and on moving in we have decided we need a couple of extra wall units in the kitchen.  The quote has come back for £800 including fitting and VAT for a corner unit and 1 wall unit.  We've decided to get the units and fit them ourselves which has reduced it down to £477.  This isn't a huge cost in the scheme of things but I'm of the opinion that it all counts!

If money is a little tight perhaps you could do something similar?  Maybe cough up for the extended counter and then get the wall units sourced later once you are in and fit them yourselves.

eddddy

I'm sure there's an element of quoting you "high end" prices, because they know they're the only supplier you can use.

And I expect they had to agree to 'rock-bottom' prices for the standard kitchens to get the contract from the developer, so they see this as a way of getting some profit margin back.

I guess you could try to negotiate the price down - perhaps by suggesting that £2k is beyond your budget, so you won't go ahead at that price. (Being confrontational and insinuating things by asking for a breakdown of costs, might not work so well as a negotiation tactic!)

anteguardian

I agree with @eddddy, go and say that it’s a bit outside of your budget and ask if there’s any leeway there - you might find they are understanding and want you custom. Be prepared for them to say no though.

I liked the suggestion by @GixerKate above - see if you can afford the a portion of what you want and source/install the rest yourself for a cheaper cost if your unable to do it all at once?
That is exactly what I would do to achieve what I wanted when cost is a concern. It just depends if you have the patience, time and ability to do it yourself. 

Cath815

I'm still curious to see the breakdown of the costs, just to see where the expense really lies so I'm hoping to still get that, but I will let him know that it's outside our budget, and ask what else he can do - thanks guys!

davidw123

The suppliers vary from house builder and site, but our new build use Moores Kitchens. 

Each provider saves the details for your plot after the sale of home, so it might be worth requesting a brochure and gaining a quote yourself for these exact cupboards and just getting them to do the new layout for now and ordering the cabinetry after you move in. (although you'll also need a kitchen fitter!)

This works with the upgrades too, they charge a fortune as they add a percentage to the cost from the supplier for their own profit.

Irishpearce26

Sounds about right for cabinets and a new worktop (I assume). Changing the layout may mean that you need non standard cabinets that may fall outside of the developers price plan with the supplier. 

ssparks2003

So, 6 extra cabinets, 3.5m of worktops, changes to the wiring from the standard layout or different gas plumbing for the hob, any extra sockets? splash backs? extra labour to fit out and project management time. 2k is not that bad really 

GDB2222

If you go back to the developer and threaten to pull out of the purchase, they will put pressure on the kitchen suppliers. Whether it’s worth it over £2k is your choice.

pinkteapot

New-build developers charge top whack for this - but do it anyway. 

We have a new-build and I thought the kitchen looked OK on the plans but there is not enough worktop space and MrTeapot and I constantly get in each other's way if we're both making breakfast/lunch. We've just ordered a freestanding island as a temporary fix till we can justify changing the kitchen in 10-15 years. 

Honestly - if you can see at this point that the kitchen isn't practical for you, it will annoy you constantly. Replacing the kitchen would cost anywhere from £8-20k+ depending on size and spec, so a couple of thousand to get it right now is well worth it, galling as it is to pay OTT for you're adding. I would just remember that £2k in relation to the house price - e.g. if it's now £227k instead of £225k, isn't that worth it for a better kitchen? 

p.s. No point in trying to haggle it of course - you never know! But if they refuse and you can afford the £2k, do it.

wedge69

GDB2222 said:

If you go back to the developer and threaten to pull out of the purchase, they will put pressure on the kitchen suppliers. Whether it’s worth it over £2k is your choice.

No they won't, because they know no one is stupid enough to pull out of a house sale for 2ks worth of kitchen cupboards.