Howdens unit query

macaroon9

I have raised an issue with Howdens today regarding the housing unit for our pull out bin.  The veneer on the vertical edge is coming away in three places.  I have sent a photo which they have said they will send to QA?  But the lady I spoke to said she thinks they’ll say it’s water damage as this unit is next to the sink.

surely If their designer designed our kitchen and put this unit next to the sink this would be considered?  The unit isn’t even a year old.  I’m not happy at all, this kitchen was very expensive and I expect better.  The mirroring unit on the other side of the sink also houses the dishwasher and there is no damage there.

any advice would be greatly appreciated.

born_again

Who supplied & fitted the kitchen?

macaroon9

Howdens supplied it, as in delivered it from their warehouse.  Our builders team fitted it.

born_again

Was it paid on builders account?

PHK

born_again said:

Was it paid on builders account?

Pretty sure Howdens only deal with approved account holders. 

macaroon9

They dealt directly with our builder.

TELLIT01

Is it possible that the sink hasn't been sealed correctly and moisture is able to run down the edge of the damaged cabinet?  I don't think the OP will get anywhere with the 'You designed the layout' argument.

born_again

macaroon9 said:

They dealt directly with our builder.

Then you issue is with the builder.

RefluentBeans

So who designed the kitchen? You’re saying Howdens? 

So did Howdens design the kitchen, then hired your builders, which sourced the materials from Howdens? So you paid Howdens for the entire design, fitting and supplies? 

Or did Howdens design it - you paid for that service. Took the plans, gave it to your builders and they went to Howdens and sourced the materials for you - you paid the builders for the fitting and supplies. In this scenario you wrote two cheques to two companies - one to Howdens just for the design and one to your builders for the fitting and supplies? 

If it was the first scenario, I would 100% say that Howdens would be held responsible. In the latter it’s more complex - if it’s poor design I could see an argument for Howdens to be held responsible for the design. But I would also expect a skilled builder or kitchen fitter to see the problem coming and say the design is bad and that they recommend doing something else. Or if it wasn’t installed correctly the builder would be at blame. I think if it’s the second scenario - you’ll have a harder time all round with a lot of finger pointing from either side. 

If you can confirm what scenario it was then people can provide better advice, as some comments are assuming where the contract was formed. 

bris

If everthing is a noRefluentBeans said:

So who designed the kitchen? You’re saying Howdens? 

So did Howdens design the kitchen, then hired your builders, 

Howdens don't deal with the public, 
Only builders with a trade account can buy from Howdens, they have done so they don't need to worry about consumer rights as they do not in any way sell to consumers.

You cant even buy a pencil from Howdens without an account. 

Okell

I think part of the problem is that although Howdens supposedly only "sell" to the trade, they do appear to offer direct to consumers a design service via one of their expert designers "to progress your project with confidence".

How To Buy | Buying From Us | Howdens

I think it's all very confusing for the average person who doesn't know about these things...

Assuming the units were bought by the builder on his trade account, I'd say the OP's issue is with their builder and it's their builder's problem to sort out his issues with Howdens