New Kitchen

[lidlicker]

We are thinking of getting a new kitchen, but are put off by reviews stating that companies charge such a lot for fitting, doubling the cost of the kitchen. As anyone any experience of getting the cabinets supplied and getting a local joiner to do the job? Also, the appliances we could buy much cheaper and get fitted ourselves. This is such a headache !

[VHG]

Fitting kitchen units is is not easy.

No floor is every totally level, no walls are totally flat, no room has nice 90 degree corners.

Also tiling can look bad if you do it yourself but can look great if done by a pro.

So there is always a lot of work to do to get a kitchen fitted and looking good.

So bite the bullet and get someone in to do it.

[kjn2]

Yes my son has . Buy the units from Howdens (come already made up)decent quality and prices too then employ a fitter for apprx £150 per day, they usually sort out the appliances also then call in there friends to get the certs. Save a lot of money this way . Howdens sell to trade only so get the fitter to order , when stock comes in you call and pay with cc details.job done.

[Psybbo]

I agree with VHG

[Mamyalynne]

Why not think about going 'free standing' with the units - you would still need a certain amount doing by tradesmen but they can look very stylish.

[Postdog]

I did a fit kitchen once. Never again.

[The Builder]

I couldn't agree more with the others. Unless you're really keen, and would love to DIY, I would go for a local kitchen fitter.

Today's kitchens are quite specialised. I've fitted plenty over the years. I can do it well, but the guys who do nothing else can outpace me any time.

It's likely that the local fitters would be the same ones that B&Q etc would send anyway. Unless you're having units made, it's a fitter you need, not a joiner.

Certainly shop around for appliances too. It makes no difference to the fitter.
Howdens are good. They know the local tradesmen as well. They won't recommend anyone who isn't up to the job.

B&Q are fine these days... just expect for some of it to be missing, or out of stock ;o(

[Old_Geezer]

I fitted my last kitchen. I have to say one learns a lot on route :-) One has to be flexible and resourceful.

Problem is I never finished it off. The doors supplied came without the cut outs for the hinges already there, which I thought was part of creating the solid oak doors on their fancy machines, so I keep putting off finishing them. Have to bite the bullet some time this year.

That said so long as you have help and time, there is no reason not to do it yourself, if enthusiastic. Once on my own is probably enough for me though.

[maggiebee]

Had my kitchen installed many years ago. I bought the units and got a local joiner to fit it. Half the price.

[Nottm_George]

How does kjn2 son get his units from Howdens as I went there and they told me they could only sell to the trade.

[Connemmara]

do not go near B&Q - my kitchen was to arrive on 6 January and I am still waiting. Lucky my workmen were good and had to go to B&Q on a daily basis and get the kitchen.

I have put in a complaint to Headoffice/. Rubbish they were.

[ummmm]

I got my kitchen from B&Q and it all arrived on time.

[silliemillie]

I got mine from B&Q and they delivered on time both times I ordered stuff, they even came & collected unused boxes of tiles.

[Connemmara]

I am still awaiting a final panel and I know after the way I have been treated I am going to have to follow this up too.

[kjn2]

Nottm-George , like I said in my reply, get the fitter to order, then when the goods are in stock, the end customer can ring up and settle by using their credit card., this way they do sell to trade, the fitter places the order on the customers behalf.