Smallbone of Devizes kitchen anyone?

[onlyconnect]

Totally first world I know......
Has anyone got one? Any opinions on the quality and service appreciated

[Rolypoly]

We received some money through an inheritance at the same time as we were thinking about a new kitchen 20 years ago so decided to splash out on a Smallbone kitchen. They are extremely expensive, however the design service was very thorough and the fitting was carried out (to my untutored eye) to a very high standard. We got painted units which have the advantage that you can change colour from time to time. We have had a professional in to repaint ours twice and they look as good as new. The units are very robust. The only niggles we have had were with the handles and with the undersink bin. Wish we had got the handles replaced before the 5 year guarantee was up but it was one of those things we never got round to.
As this was the only kitchen I have ever got installed I have nothing with which to compare it. They are good but they certainly charge top whack for what they do. If I was in a similar position again I would probably try and find a well recommended local supplier.

[onlyconnect]

Thank you rolypoly. I've been told the average price of one of their kitchens is £40k but I keep hearing things that make me imagine it's more than that in fact.

[OnePlanOnHouzz]

Have you sent time in the showroom and touched the furniture, opened drawers etc etc ? It's a big investment - some say this type of expensive brand is needed in expensive houses - others disagree - but ultimately it's your choice ! As long as you feel it's right for you and you are getting the look and layout that works for you then, if it's in your budget, and won't leave you short elsewhere then spend and enjoy it !
Good luck with it all !

[onlyconnect]

Oneplanet we did go into a show room a couple of years ago which is when DP decided he wanted a Smallbone kitchen. We are going in a couple of weeks' time to have a proper look and make a decision.

[ArriettyClock1]

My ndn's have one - a hand painted one and it is a thing of beauty.

[OnePlanOnHouzz]

I'm pretty sure it was sold 2/3/4?! years ago to a bigger company - that also bought the MarkWilkinson brand too ? I remember reading about it in the trade press... so it's not the same small company it used to be .. that might be good, or bad ! So deffo do some digging before you part with your cash !

[LadyLollypop]

Long time lurker, first time poster but couldn't let this one pass. We had a Smallbone kitchen installed in 2015 and had a terrible experience (even though it is a lovely kitchen in the end!). Just a few things in our litany of errors that occurred:

• The kitchen design is 20cm longer than a standard piece of Ceaserstone so we now have a break in the middle of our splash back and bench (our builder recognised this immediately once the units were installed)

• The height of the extractor in the design was below the legal minimum and we got charged extra above our original quote to have it corrected

• The designer 'forgot' to specify lighting for a shelf over the counter which would have made it quite dark unless we had of pointed it out

• The kitchen arrived fully assembled despite limited access and the site manager doing 2 visit and me calling it out - it needed to be sent back to the workshop which resulted in more delays

• We went through 2 fitters, the second of whom had to correct quite a bit of the first fitters work and re-order pieces he damaged

• They needed to send 2 guys to template he splash back but only sent one so they ended up paying my builder directly to help

• The fitters weren't allowed to stand on ladders due to 'health & safety' so instead stood on the bench in their socks

• You have to pay 100% before installation and, while the customer service staff are friendly, they are ineffectual in resolving issues

I could go on but you get the gist. I'm sure it used to be a great local company but is now owned by private equity and they are focused on expanding internationally.

And yes, a small kitchen in our small London flat cost £40k

[onlyconnect]

I am now somewhat put off by the fact that we emailed them on Sunday and they still haven't replied.

[OnePlanOnHouzz]

That doesn't bode well !!

There's plenty of other retailers - my clients tend to contact between 3 and 5 different companies to prove ip the one plan that we design with them !
That way they can compare like for like !

[OnePlanOnHouzz]

Prove ip ? Price up flipping auto correct !!