DIY kitchens

[LazyCatLtd]

I need a new kitchen and everyone recommends DIY. I wouldn't have a clue how to start. Should I get Wren to do a design and then use that? I am absolutely clueless and never done anything like this before.

They have an online design tool which I used to design my kitchen. It is easy to use and means you can play around with different units and designs to see what works best. You just need to measure your kitchen, taking into account doors and windows etc. Give it a try.

There’s a DIY Kitchens FB groups which has lots of inspiration and through that I’ve seen DIY Kitchen specific designers. They operate independently and so there is a fee involved , but not too bad and probably worth it if you don’t know where to start. Or I think they offer their own design service now too.

Lots of info on the actual DIY Kitchens website. They have an online planner which is fun to use. There's also a very active FB group ( not fun by DIYK) where you can get lots of advice.
I'm really happy with my diyk kitchen. It's been in for nearly 5 years and looks as good a new.

Edited to add link to Facebook group
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19CF2niHKv/

Someone I know is an independent advisor who helps people with their kitchen from DIY Kitchens. They do charge a fee but they seem to get good reviews. You can just search diy kitchens expert - independent designer on facebook. I am sure there are lots of people who do this.

Following as also considering them. We have one of their huge showrooms nearby and there were some fabulous kitchens there, but I'm a bit useless at computer planning so need someone to measure and do it for me!

Yes I feel the same. Nowhere near their showrooms either.

I don’t trust myself to do it accurately.

Just be aware of their God awful delivery system. You cannot book a date but have to choose a week during which it can arrive on any day. You get a text at the beginning of the week to tell you which day. Only they also have a clause where they can delay your kitchen without penalty which is what happened to me. The date they booked in they didn't show up but came the next day when I was at work.

The attitude of the staff in CS was whit to say the least. I love the kitchen but would never use them again. If you are at home all week then it will not matter but for most folk who have a life it is a total PITA.

I liken them to Ryanair - you may have had a good deal if you can get to the other side without problem but when you have an issue like I had they really couldn't care less.

We used an independent designer who did everything over Zoom, produced our designs and a shopping list which I then sent to DIY Kitchens who turned it into our order. Great quality, much cheaper than anywhere else, it looks fantastic and our kitchen fitter was really impresses and now recommends them to everyone.

The £30.00 design service is great - I sent them Howdens computer generated 'pretty' designs (not measurements) and the dimensions of the room/position of doors etc and they did it all - it fits perfectly.

Cons - delivery IS a PITA if you don't work from home like others said, however they did call me with an hours notice so I could fly home, and two guys offloaded 60 boxes in about 30 minutes, so not too bad.

It all got resolved without issue, and as quickly as possible/for free, but we had a lot of what I would class as totally unnecessary damages. Plus, it wasn't in caused latterly, it was ALL very clearly during production, so their QC processes need serious review. Poor quality paintwork, very obvious damage to drawer fronts/plinths etc. Unfortunately some of the replacements were also damaged, so I would advise opening and inspecting everything ASAP as the lead time on some replacements was 7-10 days.

The fitters were impressed with the quality, and now it's in in looks great.