To be finding it impossible to locate a replacement worktop?

[VelvetSpoon]

I have an ongoing insurance claim. My neighbour had a leak which came into my house. My insurers solution was to dismantle my kitchen and put it in storage to dry out the walls. All ok so far.

The whole thing has been massively delayed since then and I've now been without my kitchen for over 4 months.

The main issue is worktops. My insurers are replacing those as once removed they won't go back in properly.

Initially I was told the contractor would source a replacement. Then after many weeks I was told this was down to me (because 'you can't get samples of worktops') but that the worktop has to come from Howdens. Or another high st retailer.

However none of them sell a worktop like the one I had - it's gloss effect laminate, darkish colour, with a rolled edge. And it has to have a matching splashback.

Very few places sell the splashbacks now; Howdens have a couple but the worktops have a horrible square edge which I think looks cheap.

I don't know what else I can do. My insurers and the contractors keep telling me it's down to me. I do feel I have done my bit, but that actually this should be down to them, I expect sone service when I pay my insurance and I'm not receiving it. I'm not sure how to move this forward other than agreeing to a cheap looking worktop from Howdens that I don't want? Or remaining in this limb forever.

Limbo forever. Not limb.

Wicked? B&q? Homebase?wren?

Have you tried all of those op?

Find one you like, if they quibble about the price offer to pay the difference, you can always sue your NN for the difference, or just consider it a cheap upgrade!

Yes have tried Wickes, B&Q, Homebase, Magnet, Wren and Howdens. None have anything with matching splashbacks that is suitable.

Don’t forget Magnet has showrooms on the high street (well , retail park) and they still do upstands.

Also Jewson the nationwide builders merchant have kitchen showrooms.

Wickes definitely have 1 glossy dark round edge laminate worktop with upstand as have seen in my local branch.

Cross post re magnet!

Unfortunately it's not an upstand I need, it's a full height splashback. I'll try and attach a photo of part of my kitchen that's still in place to show what it looks like.

Photo attached hopefully!

There is a massive range of splash backs available but very few people buy the same as their worktops any more most people go for glass in various colours. If you do want matching them try these www.idsurfaces.co.uk/worktops/ they have a massive range and do splash backs and supply highstreet stores so should be available

It’s been four months! Time to let go of what you had before and choose something different. At least you know through experience that it’s bloody difficult to source what you want and therefore they aren’t making excuses.

Let it go!

They've made no attempt to source a replacement they have basically done nothing, then decided that worktop samples don't exist (which is bollocks) and put the job onto me.

I am only covered for replacement of what's there. I am not covered to replace the splashbacks with tiles, or something different. Plus the worktop was originally chosen to match the units. I'm reluctant to go for anything significantly different because it has to match those units still.

I'd add none of this is my fault. It's not my leak. The reason its taken 4 months is because the insurers gave me completely wrong information from the outset, then employed a contractor who was verbally abusive and had to be replaced.
Meanwhile the house with the leak (which is unoccupied) has now been fully refurbished by insurers. Meanwhile I am living in a shell with no kitchen.