We bought a kitchen from a small independent supplier in August 2006 for about £12,000. In the first couple of years we started to see problems with the work surfaces where the joints were letting in water ('blown joints') clearly IMO (and in the opinion of another kitchen supplier I had look at it) due to incorrect installation and insufficient sealant on the joints. In 2008 I contacted the supplier and complained about this. They denied responsibility. I approached the work surface manufacturer and they agreed with me that the problem was not 'normal wear and tear' or due to the way I had been using the kitchen and that it was down to installation. Eventually the supplier agreed to install replacement work surfaces at no cost on the condition 'We will need you to accept that we will in no way whatsoever be accepting any responsibility of any re-occurrence of the said problems you are experiencing at present.' I sent them an email agreeing with this and the worksurfaces were replaced.
Now I am having problems with some of the door fronts. The laminate on the doors and drawer fronts on the units next to the oven are starting to peel really badly and will have to be replaced. To me this means the kiitchen is not fit for purpose. Surely it is reasonable to expect a reasonably-priced kitchen to last longer than four years? But can any one tell me what my legal position is on this before I approach the supplier as I know they are going to deny responsibility. Thanks in advance.