How can I make sure I don't get ripped off when buying a new kitchen?

[pastalady]

Been given some money for a new kitchen by my dear old gran who's sold her housew. Found a company that will do all the building work, plastering, tiling, fitting and supplying units and appliances within our budget. Am amazed to have got my 'dream kitcen' within our small budget, especially when 2 out of the 4 companies we spokew to laughed in our face.

Having never spent such a stupid amount of money and watched lots of programmes on telly about people scamming, what can I do to check out that they are legit? Also, they are asking for the deposit of 25%, then most of the balance of delivery of the goods and then a piddly amount on completion of the work. Is this normal?

Advice please!

we have just had a beautiful kitchen fitted by a local company. We paid 10% up front then had to pay electrician and plumber and gas man when they had dont thier jobs separtaely. Our kitchen was not paid for untill all work was done and we were happy with everything. Be wary about paying before work done. Our cooker was damaged so we didnt pay for 2 weeks till it was sorted BUT the company were great!"

Ask for references and phone/visit people they have worked for before.

I would negotiate a different set of staged payments - a small deposit, another payment when the units arrive and other payments as the work progresses - I certainly wouldn't pay most of the costs before they have even lifted a hammer....