Kitchen - where to start?

[Murtette]

We're thinking about replacing our kitchen but I have no idea where to start. The existing one is a really bad use of space so I want it re-designed but who does that? I've had a few ideas but presumably someone who does it regularly would have more/better ones.

Also, we're thinking of knocking through from the kitchen into the garage, getting water in there and turning one end of the garage into a utility area. Who would do that? The kitchen people or a builder? If a builder, do I get all of that done before I speak to kitchen people?
As you can probably tell, I am utterly clueless!

A builder would do the knock through. You might need planning permision for that.
Kitchen company can do a design for you. Ikea will do one in store if you give measurements and tell them where all your pipes and water points are.

Sounds like it might be good to get a few builders and kitchen people in to have a look and give some ideas. you don't have to go with who ever you get in. DOn't let them hard sell you with 'this is only on offer today' ect

You'll need building regs for garage conversion so you'll need to be in touch with Building Control at council. Give them a call as they may have a list of builders.
Stores like Wickes, B&Q do design services but I use Howdens (a trade company) and work with a builder. I designed my dream kitchen with them! It ended up being soooo much fun!

Companies will design it for you but I think it really helps to have some ideas as to what you want. For example we knew we wanted a corner to put a table in so designed it round that. We also wanted bifold cupboards on the top & big drawers at the bottom but that was about it for ideas - they designed it from that.
It is a good excuse to wander round lots of kitchen showrooms to get some ideas.

It is stressful while the work is being done but so worth it in the end .

Thank you. This is all helpful. I think I'll go to a few showrooms, see what the options are (one of my friends was telling me about her "magic corner cupboard" the other day which sounded brilliant & which I'd never heard of), think about what I need practically & what I want & then get some designs done.