Kitchen planners- who should I have round

[FourOnTheHill]

Extension plans have got to the exciting stage where we have dimensions and need to see if dream kitchen will work in the space planned. Which companies do free plans? Who is good? Any other advice? I have read and memorised all the lessons learned threads! We are planning to go with DIY kitchens but our builder has a deal with Magnet (not sure what he means by this) and we also like Ikea. Pils recommend John Lewis, who charge £50 redeemable against a purchase which is unlikely to happen in our case

Related question: are all kitchen units in a range of standard widths? So if I have a plan done by one company is it likely I can replicate that design with another company?

Why not do it yourself on graph paper/online? Sounds like you have given it plenty of thought.

Husband is a kitchen fitter and all kitchen companies have standard sizes. You can get one plan and take it to another kitchen company. They're all roughly the same quality. My husband says Wren are most expensive looking for a mid range kitchen. You'll hear horror stories about all of them.

Sorry that sounded very doom and gloom. What I mean is, people always come on kitchen threads and tell awful stories about kitchen companies. All of them have good and bad points. It's just your luck really. Go with the kitchen you like.
I'd assume that the builder has a contract with magnet?
I'd use my own fitter. Companies take a good percentage of the fit price. Dh gets 40% of the fit price.

Ok great thanks! Yes I’ve given it a lot of thought but we are stuck with a couple of conundrums and hoping someone clever with more planning experience might be able to help. Also the graphics would be useful to try and picture it

I know Benchmarx email plans to you. Wickes don't you have plans unless you buy the kitchen.

We've also talked to a local independent & she had good ideas plus has sent all plans on email but it's a more personal relationship if you don't then buy from them so potentially awkward!

Don't let you have plans

Diy kitchens have an online planner - just google diy kitchens planner. It's a bit glitchy as only a beta but works ok.

Ok hadn’t thought of benchmarx. The lady in John Lewis was telling me that some of their kitchens have end panels and some don’t, so you have to allow more room for the edges of some of their kitchens than others. That sounds all a bit non transferable. What about Ikea? You can get kitchen planning appointments there I see. Do they give you the plan? Also does Magnet?