New kitchen - where to start

[user1955]

It's finally time to think about a new kitchen. Hurray! Any suggestions where to start please? We've never had anything done to a house, so haven't got a clue. We have big ideas, but a very small space.
Do I look at big companies I see advertising - Wren, Magnet, etc? Or a local specialist or builder? I have don't have a huge budget and worry smaller companies may be less value for money. But I want it done "once in a lifetime" we'll. Help!

If anything small companies will be better value. When you go to say Wren someone has to pay for the showroom , it all gets added on to the cost you pay.
Have a look and see how many units you would need DIY kitchens will give you an idea what that number of units would be.
Do you need to move stuff around like the cooker , washer or sink ? This will add to the cost.

Is it just a new kitchen as in units or everything including floor tiles, replaster, plumbing etc? If so, the units are the last thing on the list

If it’s everything, you’re probably better off going with a local builder or smaller refurb company as it’ll likely cost more having separate people in.

If it is just the kitchen units and splashback tiles etc, then I think a lot of the bigger ones offer free design consultation or similar so you can use them to get some ideas.

I’m not sure about Wren or Magnet, but I know with B&Q and those types, it can cost you more for fitting than the kitchen itself.

If you use an independent builder who has an account with Howdens though, you can save money. There were oak veneer kitchens for around £600 in a catalogue a couple of years ago.

I think (dont quote me though!) from places like Howdens, the units come ready built, rather than flat pack, so that saves time and labour costs in some cases.

I got 5 quotes-Homebase, John Lewis, Wickes, Ikea, Howdens. By the time of my fifth appointment I became an expert myself and knew exactly what I want. So I started planning the new kitchen in July and it was fitted for 10 working days in February. Take your time and plan very carefully.

Thanks everyone. I don't want hob or sink/washer relocating. But I do want the whole thing done - floor, tiles, new integrated appliances. I'm also wondering about a pocket door rather than a standard one, to save space. At the moment I have to close the kitchen door to get to the fridge, freezer and cupboard. A neighbour with a similar house has removed the door altogether so save space, but I don't want to do that.

If its everything, then definitely go for an independent builder.
If you make a list of jobs, and post them on mybuilder you can invite specific companies to quote (post it under refurb as those companies will be multitrade)

If anything, you’ll be able to get some ideas on price and what kind of unexpected jobs may crop up. eg if you’re relaying tiles on concrete, you might find the concrete is uneven so it’ll need to be levelled out before anything else.

In the mean time its worth visiting a few shops or showrooms for ideas on kitchen style etc, even if you don’t plan to use those particular companies.
I find it really difficult to get an idea of kitchens from websites, much better to see them live.

I made a list of all the thing I keep/wanted to keep in the kitchen and where I wanted them to be (so pans in a drawer, dry goods in pull out, spices in dice rack etc). It means t I knew how many drawer/cupboards etc I needed to fit in and everything had a place once it was done

All I can say is please don’t get sucked in by Wren’s lovely showrooms. They are an atrocious company. See the thread on here that’s been going for years. Other than that, look at Pinterest and Houzz for ideas.

Yes to finding a local kitchen fitter - they'll do it all for you. Get recommendations.

I'd 100% recommend diykitchens. We got ours done a few months ago - I love it and it's made life so much easier. Comes ready built so all your fitter has to do is put the handles on and fit into place - this'll save money too as less time will need to be spent on fitting.

Don't be afraid to buy appliances online - eBay often has bargains - slight seconds that will help keep your budget down.

Get wickes and Howdens round to quote and see what designs you like. I already had a pretty good idea of how I wanted the kitchen looked so just tweaked their designs to meet my needs - I found that diykitchens had a wider range of cabinets so I could really get what I wanted.