Getting a new kitchen - what is my first step?

[flyingfox225]

Hi there - regular MN lurker here (childless, but the forums can be a useful source of info for stuff and very entertaining!).
I bought my first flat about a year ago (own a share of the freehold) and finally feel in a position financially to start doing work to it, including sorting out my kitchen.
I'm just a bit clueless about where to start. Should I be heading to the kitchen companies like IKEA, Wickes or Howdens to get someone out to measure/quote for units, or should I be getting a fitter/builder out to quote for installing it?
As well as removing the old units and fitting new ones, I also want some structural work done - I have a semi-kind of wall that I'd like to remove to open out the kitchen. I'm pretty sure it's not a supporting wall, but do I need to get a structural engineer out to check?
And someone mentioned that I need to contact the council to apply for a building notice - when should that happen?
Apologies for all the questions, but I live on my own and I'm a bit clueless. I've attached a picture of the "semi-kind of wall" for ref!
Thanks!

I would get someone from Howdens out to quote/get measurements first of all (or go into B and Q with your own measurements) and then one you know roughly what needs to be installed get a builder round to give an installation quote.

I normally get someone round to check if the wall is supporting and draw any plans needed for the building warrant. I am in Scotland though so you might have different requirements.

I draw a plan using graph paper, wash machine and d washer are normally 600x600, do you want a corner unit, I think they are 800x600, get a howdens brochure for sizes. Single or double sink? Where does the water supply come in ( most gadgets need a cold inlet only so are auite easy to position with a longer hose.)
Not sure how you find someone to advise on wall, maybe phone a local builder and they might suggest names.
Get kitchen supplier to draw plans too but I found a v good joiner so he had no probs making the kitchen I wanted rather than what the standard ideas or current trend are.

Thanks for these suggestions guys - sorry for the slow reply (thought I'd get an alert that someone had commented on my thread). This is helpful - still a bit unsure about the building notice thing. But I've got a builder coming round next week so perhaps he can advise.

I would ask a builder to check out your wall. If it's not supporting then you shouldn't need to speak to building control and get them involved, if it is then you will.

We're further along than you as we're waiting to get our new kitchen installed.
I would suggest looking round kitchen companies to get ideas and get a sense of what's available and how they operate. Go to big well known ones to small companies doing handmade kitchens. Think what you want, search for a thread on here about things to think of when getting a kitchen to get ideas too Get some idea sketched out and see what kitchen companies suggest. Builders can install or kitchen company will design make and fit. You can get off the shelf or made to measure. Good look