Handmade Kitchens Direct - Christchurch

[sproodlemummy]

Does anyone have any experience of this company? They have just quoted us for a Tulipwood In Frame Kitchen (which would need to be painted). The quote is very very competitive and I suppose I'm thinking of the old adage "if something seems to good to be true it normally is"

Any experience, good or bad, would be appreciated.

Thanks

Anyone?

Sorry, I have no knowledge of the company in question, but could you get references from them that you can approach directly for advice and/or see the quality of the work?

I had a kitchen from them 2 years ago (have since moved house). We went and visited the showroom.

The salesperson was brilliant (think it was Kevin?). Really knowledgable, patient and helpful.

The order arrived and was spot on. It came completely unfinished. We oiled the insides ourselves 3 times. Painter did 2 or 3 undercoats prior to fitting then the actual colour when insitu.

Build quality was excellent, in fact it was beautiful.

We went for magnetic close door catches and they were a little annoying as the magnets had a tendency to come out and stick to the door. I’d probably choose the other option if I were to order again.

Our kitchen was delivered in early April and stood in the house for several weeks before it was fitted so it had time to get used to the atmosphere. We did find that a couple of drawers and doors expanded a little too much in the heat of the summer so they would ‘catch’ when you closed them. This resolved once the weather cooled.

Would I recommend them? Absolutely. And our units were half the price of the next cheapest provider. I would definitely say to go for it.

I can send you some photos if you like.

They used to be the go to kitchen company on mumsnet chats.... then someone discovered DIY kitchens. So this could be a made up post to get them back in favour again! Or could be genuine . If genuine try Classic Kitchens direct too, they are in the same town with similar products.

Either way, try shopping around more than one shop with the same plan so you can compare like for like.
There are independent designers out there who can work with you to get your design done before you shop around .
Go on the lessons learned kitchen thread too....and copy paste any bits that are of interest as you go.( it's a long one !)

numpty I’m sure this is a genuine thread.

DIY and Handmade are in different leagues. My Handmade was solid timber and made to order. It was stunning. Sadly I no longer live in that house but I’m about to order a DIY kitchen at my new house (no longer have a mega budget).

I’m going through the sales process at the moment with DIY and so far so good. I haven’t been to their showroom but have ordered sample doors and the quality is excellent, though a difference finish to the Handmade. I know I will be happy with my DIY kitchen but they are not really comparable.

Oh gosh, I must have worded that wrongly if you thought I was implying DIY were the same type of product as HMKC as I do know that the Handmade and DIY are totally different products . I think if you read it the way I thought I'd written it, I was actually saying if genuine, they should also look at classic Kitchens direct, Which is a similar production HMKC . In the same town . So therefore worth a look too perhaps.

What kitchen did you go for? I’m currently looking at handmade kitchens of Christchurch but also thinking too good to be true! 🤷‍♀️

I bought Hmkc & installed it a few months back. Quality is excellent, & that was clear from arrival. Wood does expand/shrink which you should expect but extra heating helps or leaving doors to air out. Great customer service also. I would defo recommend. I looked also at DIY kitchens online only but when i went to Hmkc showroom I was totally sold.

Placemarking as my mum lives there