Would like to use DIY kitchens but I’m not confident in measuring

[Ticklovetock]

Does anyone know how I can overcome this? My kitchen is a very awkward shape and I will not doubt need filler panels etc for the angles.
Will an independence designer measure? I’d there such a service?
I’ve had Howdens and wren out and they’ve produced lovely 2D images but will not give a list of cabinets and panels I need to buy.
Any ideas please? 🙂

Yes, you can get an independent designer to measure and design the kitchen for you.

our kitchen is straightforward but we got wickes to come out to measure it, they did a good job then made an appointment to go to the showroom to get a qoute on this they gave us a visual of the kitchen and a breakdown of exactly which cabinets we needed and prices and printed it out for us, we took this to the DIY showroom and they inputted which kitchen we want and thier price was £2000 cheaper, yes its cheeky but wickes did a good job

We did similar to issey we had a design from a different kitchen fitter and got the exact same kitchen for about 70% less.

John lewis St do a kitchen design service too for £50.

Be a bit wary of DIY Kitchens if you're a layman.

They charge quite a high delivery charge (£75 just to bring the kitchen, £150-£250 if you want them to unload it for you), have quite a restrictive returns policy (and 25% restocking charge after 10 days).

I'd suggest asking Howdens/Wren for a floorplan "so that my fitters can plan out sockets and things" then use that to determine which cabinets have been planned in.

If in doubt, post the floorplan to a forum like moneysavingexpert where kitchen designers like me usually hang around in when the showroom is quiet. :)

Be advised that Howdens will likely plan in 350mm/700mm cabinets as the majority of kitchen suppliers don't use those sizes so it makes it difficult for us to easily match a design.

For the most part, fillers aren't bespoke .. you just get an extra panel/plinth and cut it down to fill any gaps.

Thanks so much for your advice, I haven’t been given a floor plan just pictures of how it looks. Trying to get a price from Howdens without going into store for the hard sell is like pulling teeth. They are reluctant to price on what they’ve designed. I think they’re afraid to give me too much information in case I go somewhere else!

Howdens don't like giving prices to retail customers because they market themselves as a "trade only" supplier.

They'll do the usual "it'll cost £x but if you buy it before the end of the month then we'll do it for £x for you" so expect that.

I'd suggest going into the branch, stating that you're happy with the design and the price (regardless of what they come back with) but being insistent that you won't go ahead with any purchase until the fitter has checked the plan.

Odds are that they'll reluctantly give in eventually if they feel they're in danger of losing the sale.

If you measure the kitchen accurately in size and then take the measurements into the showroom then they will check your order for you. If you don't live close by then I guess if you email it they will do the same