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Original poster

Scratches in brand new kitchen doors

47 replies

kitchenissues · 15/12/2020 10:12

In the process of having my kitchen changed. Yesterday I noticed whilst having a good look scratches in a lot of the doors. Now I'm not sure if I'm being too much of a perfectionist and just accept it or if I should stand my ground with this which I'm leaning towards. When I showed kitchen fitters this morning they said they didn't realise and I heard them say they wouldn't even notice them (maybe I wouldn't if I wasn't the one paying thousands). They said they will probably rub off. They are scratches, the paint has come off in places, of course I tried to clean/rub them myself when I noticed them. The only one they have actually acknowledged it the first one. Any advice? Am I being unreasonable? I hate confrontation but I'm spending a lot of money here.

I overheard them yesterday talking about a women who had her kitchen done a few weeks ago and has just complained about some scratches, they said she was a bit of a PITA. I'm thinking she got the same style of door as me. Pics attached.

One of the owners from the shop came whilst I was working upstairs and she didn't think there was much of a problem either. The main owner hadn't seen them in person yet. It's making me so stressed and anxious having to be confrontational.

Scratches in brand new kitchen doors
Scratches in brand new kitchen doors
Scratches in brand new kitchen doors
OP posts:
Original poster
kitchenissues · 15/12/2020 10:13

More pics. It would be good to get an outsiders advice as my partner hasn't seen them yet as he is away, I showed my parents photos and they said I shouldn't pay until this sorted but that makes me so uncomfortable.

Scratches in brand new kitchen doors
Scratches in brand new kitchen doors
OP posts:
Bluntness100 · 15/12/2020 10:15

Yeah I’d kick off about that. They need replaced or repaired, don’t let them intimidate you into accepting them,

DreadingSeason2020sFinale · 15/12/2020 10:17

I came thinking you could be overreacting but those scratches are pretty significant! If they look like they when putting them in, what will they look like after 6 months of use?

They may be expensive but they are truly awful quality!! I'm afraid I'd be wanting them gone and different, better quality ones replacing them!

Original poster
kitchenissues · 15/12/2020 10:17

@Bluntness100 I do feel intimidated. I am 26 (nearly 27) but I do look young and feel it's easier for grown men to not take me seriously/fob me off. I didn't sleep last night worrying about this. Obviously these photos are up close and from a distance you may not notice them but i wouldn't expect this from brand new doors being fitted professionally.

OP posts:
DreadingSeason2020sFinale · 15/12/2020 10:22

Brand new doors should be flawless. That's it. Even "slightly" scuffed isn't acceptable. And these are very, very noticeable! I wouldn't be okay walking into a shop and buying new items that come full of chips and scratched and I'll bet neither would the builders! You need to be firm and tell them now that all this damaged pieces are not acceptable. Your new kitchen should not be beautiful only from a distance.

magicstar1 · 15/12/2020 10:37

Sorry OP but they’re in bits! We put in a new IKEA kitchen 4 years ago and even now they don’t have any damage like that.
Do you think the fitters caused it?

Original poster
kitchenissues · 15/12/2020 10:40

I have no idea what caused this, but I would be so angry with myself I paid them and accept it. I have sent them photos over to the owner of the shop. My dad has said he can come round after work to have a look himself (maybe they might take him more seriously) but they may be finished and gone by then.

OP posts:
BusterGonad · 15/12/2020 10:44

Do not pay anything until its sorted. Once you've handed the money over nothing will get done.

chocolatepowder · 15/12/2020 11:18

They don't sound very professional. Are the fitters and the retailer the same?

RandomMess · 15/12/2020 11:21

I think they are significant too!!!

All they need to do is supply new doors, hardly a big job or expensive for them in the grand scheme of things so stand your ground.

cultkid · 15/12/2020 11:22

Complain

Get them replaced

Unacceptable

Chambored · 15/12/2020 11:25

Stand your ground Op, that’s completely unacceptable re the doors. And I wouldn’t be happy with the comments from the fitters either. I’d want new, unscratched doors.

SilverBirchWithout · 15/12/2020 11:26

I would be livid. Either the fitters are exceptionally clumsy and unskilled, or the doors are not fit for purpose or poorly packed for delivery.
We have a 10 year old kitchen with less damage. Arrange for a site meeting with the fitters and suppliers (if you can) one of them needs to sort this out. Personally I would be very concerned about the doors ability to stand up to everyday use so would want some form of guarantee from the suppliers.

isseys4xmastinselcats · 15/12/2020 11:28

i would be screaming blue murder if my brand new kitchen came with scratches like that the whole idea of a new kitchen is just that its all shiny and brand new if it looks like this new its not going to last very well

SilverBirchWithout · 15/12/2020 11:29

Do you think the conversation you ‘overheard‘ could have been staged for your benefit, ie to intimidate you into thinking you were being a pita.
If not it sounds to me they have form!

AuntieDolly · 15/12/2020 11:36

I wouldn't put up with that.

HasaDigaEebowai · 15/12/2020 11:38

Nope. You need them replaced.

Original poster
kitchenissues · 15/12/2020 11:44

Thanks all for the replies, I feel better knowing you all agree that's it's unacceptable and that I'm not being unreasonable here. It's a local independent shop and the fitters work directly for them.

OP posts:
Original poster
kitchenissues · 15/12/2020 11:44

@SilverBirchWithout

Do you think the conversation you ‘overheard‘ could have been staged for your benefit, ie to intimidate you into thinking you were being a pita. If not it sounds to me they have form!
This was yesterday before I mentioned or noticed anything about the scratches so I don't think so
OP posts:
Ithinkim · 15/12/2020 11:51

There's not a chance in hell I would be accepting that.

Tell them to stop as you need to speak to the owner. Be brave. They are in a terrible state.

SilverBirchWithout · 15/12/2020 12:15

This was yesterday before I mentioned or noticed anything about the scratches so I don't think so
Ok, it could have been they’d already noticed the damage themselves.

You are in a better position because the fitters and suppliers are the same company, they can’t blame each other. When you discuss the problem with them make sure you describe the issue as ‘damage’ rather than ‘scratches’ as that’s what it is - scratches sounds like a more minor problem Imho.
Good luck. Be firm with them, tell them simply and clearly what actions you expect to put things right. Don’t waiver from what you want done, if they offer alternatives tell them you will consider the option first - don’t get rail-roaded into a solution you don’t want.

NotMeNoNo · 15/12/2020 12:35

Just checking that there isn't any plastic protective film on them and that's what's torn? It took me months to notice I'd left the plastic on an Ikea unit once.
Although to be honest if they had the protective film on, it would have er, protected the paintwork. These look like they are ex display or have been kicking around in a van for weeks.

2beautifulbabs · 15/12/2020 13:23

They need to replace them I wouldn't be happy either.
It's not for them to decide that they are ok they aren't ok.

TheLadyGrayson · 15/12/2020 13:23

No way - you're paying for a new kitchen, it should be perfect. I bet they wouldn't accept scratched brand new units in their own homes!

Original poster
kitchenissues · 15/12/2020 13:27

@NotMeNoNo

Just checking that there isn't any plastic protective film on them and that's what's torn? It took me months to notice I'd left the plastic on an Ikea unit once. Although to be honest if they had the protective film on, it would have er, protected the paintwork. These look like they are ex display or have been kicking around in a van for weeks.
Not that I'm aware of, but I'll check. I would of thought they would of mentioned that though if that was the case. The owner told me after I sent these photos over today that 'Sorry, but due to the soft ultramatt finish, the doors and panels are a little bit more difficult to work with' which has me worried now to at they're not going to last 2 minutes ... he did say if I check over them once they've finished and I'm unhappy with them then they will replace them. They seem to think these will rub off, I don't know how but we'll see
OP posts:
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