I know this has probably been asked a thousand times on here, but I could really go with some advice.
I'm a ftb and I moved into a house with an ugly, old and broken kitchen, seems to be chip board and wrapped mdf doors.
I can salvage the sink and the built in oven as they seem in good nick and I'm happy for them not to end up in landfill. I've also got under counter fridge & freezer which are old but again in good enough condition to keep.
I'm new to the area & have no family or friends or partner here to help with any design decisions or practical help - there's no way I could do any of the DIY myself apart from painting either.
The house is a nice 1930s semi and I've managed to buy it because it's in a bit of a state, and sadly because of an inheritance, but I need to be careful with spending money - like most of us I guess!
I went to Wicks and they drew up a plan and costed everything up - it comes to about £5k & £3k fitting and I'm sure I could find better quality, but cheaper - but is that impossible if you haven't got any connection with trades?
£8k just on the kitchen seems very high - but maybe I'm wrong, I don't want to buy the cheapest stuff - I'd like wooden doors at least.
The main cost seems to be the fitting, how on earth do I find a good fitter in this climate if I want to try and buy a kitchen independently? I find dealing with trades people quite difficult, I'm a bit socially awkward and I also hate that they often seem to mess you around or have low standards - how do you find ones that are competitively priced, but reliable?
Any advice gratefully received!