Kitchen shopping

[Stripedbag101]

I am going out today to look at kitchens.

i am a little worried that I will get ripped off. I have never bought a kitchen before.

my tip budget is £20k - but this will have to include fitting. Then £7k for the utility room.

do I tell them this? Any hints gratefully accepted😊

You can certainly state your budget, that won't necessarily preclude you from being ripped off. Don't be pressured into anything - take your time, gather all info, then step away for a bit before you make a decision. Go out with a list of your must haves, nice to haves and definitely don't wants. Don't exclude independent suppliers, surprisingly they aren't all super expensive. Shop around for appliances - 9 times out of 10, you'll get them cheaper elsewhere. Join Facebook groups for each supplier you visit - some are eye opening!

Most of all, enjoy it!

We were clear about our budget. Our fiter said B&Q are very good. I think if you can get a recommendation for a fitter that works independently that can make the world of difference to the finished look of a kitchen.

Not all kitchens are the same - some are built as cabinets some flatpack. We went with Howdens in the end and they were great.

www.which.co.uk/reviews/fitted-kitchens/article/planning-a-kitchen/kitchen-units-doors-and-worktops-axKaE0s40sW7

We had 3 quotes:
howdens - good price but designer never have options and dictated what we wanted rather than give us a choice.

Wickes - we loved the design but filters both said they didn’t like wickes (it comes flat pack so is harder/time consuming)

local independent - listened, gave options and will do the whole job project managed, cost about £1k more than Howdens overall but better quality doors so really, much of a muchness but a more full/easier experience.

we chose option 3 and they gutted the kitchen this week, electrics are done and fit begins next week. Happy so far.

Thanks all. Went to a local independent place - was quoted about £11k for the kitchen cupboards with doors lined in farrow and ball. Will need to source the quartz worktops elsewhere.

Seems an okay deal - need to shop around now and look into quartz suppliers

Have your looked at DIY kitchens? I got a solid wood shaker kitchen, in Farrow and Ball colours for £8k. If you send them your plan/quote, they'll give you a price. www.diy-kitchens.com/

I would project manage it myself and get a good fitter and standard units. Shop around to see what's available and what is good quality. F and B colours ready painted might be nice. If I did a kitchen again I'd want a proper larger unit, which can be pricy.

I had a very good experience with Wren. Told them my budget and also saved pennies on an independent fitter if had recommended.

I had to have flat pack as there was absolutely no where to store it when it was delivered. My sister had a B&Q kitchen. It's ok but lots of really fiddly little cupboards. Mine is nicer!