DIY Kitchens

[BG2015]

We have just moved into our new home 2 weeks ago. We knew that we were going to change the kitchen eventually so went up to the DIY kitchens showroom to have a look what was on offer in June before we moved.

We live in Staffordshire so it's a trek for us but we were in Sheffield for an event so travelled a bit further to take a look. We were impressed.

My DP, who does a lot of cooking declared this week that the kitchen was a nightmare. I agree, we have very little storage and it's hard work. We have downsized so we knew it would be tough. It doesn't flow, we have stuff everywhere.

We've been to Wren this morning as a starting point. We liked the design we were shown and he made good use of the space. We have a small u shaped kitchen. We now have a list of base units, appliances etc, a 3D photo and a price.

If we go up to DIY kitchens do we need to book an appointment and could they work off the Wren design to cost/design the kitchen? I'm presuming they could.

We have an amazing fitter who fitted our last kitchen. He prefers Howdens kitchens but will fit anything really. He says DIY are cheap but unreliable.

The appliances are mostly AEG, Hoover washing machine and a Zanussi induction hob.

I reckon we could get the costs down if we looked more closely at the appliances.

We've also decided we wouldn't want upstands either as will no doubt tile the walls so that should lower it too.

I got all my appliances from AO and they gave me a discount as I bought several things. I can't remember exactly how much but I remember it was well worth asking and they said yes.

@doodleygirl

Oneplan-design.co.uk

Have a look at houzz.co.uk to see options of designers, that's where we found this one

DIY Kitchens emailed me with a quote £1023 cheaper than Wren. However, none of the appliances were well known brands so can't really compare like for like.

Interesting but no good unless the appliances are like for like. Are you going to try DIY Kitchens next?

@Welshstaffy I don't think the saving is that great unless I'd got the exact same appliances, the appliances on the DIY Kitchen weren't brands I'd ever seen before. Plus we're miles away from the showroom if anything is missing or goes wrong. I was expecting a £3k difference I think or something substantial.

I'm waiting for Howdens to give me a quote later on in the week and I may visit Wicks - although I know their kitchens are flat packed (our last kitchen was from Wicks) and my fitter charges more as he has to build the units.

We haven’t done that much research yet but Wickes was my most enjoyable walk about - a lovely chap explained all the different worktops to us and we didn’t feel pushed at all.

For me, Magnet in Stafford didn’t have enough examples and we felt ignored in Howdens although when the time comes for us to be serious I will arrange a proper appointment. A friend has told me that Howdens always have a good sale in October.

Am I right in thinking with DIY you’re entirely responsible for the measuring?

Yes, it says in the email they aren't responsible and to check with your fitter all measurements and that the correct items have been ordered.

Could you not have a go at sourcing the appliances yourself?

That's what I did!

Ordered kitchen from DIY Kitchen's , then ordered solid oak work tops & all appliances from different places! Mostly Ebsy, there is a whole world of brand new kitchen appliances on there!

Once you know which model of what make you want it's quite easy to find it cheaper than any kitchen supplier can offer it to you!

That would really stress me. I’d pay money to pass the liabilty to someone else.

I source my own appliances online though - lots of good deals to be had. Neff is my preferred mid price brand - they’re good across the board - fridges, hobs, ovens, washing machines etc.

@Mirabai I totally agree. Me and my DP just don't feel confident doing all that and my kitchen fitter doesn't really know about DIY Kitchens. He's heard of them, never dealt with them specifically and says they're unreliable. We live miles away.

I did try to price match Wrens appliances but they came out £400 more, that was with AO and Curry's - all the appliances were the exact same ones, mainly AEG.

@rockstarshoes I'll have a look at Ebsy, never heard of them but happy to do a bit of research.

I think PP might mean ebay 😂

Is that a cupboard next to the lounge door?

We have an amazing fitter who fitted our last kitchen. He prefers Howdens kitchens but will fit anything really. He says DIY are cheap but unreliable.

Is he asking to order Howdens through him? Because most trade companies get a kick back from Howdens. There are many many many reviews praising DIY Kitchens over Howdens so I'd be wary of why he is recommending Howdens.

Agreed, a mistake could end up costing more than you save.

Just warning about AEG - cheap but not so cheerful, my current property had brand new Wren kitchen with AEG fridge induction hob and oven when we arrived, and they all had to be replaced as they were crap. Worth paying more to get better quality. Try also Mark’s electricals, Appliances Direct,

I do think Howdens are reliable. I wouldn’t go near Wren.

My parents have a Howdens kitchen and it's still going strong after 10+ years. I know their appliances are rubbish,

I do believe the fitter is the key though. My fitter is booked up
Until February, he's in high demand and very popular locally - he is amazing. He works with an electrician too (who I went to school with)

When I had my tiling done at my last house, the tiler asked who'd fitted the kitchen because the levels were perfect.

Yes, it actually goes right under the stairs so that's a bit misleading. It houses my Hoover, cleaning stuff and everything else that won't fit in my tiny kitchen.

How big is it, could you put a door in the lounge to access for your cleaning stuff it and put your fridge freezer there on the kitchen side?

Also if it was me I would put the wall cupboards on the side where you oven is so all the bulk of the cabinets are on that side and put shelves on the wall where your hob is, like this.

Excuse the stuff on worktop

@Imtoooldforallthis

No wouldn't fit a fridge freezer in there or be able to access it from the other side. See photos. The stairs are in the way.

Also I don't want open shelving, it looks cluttered and gathers dust. This kitchen is REALLY small and I need to utilise as much cupboard space as possible.

Howden’s annual sale is on or starting very soon.