new kitchen dilemma

[thehillsarealive]

ok i have been to Wickes, got plans drawn up and had a quote for their Heritage Range in Bone, was perfectly happy with it - although I thought the extra bits and pieces (electric & plumbing) to be added on at time of installation would bump the price on a fair bit, even though installatin was priced, but you know what it is like?

Anyway today a lovely girl from Magnet came out, did new plans - slightly different design, loads more appliances, roughly same kitchen "Urban Calico" from MAgnets Purely range (mid price)and I prefer it. It is only £600 more than Wickes but the job is priced up better, more intimate schedule of work and the girl knew what she was talking about when it came to electrical things etc.

My quandry is this - which do i choose? Bearing in mind they are similar kitchens.

Magnet
or
Wickes

Please help - I only have until THURSDAY to decide as Wickes 50% + 15% offer finishes then - and I am saving loads on solid wood worktops...

Have you got a quote from an independent fitter?Ours is approx £3000 less than we would have paid for Wickes to fit.The going rate seems to b e £150 a day for independent guys.Then go with the one you like best-if you're like me,you are going to be using it/looking at it for a loooong time,so pick the one you love.

I love the Heritage one though-but that is probably because it is the one I picked.Mine is halfway through fitting now and looks fab.

May be worth playing them off against each other once you decide-my fitter does a lot of work from Magnet and they asked him if they could quote for me,as they could beat Wickes quote.I said no as I knew exactly what I wanted,and Magnet didn't have it.

We had a quote from Magnet mid January and said we would probably decide by end January. As the deadline approached they dropped the price twice and became fairly competitive with other quotes. I would say don't be rushed into making a decision - they seem to have sales all the time and could probably hold the price beyond Thursday or even drop it if played off against Wickes as suggested by 101damnations.

We ended up choosing a local kitchen company because they were prepared to include some extra building work (bricking up part of a window) whereas Magnet said we'd have to get this done separately.

thanks for the replies, sorry forgot to add that I have a kitchen fitter coming tomorrow to have a look round and quote for the work. I am sure he will give me a much better price - these large companies are very expensive for the completed work, ie fitting, ripping out, tiling, plumbing, leccy work etc.

This person comes highly recommended and is a member of the local 'trusted tradesmen' so will see what his price is tomorrow.

It isnt Magnet who are finishing their deal on Thurs it is Wickes. I am sure I could get it cheaper yet... will keep you posted.

101 - would love to see a pic when yours is finished. (envious)

right I am definitely going with Magnet kitchen, been told they are much better quality and come ready built which is a good thing (?)

my fitter is quoting to put the kichen in for us, so fingers crossed.

Excellent.My fitter does a lot of work for Magnet and rates them.The units being ready built will save a lot of time,therefore a lot of money.

I'll post pictures of mine when it is done,and you will have to too.

ps don't tell your fitter what Magnet quoted,the price difference is so vast that he might bump it up a bit and think you won't notice.You aren't within 40 miles of Leicestershire are you?If so I'd defintely recommend our fitter,he is a perfectionist and is doing fabulous job.