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1) The design concept/architecture. As it was a new extension, we were starting with a blank slate. So this might not apply if you're replacing an existing kitchen and have a good idea of what you want.
2) The detailed design of the kitchen furniture
3) The fitting of the kitchen, including carpentry, electrics and plumbing
4) The worktop
I guess you can go to various sources for all, or combinations, of the above. We ended up with it all being separate elements
A retired friend of ours, who used to have his own business, designed our kitchen concept/architecture based on a list of things my wife wanted.
Our builder had an account with Howdens and we went to them first. Howdens came up with a good detailed design based on our friend's architecture/concept but it required certain compromises to fit with their menu of options. I think the main compromises were on the width of the granite worktop, plus IIRC they didn't do the shelving we wanted.
I was impressed with our meeting with Howdens, so I'm sure they are good if your requirements fit with their menu of options.
We ended up going to a small independent kitchen supplier that came up with a detailed design for the kitchen furniture based on our friend's concept/architecture, which didn't require any compromises.
We also went to a separate supplier for the granite worktop, which gave even more flexibility in the design. I remember when their technical rep. did the final measurements, after the furniture was fitted, he suggested making the granite slightly wider to give a good overhang, which was definitely a good idea as previously our dishwasher and washing machine protruded slightly beyond the worktop.
At the time I was very concerned how it might all come together because we had one supplier for the kitchen furniture, with the fitting/carpentry, electrics and plumbing being handled by our builder's team. Then the granite being provided and fitted by a separate supplier.
In the end it worked perfectly. Largely due to the fact that we'd made good choices and had picked an excellent builder who coordinated it all. But it's a small world in East Devon and it probably helped that:
The designer for the small independent used to work for our retired friend.
The owner of the small independent kitchen supplier went to school with our builder.
The granite supplier had previously worked with our retired friend, with the independent kitchen supplier and our builder.
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That does look mint all round, great job.
In our old place we had a kitchen designed and delivered by B&Q, then had a friend install it.
They cocked up the basic measurements of the kitchen, so what they then designed was never going to fit. We then had some stuff missing when delivered, and multiples of other parts, that weren’t ordered. Our friend ended up butchering what we had and made a good job of it, but B&Q were fucking useless. We did get a load of money back in compensation, plus returned the duplicated parts and got refunds on all those. But it was a horrible experience.
A good friend ordered from Wren and had a nightmare. First massive delays in getting what he ordered. Then they turned up a week early with no warning with the whole kitchen. He had to make the space to store it (didn’t want to refuse delivery as he had such a nightmare getting it in the first place). Received duplicates of some parts, other parts were missing. He’s finally got it sorted and the kitchen looks lovely, but they were a nightmare to deal with, and crap at sorting out problems.
Good luck!
I can't help about the shape I'm in, I can't sing I ain't pretty and my legs are thin
But don't ask me what I think of you, I might not give the answer that you want me to
Supportact said: [my style is] probably more an accumulation of limitations and bad habits than a 'style'.
My music:- https://soundcloud.com/hubobulous
My parents had a newer, more premium Howdens kitchen last year and things are definitely more substantial and sturdy.
There is definitely different quality levels in the Howdens range.
Doubt we'll go for granite. I quite fancy a wood effect but not yet decided.
This will be a whole room rip out, floor, units, wiring and rebuild. Tempted to knock through into the lounge as well.
It's tricky finding the line between refit and just move house
Granite has obvious heat and water advantages. But if you ever even just topple over a glass, that glass is 'a goner'.