I'm thinking about biting the bullet and getting a new kitchen installed next year (once I've done the information gathering). I understand this can be a smooth, slick operation or a nightmare horror story. Anyone got any hints, tips, advice or indeed warnings?
go to a reliable, local, well-established kitchen supplier/installer. ask to see photo's of work already done, and a list of satisfied customers!
also be VERY clear about what you want and where, and the quality of work expected.
good luck :)
We had ours installed by the builder who was doing our extension, but made by a firm he recommended because they had just made his.
We were very definite about what we did - and didn't - want, and the kitchen was planned round that. It went through several drafts before we were satisfied, but the chap who was designing it was perfectly happy to do that. (Unlike a couple of larger places we had been to, who were intent on selling us their design!) Any decent firm will actually welcome a definite brief. And they can make units wider or shorter to accommodate your space, so don't be fobbed off with firms that only have 2 or 3 standard sizes. We planned ours to the millimetre (literally!).
Look at tons of pictures and appliances, you will see things you may niot have thought of and make a wishlist. There are some smashing kitchens out there with small touches you may not think of. I just love the narrow drop down door where my sink is, the one that is usually just a narrow drwaer front that doesn't open,this is plastic lines and holds the dish cloth, scourer etc as I hate it bring on the sink in view. Small thing but very important to me. A pull out fixture where I keep all my cans is a real good one too. Of course my stove woukld be very imporstant to me so I would be looking fior soemthing with a wide oven..not many in the UK.. I found this was a nightmare.
Good Luck, I am very envious.
XX Jeannine
Just done it, so this advice is very current! Get someone who has been recommended to you by someone you know well. We had a local builder with a plumber we know well and an electrician both of them knew. We had building work done too and it took a month instead of the two weeks they promised! As said before, be very definite about what you want, check on the work in progress regularly and don't accept sub-standard fixes when things need to be altered (cos they probably will!) and don't worry about getting on their nerves, after all, YOU are the boss!
If you are going for ready made units watch for the edges, some have a kind of taped edge and others are wrapped around and much better. As with most things, buy the best you can afford!
If you want to talk over anything feel free to PM me..
http://www.p7340-harrods.com/ (http://www.p7340-harrods.com/)
Why mess about with all the rubbish, just get the best.
Thanks for all the tips. I kind of know what I'm after but I'd really like to get someone in to explore all the possibilities -not just replace the current layout without question. So I'd need someone who was willing and able to do that. Then of course it would be down to budget which sadly, Ace, doesn't stretch to Harrods!!
My suggestion would be to go to up to half a dozen different companies let them all come give you a design and quote, then pick the best design and have it put in by the people who you perceive to be the best company. Most important is don't forget to get those all important references (and lots of them!). Oh and remember, never pay for it all up front, a good company would never expect this and will not expect the final payment until you are 100% happy with your kitchen.
Best of luck.