fitted kitchen

[bazzard]

Want a high quality fitted kitchen, but have seen poor reviews for three of the larger companies. Any recommendations, please? Quite a few of the problems seem to be linked to sub-contracting the work to local tradesmen, which can have varied results. Where should I research?

[buildersmate]

There are two bits you have to get right with a fitted kitchen - the quality of the units AND the quality of the workmanship of the fitters. You simply cannot get without the other because however good the units are, the final appearance is VERY dependent on the way the fitters operate.
A goof fitter has the right tools (jigs and mitre-saws for example) to speed the work up but his/her knowledge and skill is critical (no I am not a kitchen-fitter and I do not attempt this work myself - it falls into the category of plastering - which I also do not attempt).
The only way to be be sure is to see the quality of the workmanship and/or read testimonials from satisfied customers. That's why i reckon if you want a quality job, the multiples (B+Q etc) are a dead-loss. I reckon you are better off with a smaller organisation that buys the units in bulk and contracts the work to a self-employed fitter who they trust. Because the reputation of the company depends on the quality of the fitters, they take great care about who they let loose on their jobs.
It is pointless me recommending a company because you need someone local to your area.
Start by perusing Yellow Pages and take your time.
How often do you refit your kitchen - it is worth the extra few hundred quid.

[bazzard]

A very full and sensible answer, Buildersmate, thank you. I will ask around, but I don't know many people who have got a newly fitted kitchen and I will also have a look at the suppliers locally, using yellow pages.

[buildersmate]

This is the sort of organisation you are looking for. Mrs Buildersmate and I have used it twice over 15 years to refit kitchens.
http://www.designs-for-living.co.uk/dfl-kitche ns-p1.htm

[bazzard]

Superb answer again, Buildersmate. Have contacted the company in case they have branches in my county. I understand your point though about using a smaller, but established high quality local company. I'll begin my research.

[gucciman]

perhaps it would be worth looking through the yellow pages for a bespoke kitchen fitter, any tradesman who works on his own is totally dependent on his reputation so should do a good job. ask him to see pics of his work and when its finished inspect the work before you pay.

[terence7556]

if you live near the midlands i can recommend someone who fitted a kitchen for me at xmas, MS installations at tamworth

[BertiWooster]

.