For Builder

[Connemmara]

I think I have a wee bit unlucky re my new kitchen. Kitchen man told he was "busy" - I accepted - have just realised this kitchen centre are run by brothers. Anytime have been I after them to get answers - he fobbs me - oh I need a certain gentleman to cut the granite and I myself will be here in 2 weeks to get the old counterpane and doors off in that time. That was 4 weeks.

However, I am calming down any way cos I ordered the new appliances from about beginning of Sept - from Argos and they told they would be coming between 17 and 27 October - I do want the appliances to be here when they are doing kitchen.

I do think MY man is nervous with cutting anything with granite. You know I wish he could have told me that and I could have looked elsewhere. Now I am limbo. But a suitable limbo until those appliances arrive. Shall I wait patiently.

[ummmm]

Have you paid any money over?

[Connemmara]

for the appliances to argos

[ummmm]

So you haven't paid anything towards the actual kitchen?

[friedgreentomato]

If you have not paid anything to the kitchen fitter just get a new one!

[rockyracoon]

If you've not paid a bean to the kitchen fitters and you're already not impressed with them, get a few quotes from other ones.

[Dizmo]

A kitchen fitter who is scared of cutting granite, how is he busy? Granite is expensive I know but a lot of people are having kitchens fitted that have granite worktops.

[Connemmara]

He said he had to get another man with a templatey thing - and he was up about 3 weeks with the man to get the measurements but haven't heard anything.

I can't go looking for another man in case this granite has been cut etc. Understand please I dont want to hurry him up since the appliances have not arrived so I am in a catch 22

[rockyracoon]

I doubt he'll have paid out to have granite cut without getting a big fat deposit from you.

[ummmm]

I agree with Rocky.

[Connemmara]

thanks rocky and ummmm - then I will see what he is up tomorrow.

[The Builder]

Connie, if the new kitchen units have not been fitted, then it's very unlikely that the worktops would have been cut. That's one of the last jobs. The units need to be in place before any measuring can be done.

This is a mess, and you really haven't been treated well at all.
With Argos, you have three choices.......

Cancel the order and be refunded
Plenty of time before delivery, so ask if it can be postponed
Take delivery of the appliances and store them until ready for use.

As far as your fitter is concerned, I would scrap him and start over again.

Granite is easy to cut, it's the finishing (polishing) that is a particularly skilled job. When the new units are in place, the fitter should take measurements; make up necessary wooden templates for odd shaped bits; show where sink cut-outs are to go in, then............. go to a specialist marble & slate company. They'll make it all up for the fitter to simply fix in place.

It really should be that simple :o)

[silliemillie]

It you are unhappy with him now and he is fobbing you off all the time, whats he going to be like if you have any problems AFTER he has your money?

His level of customer service is not very good is it?
I would look elsewhere if I were you.

[Connemmara]

I maybe should have said I was only getting new doors and counterpanes - not the whole cabinets.

Anyway talked to my nephew who is a plumber - he is going to have a wee word with the kitchen man tomorrow and maybe cancel. His friend fitted him with the same kitchen ie doors and counterpane and he tells me with hindsight.

Will let you know outcome. Thanks for your replies.

[Connemmara]

Hi Builder - nephew got me cancelled with the kitchen man this morning.

I came across a letter he (kitchen man) sent me telling how much the job would be and I couldn't believe it was dated 20 February 2013. Now I know I started then cos I wanted the job to be done in July in the summery months.

I don't think this guy wanted to do the job - thank god - no money passed. Now my nephew is going to get the guy who done his kitchen to contact me. Maybe the fella may be busy - but at least some good news. I am going to let the appliances come - they can sit in the dining room for whatever. My kitchen is small so hopefully he can fit me in. Wahey. Conne