I don't think £9k is a small amount, but then having done many a kitchen as a property developer, we're used to shopping around. I'd buy Wickes ( January sale ), the cabinets are very well made and have a very good guarantee on them. The doors too. They have a good range with the exception possibly of the worktops. Personally I find, having tried probably all trade kitchens, magnet, howdens, ( get a trade kitchen fitter to cost it if you find one you like - they get huge discounts -seriously, up to 70-80% ), B&Q also have trade cards and there's always Homebase etc - The kitchens are lovely and I think there's just a load of snobbery around 'where you bought the kitchen from'. Get savvy and buy Trade! The worktops i'd to an independent. ( only if you can't find one in one of the above ) - otherwise you have the layout for two lots of labour. You don't need flashy Taps ( Taps are minefield ), Use the internet if you're budgeting! I wouldn't buy an American Fridge Freezer, if my daughter's is anything to go by then it's an oversized, unused food store! All it seems to do for her is encourage to buy more as it looks empty and then doesn't get used! Integrate.................better for the visuals especially in a small kitchen. If you want free standing, then buy a normal sized Fridge Freezer The last one we did, even Wickes could not beat the price of the appliances compared to Curry's. So shop online for those too and look for discount codes.

ED re the screen forming the water barrier at the front, I'm trusting the builder. I didnt ask specifically for a flat tray so I presume he's fitted a lot like it and is happy with how they work. Any issues he'd have to sort it out so it's not in his interest to choose something that doesn't work. He's done a lot of work for me already and is quick to argue with me if I suggest anything unworkable. I've noticed the drain hole is huge compared to a bath, I guess to prevent water build up underfoot. I'll update once the plumbing has been done and the screen is done but it'll be a while as I'm saving for the next phase!

These are probably guaranteed for 12 months so after 8 years I doubt you’ll get replacements. Saying that we’ve had customers who after 3 years have had several doors delaminate and our supplier replaced them no questions asked.

We've just had an initial visit from a buking/ renovations company who also supply and fit Ponnighaus kitchens (a German brand). I can't find much on them online, does anyone have experience or know how they fare against Schuller kitchens (which we can also get from an independent locally). Thanks