Stressed with choices and demanding builders

4 years ago

We started our kitchen extension back in October. The builder really wanted me to use Howdens because he's used to them and has a good relationship with them.

We went round for a design consultation which pretty much lasted 20 mins. She sent over the plans which looked alright but she didn't give us any real info and spec on appliances etc.

My builder is saying, you need to make a decision on electrics now as we need to crack on, they've put down the underfloor heating and made a space where the island on Howdens plans went. This wasn't set in stone as I hadn't agreed yet.

Anyway, we went to look at Tom Howley kitchen over the weekend and they came round for a really thorough chat about dislikes/likes, what works etc. Tom Howley guys said that because builder has already put underfloor heating down, that would affect warranty if appliances and furniture was sat on top of it if the design would change.

I really want a beautiful kitchen, the builder wants information after Xmas but tom Howley say Ill have to wait until 13th for the new designs.

im totally overwhelmed

Featured Answer

Juliet Docherty

4 years ago

If you could get a brilliant design (@oneplan) then you can use somewhere like DIY kitchens which get really good reviews and provide quartz worktops as part of the deal at a very competitive price. Builders often suggest Howdens.

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Comments (8)

Daisy England
4 years ago
I don’t see that the fact the builder is used to Howdens kitchens is beneficial because carcases are carcases (so all the same/ very similar) and fascias are hinged to the carcases so click on. They’re all a much of a muchness so to speak. Some carcases are assembled, some semi assembled and some flat packed. Howdens laminate worktops are rubbish as they are not balanced on the underside so in time might be prone to warpIng plus their choice is not huge and they only come in a maximum of 3m length when other brands are available at 4.1m long.

I think the builder just wanted you to have a Howdens kitchen when perhaps you’d have been better off looking around.

If your underfloor heating Is down then perhaps you’ll have to work around this but go with Tom Howley if you think they’ll offer a better service.
Jonathan
4 years ago
The cost of these two kitchens will be miles apart. If your budget will stretch above Howdens then consider visiting an independent kitchen showroom for quicker advice.
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There is however no doubt that the individuals sent the first time did not have the skill level to carry out the work, the finish is poor and the original firm need to source better workers to complete your job. However the sympathy of earlier posters and claims they wouldn’t have them back won’t resolve your issues. You need to put your complaints in writing and state what you expect to be done to resolve the issue and a timescale. Don’t forget to send the letter by recorded delivery to prove they received it. In my opinion the complaint should concentrate on the poor tiling and the absence of preparation before decorating rather than the cost of the work which you agreed to at the outset. The CAB are right that you have no legal redress unless you give this company opportunity to resolve the issues first and in fairness by agreeing a fixed fee for work you are likely contractually entitled to call them back for remedial works. You are also right to withhold payment but after their next visit need to be realistic about the expected result- you will no doubt be looking for faults but the expected results should be competent/tidy/smart looking as perfection is unachievable.
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Sonia
4 years ago
It suits builders to use Howdens, as they have accounts with them, but there are so many other options. My brother, a builder, originally suggested to me to use Howdens for my new kitchen but I didn’t like the fact there were no showrooms so I couldn’t picture how it would look. I went elsewhere in the end but he did fit the kitchen for me and arranged electrician, plasterer etc. I think your builder needs to realise he is working for you! Whenever I said to my brother “I want this and this, what do you think?” He always said that I was the customer and he will always do what the customer wants.
PRO
OnePlan
4 years ago
Thanks for the mention Colourhappy !
As I type - I could, just, squeeze you into week commencing 6th Jan for a 5day “A service “ design consult if you need it - drop me a Houzz message if you want it or to find out more etc - we finish on Friday for Christmas and New Year break. (click on my name or icon to get to my pro page )
Gabby Wong
4 years ago
I'm sorry to hear that you're feeling overwhelmed with decisions and the pressure the builder is putting on you!

I'd say like others, don't be bullied into choosing a Howden's kitchen if it isn't what you want. Also if you hadn't said that this is where you'd want units and therefore aren't happy with where the underfloor heating has been put, it could be worth considering mentioning this.

Whilst you don't want to create a toxic relationship with the builder, Sonia is right.. they're working for you. You're paying probably a significant amount of money, not only for the kitchen but the rest of the work, and whilst it's always nice for it to be complete.. it's worth putting your foot down and insisting on a delay rather than rapidly choosing something that later you'll regret.

I agree - One plan comes highly recommended on here although I've not used her myself, but I suspect she could help optimise your layout for something that works for you.
mattweeksdj
4 years ago
We have literally just finished our new kitchen and I do sympathise. Whilst we had no issues at all (and did use Howdens) I didn’t plan for making decisions on electrics etc before I could see the kitchen. It does make sense though as much of the wiring will likely be underfloor with sockets etc run up the walls, so it does need to be agreed before the kitchen is put in. As others have said though, don’t feel pressured and work at your own pace. I wouldn’t write Howdens off though, very reasonably priced and carcasses are carcasses at the end of the day. You can go in store to check out the quality of doors etc and obviously the more you spend the higher the spec. Good luck
rinked
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
No pressure! But, if the builder wants to continue, get your layout solved, so he can adjust the plumbing/electrics, etc.. Then take your time and choose which kitchen, color, appliances, company, etc. The decisions you'll make now are most likely for 15+ years to come. Don't rush, but also don't get stuck.

My 'first kitchen conversations' take about two hours, in which we go though layout, wishes, needs, materials, some appliances. Then I make a design (and price). Talk through that again, change some more, have another chat to go though every little detail. If the customer is satisfied, we can measure, perhaps change some more. Until they are truely satisfied and ready to take the plunge ;)

Could you post your floorplan with measurements? And the design you already have, what needs to change? Perhaps we can help a little, even be it by taking away some doubts.

Stressed with choices and demanding builders

Juliet Docherty

Comments (8)

Daisy England

Jonathan

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