DIY Kitchens... still the best value for money?

PFarrey · 14 Oct 2017 at 10:48

platypus said:
We're not sure on the whole handle/handless situation. I like clean/modern, my wife does to a certain extent, I think with the design of the house its likely that modern would fit better. Appliance wise, we're hoping for two full size single ovens, an integrated microwave, space for an integrated freezer, a large induction hob, a dishwasher, 1 and a half sink, think thats it..

We don't like gloss I think is the thing we definitely agree on . Many thanks .

This could be one way of doing it?

Simon · 14 Oct 2017 at 18:58

The Craig said:
I've just fit my first boiler box and corner Base unit....

Did you guys bother tying your Base units to the walls?

Yes. Especially if you have drawers. Saves everything moving about too

Buffman · 15 Oct 2017 at 18:33

Simon said:
Yes. Especially if you have drawers. Saves everything moving about too

Yes it's now all fixed quite tightly! Just got my island to do (waiting on extractor)

What about oven units, I've got an 880mm oven but the opening is 900 ish, would you fit the panel before or after?

Hedge · 15 Oct 2017 at 18:47

A tip in future when painting is that you are better letting the wall paint creep 1mm onto the ceiling as opposed to stopping short. It makes your lines look more clean

. Its something I learned when painting this damn house

platypus · 15 Oct 2017 at 20:01

Wow that looks amazing @PFarrey! Definitely happy with that layout, I also happen to love the units, especially the wrap around effect with the surfaces. Did you just use some rendering, or are those actual units?

Buffman · 15 Oct 2017 at 21:31

Hedge said:
A tip in future when painting is that you are better letting the wall paint creep 1mm onto the ceiling as opposed to stopping short. It makes your lines look more clean . Its something I learned when painting this damn house

Really? I'm surprised I thought the opposite would be true? I hope you're not being critical of the Mrs painting!

Hedge · 15 Oct 2017 at 21:39

The Craig said:
Really? I'm surprised I thought the opposite would be true? I hope you're not being critical of the Mrs painting!

Yeah I used to think the same. If you put your face to the wall and look up then you might notice paint against ceiling but if you are anywhere else in the room it makes it look sharp.

PFarrey · 16 Oct 2017 at 10:21

platypus said:
Wow that looks amazing @PFarrey! Definitely happy with that layout, I also happen to love the units, especially the wrap around effect with the surfaces. Did you just use some rendering, or are those actual units?

It's a lovely space, everything fits well and I think you'll be happy once it's all done! I use a CAD system (Compusoft Winner) to do all the rendering, no photos are used.

Buffman · 16 Oct 2017 at 10:44

Do you guys think a support would be required at the front of a worktop if it's spanning just over 1200mm? (dishwasher and washing machine underneath) - pics above.

It will be securely supported either side and at the back.

Steeps · 16 Oct 2017 at 13:49

Can't see it being an issue unless you're planning to put something very heavy (like another appliance) on top of it. It's a long enough run and there's plenty of support either side.

platypus · 16 Oct 2017 at 15:31

Ok, to those fitting their own kitchens...would you recommend it? Or do you regret ever starting?

I've done pretty much every job on the DIY front but this is something else. Fairly sure I have every tool needed, etc, just wondering if its worth the hassle to save some money.

Buffman · 16 Oct 2017 at 20:05

platypus said:
Ok, to those fitting their own kitchens...would you recommend it? Or do you regret ever starting?

I've done pretty much every job on the DIY front but this is something else. Fairly sure I have every tool needed, etc, just wondering if its worth the hassle to save some money.

I would say depends on how quickly you want the job done, especially if you're doing a lot on your own a couple fitters will do it a lot quicker!
It's not particularly complex if you design it correct, just quite a fiddly job so takes time. You want to be good at diy etc and finishing touches (eg worktops, tiling) are probably worth getting others in.

As an example someone quoted me £1500 just to fit kitchen (no tiling)
I'm gonna do it myself plus get worktop fitted for £220 plus tiled for £300.
If it's a big feature point of your home, and a mega expensive house /kitchen it's probably worth paying a good fitter a couple grand to fit it though!

platypus · 17 Oct 2017 at 10:12

I've done tons of DIY and I'm happy with the majority of the jobs - would definitely get someone in to do the worktop though as we'll probably go for quartz.

But, as you say, its that centre-piece of our house (or will be once all the building work is finished), so there is part of me that whilst I am confident I could get it fitted I do wonder about the final finish.

novaenough · 17 Oct 2017 at 12:27

platypus said:
But, as you say, its that centre-piece of our house (or will be once all the building work is finished), so there is part of me that whilst I am confident I could get it fitted I do wonder about the final finish.

I'm sure you could fit it but as you say it's the final finish that you're after.
My mates a joiner/ kitchen fitter, he's always said that as long as get half decent units its the fitting that makes the kitchen.
He worked for Space kitchens about 10 years ago and i think their average kitchen then was £15-18k When he did his house he bought the kitchen from MFI, think that tells you something.

JRJ · 17 Oct 2017 at 20:38

@PFarrey just re read this thread as we're trying to decide on which kitchen manufacturer to go with but so far we've been unable to get a design to include the ceilings like your renders do, and completely visualise the space we have, could I be cheeky and ask if you minded putting something together for me please?

What are peoples thoughts on Sigma Kitchens? We have a trade contact that we could purchase through but I've always thought of them as an expensive company.

Simon · 17 Oct 2017 at 22:53

Did it all myself. Sure it was slow but the finish is far better than trades who all rush jobs.

Hated doing it at time but looking back it’s very satisfying

PFarrey · 21 Oct 2017 at 22:02

JRJ said:
@PFarrey just re read this thread as we're trying to decide on which kitchen manufacturer to go with but so far we've been unable to get a design to include the ceilings like your renders do, and completely visualise the space we have, could I be cheeky and ask if you minded putting something together for me please?

What are peoples thoughts on Sigma Kitchens? We have a trade contact that we could purchase through but I've always thought of them as an expensive company.

Hi,

No problem. Post some measurements along with a description and I'll draw it out. If you want an idea on kitchen layout please provide a specification;

- modern
- traditional
- in between
- worktop type
- appliance specification
- any general preferences.

JRJ · 21 Oct 2017 at 23:07

PFarrey said:
Hi,

No problem. Post some measurements along with a description and I'll draw it out. If you want an idea on kitchen layout please provide a specification;

- modern
- traditional
- in between
- worktop type
- appliance specification
- any general preferences.

Brilliant thanks it's very much appreciated and I'll upload some measurements in the morning.

JRJ · 22 Oct 2017 at 10:50

Hope these are sufficient for you @PFarrey

Red squares are velux windows we've added

Side profile, red line shows the finished ceiling line

She's looking for a modern/ish handless kitchen in an off white colour with a light grey quartz worktop, what's been drawn by the architect is just a placeholder idea not something we've suggested.
Appliance wise, large 5 hob burner above some pan drawers with separate double oven, dishwasher and built under fridge, main fridge and washing machine will be in the utility.

Thanks in advance

PFarrey · 24 Oct 2017 at 13:18

JRJ said:
Hope these are sufficient for you @PFarrey

Red squares are velux windows we've added

Side profile, red line shows the finished ceiling line

She's looking for a modern/ish handless kitchen in an off white colour with a light grey quartz worktop, what's been drawn by the architect is just a placeholder idea not something we've suggested.
Appliance wise, large 5 hob burner above some pan drawers with separate double oven, dishwasher and built under fridge, main fridge and washing machine will be in the utility.

Thanks in advance

That looks fine. I'm back in the office on Saturday so I'll take a look then.