Choosing a decent kitchen

For me I always use Howdens, for great value plus I have a great working relationship with Howdens, and they have rigid carcasses which saves a lot of time. As for going to the planning I don't need to be there but if you required this I would, as the planners are good at what they do and they would normally come out to site first to measure. As for using Ikea which I have in the past, my only problem with them is if something is missing from kitchen, it could take a while to receive missing parts.

Have fitted kitchens from all the mainstream suppliers, BQ, Wickes, Ikea, Howdens, Homebase and Wren. Howdens and Wren both supply rigid carcases already assembled - not flat-pack. In my opinion there is little difference in terms of quality of components between these suppliers. From a fitters viewpoint Howdens have built their business on providing excellent local services and support to the trade. Wren are more focussed on selling direct to the customer. As far as kitchen planning is concerned it can be a big advantage to discuss your ideas with the fitter before you go to the planning stage. Moving a radiator a little to the left or right could make your new kitchen work better. Building a bespoke storage unit into an alcove could provide loads of extra storage space.