kitchen company advice sought

Karin,

Your concerns regarding liaison between the builder and supplier are with foundation and can cause immense disruption and delay if not undertaken correctly.

Your supplier, if reputable, should be expressing a similar concern to minimise any issues regarding service location. There really is a simple method of overcoming this and one I

developed when installing myself.

The first fix plan provides your builder with the dimensions of all preparatory services prior to installation. It will detail your water, gas, electrical and drainage requirements to

ensure a trouble free and faster installation.

This may be a plug for a copywrited personal creation but I can’t stress enough to others how it minimises potential problems when installtion finally takes place.

As for Harvey Jones, we have a policy on the forum of refraining from expressing opinions about companies instead concentrating on the criteria and services a consumer is entitled to

in relation to the cost.

Painted kitchens are a popular style of design that offers the buyer greater input into their own kitchen. Choosing the colours can be an exciting experience and your concerns over

chipping are only correct if the painter has no experience or knowledge of cabinet finishing.
Of course, pre-painted finishes are an option but maintenance is more difficult if the paint cannot be matched should chipping or staining occur. Not so if painting is undertaken on

site, as paint for the purpose will be left with you. We do have details of a number of painters that will undertake this work for you if you wish.

Interestingly enough, through my participation as project consultant to “60 Minute Makeover” among my responsibilities aside from running around the house like a headless chicken,

is to source products for the show and one recent innovation is a cabinet finish recommended to me as having great durability and resistance to chipping and scuffing. If you wish to

go down this route then I will forward you a private message through the forum detailing the company.

Solid wood doors are the most expensive items of cabinetry and are often associated with a traditional look. This isn’t so and a number of designs are ideal for a contemporary

finish. Maple and beech fascias offer you great possibilities and can combine with glass and stainless steel to create a classy, sophisticated design.

Choosing your finish is both difficult and confusing but my advice is to go with your own vision and think of any long term issues before deciding. Questions to consider are; it’s

durability, will it remain in keeping with your property and design preference outside of the kitchen, but most importantly, will it give you that buzz factor every time you, your

family and your friends enter it?