Kitchens - cheap vs expensive
Discussion
Joe M said:
Thanks, similar'ish cost then, makes me feel better about my quote. My kitchen is 4.5x2.7m
Most people I spoke to seemed to think the quote to fit was expensive, even accounting for the electrical work but having got 4 separate quotes, I came to the conclusion that things have simply gone up in price.A basic garage conversion was coming back as £13-£15k, I calculated cost of materials as around £5k so rest was labour and VAT. Needless to say I will be doing that one DIY and using a stud wall instead of bricking up the garage door to save on costs.
I’m at £5k inc appliances but ex tiles/flooring in our 5m x 5m kitchen but have designed it to save money.
IKEA handleless units, worktops online marble effect laminate, hotpoint appliances (Black Friday sales) etc. I’ll be installing myself (have already done the electrics/plumbing).
Floor is laminate herringbone at £17psm. It’ll all be going in when I have a moment amongst the wider house refurb and incoming baby. I can try to put in a picture when done but long-term (5-10 years) we’re hoping to have an extension done incorporating this space, hence the drive for cheapness!
IKEA handleless units, worktops online marble effect laminate, hotpoint appliances (Black Friday sales) etc. I’ll be installing myself (have already done the electrics/plumbing).
Floor is laminate herringbone at £17psm. It’ll all be going in when I have a moment amongst the wider house refurb and incoming baby. I can try to put in a picture when done but long-term (5-10 years) we’re hoping to have an extension done incorporating this space, hence the drive for cheapness!
FWIW said:
What do you call a ‘vast majority’? Wren had 56% customer satisfaction rating in the Which Report and consistently come bottom in their surveys. It’s not ‘a few’ having problems - Wren are notorious for it.
Did it breakdown those who used a Wren installer vs had a carpenter/builder install and Wren supplied only? I know three people (two of which are builders) who used Wren recently for supply only and they had no issues. Our Wren kitchen was spot on, but, installed by our builders who did a great job and mentioned they previously had to remove and re-install Wren when the customer originally used a Wren installer.
Mark83 said:
Did it breakdown those who used a Wren installer vs had a carpenter/builder install and Wren supplied only? I know three people (two of which are builders) who used Wren recently for supply only and they had no issues.
Our Wren kitchen was spot on, but, installed by our builders who did a great job and mentioned they previously had to remove and re-install Wren when the customer originally used a Wren installer.
Wren offered to fit ours for £5.5k for a dry fit, we quickly turned that down and found a local building firm who could do the whole lot. I think Wren do use 3rd party local fitters though. Its like anything, you will always find negative reviews if you look hard enough.Our Wren kitchen was spot on, but, installed by our builders who did a great job and mentioned they previously had to remove and re-install Wren when the customer originally used a Wren installer.
If I have problems with the kitchen, am I going to leave a poor review for Wren? Probably
If I have no problems, will I leave a positive review? Probably not.
Mark83 said:
Did it breakdown those who used a Wren installer vs had a carpenter/builder install and Wren supplied only? I know three people (two of which are builders) who used Wren recently for supply only and they had no issues.
Our Wren kitchen was spot on, but, installed by our builders who did a great job and mentioned they previously had to remove and re-install Wren when the customer originally used a Wren installer.
Wren installers are notoriously bad, but the main issues are quality and service.Our Wren kitchen was spot on, but, installed by our builders who did a great job and mentioned they previously had to remove and re-install Wren when the customer originally used a Wren installer.
Of 5 ‘neighbours’ who had a Wren kitchen, only one was happy - two ended up having their Wren kitchen removed.
I know of lots of people who’ve had their Wren kitchen removed, and many more who’ve had serious issues. I don’t know anyone else who has had to have a new kitchen removed.
Why do Wren have to get negative TrustPilot reviews removed? No other kitchen company does that.
Which range did you go for? Painted/wrapped? I wish you luck with it…
FWIW said:
Wren installers are notoriously bad, but the main issues are quality and service.
Of 5 ‘neighbours’ who had a Wren kitchen, only one was happy - two ended up having their Wren kitchen removed.
In my old property/project, I've used Wren, and to be honest after checking the quality it did not look so bad. The delivery service and later communication was one of the worst people ever, the kitchen top, was delayed, and they were using some sort of sub-contractor. It was delayed a series of weeks repeatedly, and literally ruined our life for 2 months or so. We also could not cancel, there was some dodgy clause in the contract. With help, I've found their CEO's email from a colleague and fire up an email, next day I've got a phone call, listing up two options - cancel(full-refund), or arriving in a few days. Of 5 ‘neighbours’ who had a Wren kitchen, only one was happy - two ended up having their Wren kitchen removed.
I got another contractor lined up already promising another 3 weeks for delivery so I've gone ahead with the original order, the material quality was good in our case but again there was installation problems with plumbing and etc. I used to work in architecture field, I know these things happen but with Wren, you need to expect every worst possibility. If I ever get a similar project again, with strict budget, I would go IKEA or B&Q and hire a good contractor for installation and handle all delivery and etc by myself. ooid said:
In my old property/project, I've used Wren, and to be honest after checking the quality it did not look so bad. The delivery service and later communication was one of the worst people ever, the kitchen top, was delayed, and they were using some sort of sub-contractor. It was delayed a series of weeks repeatedly, and literally ruined our life for 2 months or so. We also could not cancel, there was some dodgy clause in the contract. With help, I've found their CEO's email from a colleague and fire up an email, next day I've got a phone call, listing up two options - cancel(full-refund), or arriving in a few days. I got another contractor lined up already promising another 3 weeks for delivery so I've gone ahead with the original order, the material quality was good in our case but again there was installation problems with plumbing and etc. I used to work in architecture field, I know these things happen but with Wren, you need to expect every worst possibility. If I ever get a similar project again, with strict budget, I would go IKEA or B&Q and hire a good contractor for installation and handle all delivery and etc by myself.
I hope the quality remains good, as you’ve already seen how bad Wren are when things go wrong. I got another contractor lined up already promising another 3 weeks for delivery so I've gone ahead with the original order, the material quality was good in our case but again there was installation problems with plumbing and etc. I used to work in architecture field, I know these things happen but with Wren, you need to expect every worst possibility. If I ever get a similar project again, with strict budget, I would go IKEA or B&Q and hire a good contractor for installation and handle all delivery and etc by myself. If you’ve gone for the ‘wrapped’ type, keep a close eye on it as they are notorious for delaminating.
Much as they would like to deny it, Wren’s contract does not override your rights as a consumer. Expect a fight though.
Good luck!
Does anyone have any views on Howdens mdf doors vs. Howdens plywood doors? I don't know the price difference but I couldn't tell much of a difference when handling them, we'll be selling this place in a few years so I doubt a buyer would notice either and we're thinking it might save us a bit.
I’d heartily recommend Wren kitchen from personal experience. Great service & price.
Like any kitchen, the fitter plays a big part. Wren sub contract like most.
I’d find a fitter via recommendation.
Luckily my builder was capable & did a good job.
If you want to compare the carcasses etc, the store have a display of units from the opposition for you to poke & prod.
Like any kitchen, the fitter plays a big part. Wren sub contract like most.
I’d find a fitter via recommendation.
Luckily my builder was capable & did a good job.
If you want to compare the carcasses etc, the store have a display of units from the opposition for you to poke & prod.
FWIW said:
Wren installers are notoriously bad, but the main issues are quality and service.
Of 5 ‘neighbours’ who had a Wren kitchen, only one was happy - two ended up having their Wren kitchen removed.
I know of lots of people who’ve had their Wren kitchen removed, and many more who’ve had serious issues. I don’t know anyone else who has had to have a new kitchen removed.
Why do Wren have to get negative TrustPilot reviews removed? No other kitchen company does that.
Which range did you go for? Painted/wrapped? I wish you luck with it…
Maybe we got lucky then. Ours was the Infinity Plus shaker in Sapphire Blue. Of 5 ‘neighbours’ who had a Wren kitchen, only one was happy - two ended up having their Wren kitchen removed.
I know of lots of people who’ve had their Wren kitchen removed, and many more who’ve had serious issues. I don’t know anyone else who has had to have a new kitchen removed.
Why do Wren have to get negative TrustPilot reviews removed? No other kitchen company does that.
Which range did you go for? Painted/wrapped? I wish you luck with it…
Our builder who did the extension installed, plumbed and wired everything. A old school mate supplied the quartz.
They did balls up the appliances though as they didn't arrive with the kitchen, the week before Christmas, so we ordered them all from AO and requested a refund. Of course they then turned up the same time as AO. Didn't process our not inconsiderable refund for over a month and 'lost' our complaint. The kitchen though was spot on, probably helped by a great carpenter.
Edited by Mark83 on Sunday 12th February 19:45
Mark83 said:
Our builder who did the extension installed, plumbed and wired everything. A old school mate supplied the quartz.
you were lucky with the quartz, good move! I just remembered now, they have had used some subcontractor called "J Roterham", they were the ones delayed massively, and looks like they have gone into administration the same year. https://www.stonespecialist.com/news/natural-engin...
The issue was ofcourse, Wren, they completely washed their hands-off and were not even returning the phone calls, when I asked about delays, they simply said, its not their problem anymore, as it's a subcontractor, (Hello, I paid you the fees though?!)
FWIW said:
I hope the quality remains good, as you’ve already seen how bad Wren are when things go wrong.
If you’ve gone for the ‘wrapped’ type, keep a close eye on it as they are notorious for delaminating.
Much as they would like to deny it, Wren’s contract does not override your rights as a consumer. Expect a fight though.
Good luck!
I paid the full balance by American Express so have S75 protection if absolutely needed.If you’ve gone for the ‘wrapped’ type, keep a close eye on it as they are notorious for delaminating.
Much as they would like to deny it, Wren’s contract does not override your rights as a consumer. Expect a fight though.
Good luck!
I fitted a diy kitchen for my mum and it was better quality than my German designer one at much much cheaper.
Going to go the same for the current property project in the tower as well https://www.instagram.com/p/ChjdwKtKmPk/?igshid=Ym...
Going to go the same for the current property project in the tower as well https://www.instagram.com/p/ChjdwKtKmPk/?igshid=Ym...
foz01 said:
I fitted a diy kitchen for my mum and it was better quality than my German designer one at much much cheaper.
Going to go the same for the current property project in the tower as well https://www.instagram.com/p/ChjdwKtKmPk/?igshid=Ym...
Ours is on order for building work starting later this week - full kitchen / home office - mud-room type space / utility / pantry - all from DIY Kitchens...Going to go the same for the current property project in the tower as well https://www.instagram.com/p/ChjdwKtKmPk/?igshid=Ym...
Total cost @ <£15.5k - including quartz work surfaces. Very happy with a price about 1/3 or less than our local kitchen shops and their customer service so far has been superb - right down to very helpful and detailed discussions around how the fridge freezer fits in / door opening space / etc. the level of care from their staff so far has been very good...
Mark83 said:
Maybe we got lucky then. Ours was the Infinity Plus shaker in Sapphire Blue.
Our builder who did the extension installed, plumbed and wired everything. A old school mate supplied the quartz.
They did balls up the appliances though as they didn't arrive with the kitchen, the week before Christmas, so we ordered them all from AO and requested a refund. Of course they then turned up the same time as AO. Didn't process our not inconsiderable refund for over a month and 'lost' our complaint. The kitchen though was spot on, probably helped by a great carpenter.
Beautiful room Our builder who did the extension installed, plumbed and wired everything. A old school mate supplied the quartz.
They did balls up the appliances though as they didn't arrive with the kitchen, the week before Christmas, so we ordered them all from AO and requested a refund. Of course they then turned up the same time as AO. Didn't process our not inconsiderable refund for over a month and 'lost' our complaint. The kitchen though was spot on, probably helped by a great carpenter.
Edited by Mark83 on Sunday 12th February 19:45
That’s a wrapped kitchen, isn’t it?
If so, I wouldn’t count your chickens just yet, they are notorious for delaminating.
I genuinely wish you luck because if it goes tits up you’re in for a world of pain.
Edited by FWIW on Monday 13th February 20:50
Wagonwheel555 said:
I paid the full balance by American Express so have S75 protection if absolutely needed.
I paid a deposit by AMEX for S75 protection, just as well because Wren cancelled my 0% Barclays finance before it started, so I wouldn’t have been covered by that.However, AMEX we’re really s
tty and took Wren’s word for everything. They rejected my claim on the basis that many parts of the kitchen cost less than £100 so weren’t covered by S75. You’d think they’d know the rules…FWIW said:
I paid a deposit by AMEX for S75 protection, just as well because Wren cancelled my 0% Barclays finance before it started, so I wouldn’t have been covered by that.
However, AMEX we’re really stty and took Wren’s word for everything. They rejected my claim on the basis that many parts of the kitchen cost less than £100 so weren’t covered by S75. You’d think they’d know the rules…
Fair enough, I have had a couple of S75 claims with Amex over the years and both times they were great but as with anything, mileage does vary.However, AMEX we’re really s
tty and took Wren’s word for everything. They rejected my claim on the basis that many parts of the kitchen cost less than £100 so weren’t covered by S75. You’d think they’d know the rules…Im not suggesting I am 100% guaranteed not to have issues but its at least another protection avenue should it be required, hopefully not.
We have a toddler and full time jobs, finding a couple of hours just to view some kitchens was enough of a struggle, I just don't have time to be traipsing between kitchen places. Getting some quotes for the fitting was hard enough, some didn't even bother showing up, some took over a month to give even a rough cost. Now we have a delivery date and fitting date, I will deal with a few Wren issues should they occur.
FWIW said:
Mark83 said:
Maybe we got lucky then. Ours was the Infinity Plus shaker in Sapphire Blue.
Our builder who did the extension installed, plumbed and wired everything. A old school mate supplied the quartz.
They did balls up the appliances though as they didn't arrive with the kitchen, the week before Christmas, so we ordered them all from AO and requested a refund. Of course they then turned up the same time as AO. Didn't process our not inconsiderable refund for over a month and 'lost' our complaint. The kitchen though was spot on, probably helped by a great carpenter.
Beautiful room Our builder who did the extension installed, plumbed and wired everything. A old school mate supplied the quartz.
They did balls up the appliances though as they didn't arrive with the kitchen, the week before Christmas, so we ordered them all from AO and requested a refund. Of course they then turned up the same time as AO. Didn't process our not inconsiderable refund for over a month and 'lost' our complaint. The kitchen though was spot on, probably helped by a great carpenter.
Edited by Mark83 on Sunday 12th February 19:45
That’s a wrapped kitchen, isn’t it?
If so, I wouldn’t count your chickens just yet, they are notorious for delaminating.
I genuinely wish you luck because if it goes tits up you’re in for a world of pain.
Edited by FWIW on Monday 13th February 20:50
We all know you’ve got it in for Wren
You keep in banging on about it. Looks like an unhealthy obsession(surprised the mods haven’t muted you for constant naming & shaming TBH)
For What It’s Worth, the vast majority are very happy with Wren thankyou very much.
Every kitchen company will have a few unhappy customers. Usually due to poor fitting. Par for the course
unfortunately.
I’d advise. Ignore FWIW & make your own choices.
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