In property, there's two rooms where we don't recommend scrimping. Bathrooms are one, kitchens are another!
The kitchen is probably the most well-used rooms within any home and arguably takes the most battering in terms of daily wear and tear / spillages etc (except perhaps in serviced accommodation!) But whether it's an HMO or standard rental, it’s important to ensure the kitchen you choose is as durable as possible to ensure it stays looking its best for many years, ideally throughout multiple tenancies...
So where do you go? Here's our round up of our favourite suppliers...
Psst - we always recommend you go to a supplier with a layout design in mind. Whilst they can suggest ideas, it's often hit and miss with who you get at different branches as to how good your plan turns out.
Howdens
Howdens are a trade-only supplier, meaning if you don't have an account yourself it will be your builder that orders. We particularly love that you can get the cabinets in colours other than basic white — including a natural oak effect, which makes any kitchen feel instantly more premium.
Pros
Big tick for Howdens is their online ordering system, meaning anything that's missed off a delivery, or needs exchanging, can be done very quickly.
There are lots of branches UK wide meaning there's bound to be one close by that you can nip into to view colours in person!
They will come out and measure to make sure everything fits and plan for you, which gives peace of mind (although as mentioned, do have an idea of what you want).
Range of styles to suit all types of investment property and budgets.
Fully assembled and flat pack available to suit budget.
We recommend the Greenwich/Clerkenwell range for high-end HMOs!
Cons
Pricing. They do price match cheaper quotes, but depending on your relationship with the branch, prices can vary wildly. If you're using a local builder we'd always recommend using their branch to get the best price... or send their plan to an alternative supplier to try and beat it!
TML tip — always go outside your main kitchen suppler for worktops and appliances, you'll save a small fortune.
Magnet
Magnet, Magnet, Magnet. We have a bit of a love-hate relationship with them. If you find a good contact HOLD ONTO THEM. Although frustrating at times, Magnet do come up with the goods in some areas...
Pros
LNPG pricing. It's most likely going to be the cheapest you're going to get. You tend to find cabinet prices are always overinflated to give you the "discount" feeling... but at 70% off most pieces, it's hard to beat! Prices vary by branch so we would always recommend going through LNPG... you will make that investment back on one kitchen!
Ranges are great and come in colours that you can't find elsewhere on the high street.
High street branches mean you can nip in anytime and don't need to order through a trade if you don't want to.
Fully assembled and flat pack is available to suit every budget.
Luna and Nova are great entry level designs, or go Soho for a full spectrum of colour!
Cons
You will need to keep an eye on everything that comes through, which means running through quotes line by line to check pricing, double checking sizes etc. It's a pain but sometimes you get what you pay for.
Even though they do some very high end designs these days, perception is potentially lower end.
DIY Kitchens
Not as well known as the others perhaps, and not specifically for trade, but DIY kitchens are fast becoming a firm favourite both for us and our interior designer friends at roost! They may be online only, but the benefits are pretty undeniable.
Pros
Pricing is transparent! What?! I know, it's a miracle, you can fully plan your kitchen using their online planning tool (a handy thing to use even if you're not planning to buy from them) and your running total will be displayed. WE'RE SOLD.
The prices are actually very competitive and although they won't match LNPG discount, they've often come in cheaper than Howdens.
Great quality.
Huge range of doors and carcass colours available whether you're looking for contemporary or traditional.
Full size door samples can be sent in the post for minimal cost, meaning you can play with mixing and matching, or just see how the colours work in your space.
For higher end looks such as inframe styles, they're the cheapest we've come across.
We love the Henley inframe for a special holiday let or high-end flip. Cento is great for a high quality contemporary look.
Cons
Although a pro team member checks your plan, it is all done online, so care needs to be taken when you measure to ensure accuracy.
As they're not a large scale operation, there's potential for longer delivery dates compared to Magnet and Howdens at busy times of the year.
IKEA
The classic! But is our Swedish fave the best of the lot?
Pros
Readily available, if you forget a handle or a front needs exchanging, it's super easy to do.
Ditto for online ordering!
As with lots of IKEA products, you have the ability to piece together something yourself to suit exactly what you want.
New companies are springing up all the time to supercharge the IKEA kitchen and create something more custom — Superfront and Husk are our favourite tried-and-tested!
The Method range is the classic and has the most customisable options!
Cons
Not as cheap as you might think!
Units don't come with a service gap so if you're pipework isn't chased into the wall it can be a faff to fit compared to standard suppliers
Of course, all flatpack! So extra fitting time needs to be accounted for.
Go ex-display
Great for the pocket and the environment, lots of companies are selling ex-display kitchens at a fraction of the cost (sometimes this is via the original supplier, but others such as The Used Kitchen Company have a range of brands)
Pros
Can pick up designer kitchens for a fraction of the original price.
Great for special features / a wow factor piece, like an island or sideboard.
Come at all different price levels.
Cons
The big one - obviously more limited on colour / range choice.
If you want a particular style, you need to go for it and potentially store if your projects not ready.
DIY Stores (Wickes / B&Q etc)
And sometimes the answer is in the humble high street DIY store! Whilst we would say ensure the units are 18mm thick to match other competitors (some are only 15mm) if you like a design then go for it as prices can be very competitive when sales are on.
Have you come across all of these suppliers? Which will you be going for on your next project?
