We're currently renovating our house including having a new kitchen. Howden's was recommended to us and although it's trade only (you have to order through a builder with a business account) we wanted to see the quality and colour of the units, handles, worktop etc. We went to the Barking branch and they have some units on display. They also have sample doors and worktop pieces of all their ranges plus displays of handles. They don't have the same amount on display as many other kitchen companies but it was sufficient for us.
The staff were really helpful and provided us with details of some local builders and kitchen fitters they recommend. This was so helpful and we may be going with one of them who we wouldn't have heard of otherwise but seems much better than others we've met.
We booked a Howden's designer to come out and measure up, which is a free service they offer. A really nice guy called Terry came out, measured the kitchen area and asked about items and appliances we want included. He was brilliant at giving ideas and advice for things we wouldn't have thought about such as not having cupboards with glass fronts next to the cooker/hob as they get steamed up/greasey/dirty more easily there.
Less than a week after the measure we were emailed a link to see 3D CAD drawings of the kitchen with a video 'walking through' the plan. We can now ask for changes to be made where we think necessary and go into the branch to go through it too.
The units seem good quality but I'll be able to update this if we do get our kitchen through Howden's. read more