
86 years of
COMBINED EXPERIENCE
Buying Advice | FAQ
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When buying a kitchen we appreciate there are many questions you may have. We have put together some information on each of the stages to help you understand how to start your project.
RESEARCH
Grab your coffee and magazines, and start looking at the styles that appeal to you. Viewing our website and keeping up to date with our social media, can be really useful to get inspired. When it comes to the design stage, sharing your Pinterest board or Houzz page with us gives us a real insight to your style. Think about colours, the light you have within your space and what look you want to achieve.
PLANNING STAGE
At this stage it is not essential for you to have the exact measurements, we will do this for you when we carry out our initial site survey unless architects plans are being used. Think about the appliances you’d like to incorporate within your design. Do you love American fridge freezers? Dislike range cookers? The kitchen cabinetry has to work around these, therefore it is helpful you have an idea of your wish list when thinking about the kitchen layout.
FUNCTIONALITY
From a practical perspective how do you want your kitchen to function? What bothers you now with your current kitchen layout and what works really well? What other features would you like to incorporate? Think about storage. Larders are a fantastic solution however, they are tall cabinets which means the loss of work surface area. Make a list of your ideas.
BUDGETING
Nobody likes talking about money, however budget is an important factor when planning for a new kitchen. We will break this down into 4 main categories; cabinetry, installation, appliances and work surfaces. As a client, you will also need to budget for your building works on top of this. Within these areas, consider how you want to allocate your money. If your budget is £25,000 for the complete project, plan how you will divide your money between the different categories. We will always try to work within your budget to give you the best value for money.
SPEAK TO THE PROFESSIONALS
For the best experience please contact our sales team
to arrange an appointment at our flagship showroom in Heathfield, East Sussex. We will be happy to meet you and guide you through the process on how to get started.
HOW MUCH DO YOUR KITCHENS COST?
This is a very hard question to answer as there are so many variables to consider, however as a guide, most cabinetry orders cost between £12,500 to £30,000, ranging from a small galley style kitchen to a large family kitchen including island, feature mantle and butlers pantry cabinet.
Our lowest starting price for a fitted handmade kitchen with granite and installation is around £17,500, typically our average price excluding appliances is between £19,000 and £30,000 fully fitted with quartz work surfaces.
For a more detailed estimate we would be happy to look at your project or alternatively send us your plans and we will give you a free quotation.
DO YOU SELL APPLIANCES?
We do offer a service where we manage the purchasing of your appliances for which makes the whole project run that little bit more smoother. We do sometimes install old or appliances supplied by the client however there is a surcharge for this which can be explained further when visiting us.
CAN WE PICK OUR PAINT COLOUR?
We work with Mylands for our finishes like us they have a wealth go knowledge and brilliant product which we value. We dont offer any other colours than Colours Of London By Mylands without Surcharges.
HOW LONG WILL THE INSTALLATION TAKE?
Most installations take around 10 – 15 days from start to finish, this includes installation of the furniture, work surface templating and fitting and final hand painting. This can vary from project to project depending on complexity and size.
WHAT ARE YOUR KITCHENS MADE FROM?
We pride ourselves on working with the finest materials available for strength, durability and longevity. Our premium cabinetry is made using birch plywood and all our framed cabinetry are made from solid hardwoods with solid maple drawer boxes with dovetailed joints.
DO YOU CHARGE FOR YOUR DESIGN SERVICE?
We offer a FREE design service however, to release designs we charge a fee of £240.00 that will be deducted from the final price of the furniture once an order is placed.
WHAT DOES YOUR INSTALLATION FEE COVER?
Our installation cost includes multiple site survey’s, and install of any appliances we supply unless a surcharge has been charged to install others supplied by the client. The survey price is £395.00 including VAT so if you are looking for a supply only kitchen you can still have the added security that we come and take final measurements to ensure a smooth project.
DO YOU OFFER A SUPPLY ONLY SERVICE?
Yes we do, however we would recommend that an experienced professional is employed to install framed cabinetry as there are certain complexities surrounding the installation and final painting which is not the same as other door types.
WHAT ARE YOUR GUARANTEES?
We guarantee our fitted kitchens and furniture with a huge lifetime guarantee on our premium birch plywood cabinetry and frames.
HOW FAR DO YOU TRAVEL?
We currently have showrooms in East Sussex where our installation teams are based, however we supply and fit kitchens throughout the UK.
ARE YOUR KITCHENS HAND PAINTED OR SPRAYED?
All our furniture receives 2 coats of primer and 2 top coats sprayed in the workshop prior to delivery, then flash coated on site once the installation has been done, for supply only projects we supply a 1l pot of paint for any final touch ups.
ARE THE HANDLES INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
We include our Sussex chrome knob or cup with each cabinet. We do not charge for these so if you wish to upgrade we can help you find the perfect handle.
DO YOU USE YOUR OWN EMPLOYEES OR CONTRACTORS?
We have a reliable and experienced team working for Willow Tree Interiors on a full time basis, currently we have 6 members of staff. Occasionally, if asked to carry out electrical or plumbing works we have a team of sub contractors we use regularly.
DO I HAVE TO HAVE MY FLOOR LAID BEFORE THE KITCHEN IS INSTALLED?
The floor must be laid before we can install the kitchen. We will protect the floor from damage but it is important that this is completed first.
CAN WE SUPPLY OUR OWN WORK SURFACES?
Yes you can, although we work in collaboration with various suppliers throughout the UK who offer competitive prices, and we know the quality of their product and installation, but we are happy to work with any company you choose for your surfaces.
ARE YOU TRULY BESPOKE OR AM I LIMITED TO SET SIZES?
The handmade kitchen ranges are standard cabinet sizes but with the option to include bespoke elements, it allows the freedom to add a cabinet of a non standard size creating a truly bespoke kitchen made to fit the space perfectly.
Alternatively if you would like something truly a one, using which ever material you desire this can be quoted for you.