Share your kitchen renovation experience. Looking at Freedom versus more custom

[Astrid]

Custom kitchen all the way. No way would we ever go flat pack.

We had an odd size kitchen. Custom meant that everything could be tweeked to fit. We had half depth cabinets on one side, which the kit/flat pack style of companies thought was strange, but it was the only way to work the kitchen at its size.
Custom means if 3 doors are need across the space, the 3 doors take up the space. Not 3 doors and a filler piece.

We found it great to work with the designer and also with the fit and measures guy. Really the measures guy was awesome, he dealt with getting it in and what it looked like afterwards, so was able to off practical suggestions to improve on what the designer had done with us.

[Cassius2]

how arrogant of the woman to laugh at that budget. it was way more than our budget you should tell her that she doesnt need to perform a miracle, just offer a better price

[BellyBelly]

Sorry to hijack - do Ikea do custom benchtops? We need one, but the quote we got from the local joiner was HIDEOUS! We just was a decent cheapie, as we'll be moving in August, hopefully sooner. We need to go custom, as we have a long l-shaped bench.

[Cassius2]

BB: just a thought...we went with stainless steel for our benches and it came at a pretty good price. well below stone. but i do know that it's not for everyone.

Here is our kitchen... https://www.bellybelly.com.au/forums...8&d=1361522002

[BellyBelly]

Do you have an idea how much it cost? We weren't going to go for stone - gosh I would want to enjoy it if I did!

[Cassius2]

it was still exxy...in that I didnt realise how much benches cost lol. it was $2200. BUT it has to be taken into consideration that it includes the sink (made into the bench itself) AND the splashbacks (oh and that included the install too)

...i had NO idea how much splashbacks cost either! i was horrified lol...hence our decision for stainless steel. that and it is super awesome as you can put your super hot pots etc right on it without fear of damage...especially handy in a small kitchen that doesnt have stacks of space.

Just wish i had of gone a custom kitchen along with my custom benches

the other thing that irked me with freedom kitchens was that they were super pushy in having us use their contractors to do the install and demolishing of the old kitchen...for a hefty sum! i refused and had to sign a waiver...

[~Hestia~]

Just popping in to say I love the stainless steel Cassius! We were going to put in stone to match our bathrooms but your bench looks fantastic!