Frequently Asked Questions
Here’s One🤔…. Where should I buy my kitchen?
Welcome to your Frequently Asked QuestionsÂ
We have compiled a list of commonly asked questions to provide you with quick and informative answers. If you have any additional questions that are not addressed here, please feel free to call us on 0121 448 4745
service
In the realm of kitchen design, the battle between independent, made-to-measure kitchens and mainstream off-the-shelf cabinets has been ongoing for years. While both options offer their own set of benefits, there’s a growing trend towards independent, factory-made kitchens for those seeking customisation, quality, and a truly tailored experience.Â
One of the most significant advantages of independent factory made-to-measure kitchens is the ability to design a layout that perfectly fits your space. Unlike off-the-shelf cabinets, which come in standard sizes and shapes, independent manufacturers can create bespoke designs tailored to your kitchen’s dimensions, ensuring no space is wasted and every nook and cranny is utilised efficiently.
What makes iPlan Kitchens stand out from national kitchen retail chains and trade suppliers, is that we offer a professional level Kitchen Design Service, valuable independent industry advice, beautiful bespoke made-to-order kitchen furniture, high levels of customisation, outstanding service, and all at a great price.Â
You will also benefit from a specialist iPlan Designer dedicated to your kitchen project, from start to finish.Â
Our offering is simple, to provide all our customers an affordable, well-designed, well-built, bespoke made-to-order kitchen. A kitchen that will not only look great and last longer, it will add noticeable value to your property.
We believe the iPlan Kitchen Design Process is key to helping all our customers get the most out of their kitchen project. Built on decades of kitchen design experience and industry knowledge, we can help piece together the right solutions to meet all your needs, bringing your new kitchen to life, on budget, and closer to home. Â
We offer a 20-year guarantee on the cabinetry, the bit we make. Most moving parts such as drawers, hinges and lift systems come with a manufacturer (Blum) lifetime guarantee. Doors, appliances, worktops, sinks and taps are subject to individual manufacturers guarantee.Â
Yes we do and you’re welcome to visit our showroom 770-772 Hagley Road West, Quinton, Oldbury, West Midlands, B68 0PJ.
With respect for the wellbeing of all our customers, showroom visits are by appointment only.Â
You can book a showroom visit online. Click Here
Yes we do. Your new kitchen is an important investment, and with so many options available, it can be challenging to decide on what you really want to achieve. We hope you’ll find our industry knowledge, creativity, enthusiasm and know-how, invaluable on your next project.
Here is a link to our FREE Buyers Guide (PDF), packed with useful information covering the whole kitchen journey: https://iplankitchens.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/The-Buyer-Guide.pdf
The average order time for an iPlan Kitchen is approximately 3 weeks, however this can vary with bespoke paint-to-order kitchens.
Yes we do. More information can be found here on our “Trade” page.
Relax, and enjoy a complete end-to-end kitchen service, from site measure, plan and design, to supply only, supply and install, or we can fully manage the whole project to include plastering, painting, tiling, flooring, ceiling, lighting, electrics, gas, and plumbing… freeing you up, to take care of your own business.
Absolutely, our design team are more than happy to assist you with your order and any other queries you may have, including technical questions.
We do offer a free home measure service if you live in the West Midlands, or if you are an existing customer, a referred customer or genuine iPlan Trade Customer.Â
We also offer non-customers our Professional Kitchen Design Service, and we have limited the design fee to just £240.00*. This is fully refundable if you purchase your kitchen from iPlan Kitchens and you become a cherished customer. Look at it as a small holding deposit towards the kitchen you want. Click the following link if you would like to purchase our Professional Kitchen Design Service.
Unlike a ‘Free Kitchen Design’ offered by multiple retail showrooms and trade suppliers, you will own the process, and iPlan will be working exclusively for you. Together we’ll create a plan that works, and our design team will render visuals that will inspire.Â
When we’re finished, you may, or may not buy your kitchen from us. However, you will own a full-set of professional floor plans, elevation views, stunning rendered HD photos and an itemised quotation based on your kitchen design. This information can be shared with prospective kitchen suppliers, helping you to get those like-for-like quotes…Â
* Purchase your kitchen from iPlan Kitchens, and we will fully refund your design fee.Â
If you’re comfortable with a tape measure, see our easy to follow iPlan Guide (PDF)Â “How to measure for your new kitchen”
No, our factory premises is located in Dudley, so we only fit in the West Midlands. We’ll be happy to help you find the right fitter for your project through our national network of iPlan Trade Customers.
Yes we can. It’s a great place to start but at some stage, we’ll need to visit your home just to double check the actual measurements before manufacture.
In addition to our stock colours and paint-to-order colours, we offer a RAL colour match service should you require something a little more…  individual.
payment and pricing
There are many factors that can contribute to the overall cost of a kitchen project.
• Any structural or renovation work
• The kitchen furniture, style and finish
• The worksurface material and flooring
• The appliances and internal accessories
• The lighting and/or electrics
• The installation and removal of waste
Want to know more? It might be worthwhile reading our free – GUIDE TO BUYING A NEW KITCHENÂ (PDF)
A quick visit to our e-shop will give you specific prices for all our products. Click here to start
To help approximate the difference between ranges, a detailed like-for-like price comparison between our kitchen ranges and between competitor brands can be found on our Price Page.
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Because all our kitchens are bespoke and made to order, we require a 50% deposit when you order, and the balance will be due no later than 24 hour before delivery.Â
Here’s a useful article on our Blog The Pros And Cons Of Using A Credit Card For A Small Deposit Towards A Kitchen Purchase. | IPlan Kitchens
No, we don’t offer that service. We have considered interest free credit in the past and calculated we would have to increase our cabinet prices by 20% to cover the overall cost when taking into account the price sensitive appliances and worktops. Because you can’t give discount if you don’t take the interest free option, then everyone ends up paying for it.
Preferred payment methods are debit card, credit card or bank transfer.
1. BACS payment details: iPlan Kitchens Limited – Account No: 46336062, Sort Code: 30-98-97. BACS payments need to be made 48 hours before delivery.
2. Payments by credit card or debit card can made until 12:00 on the day before delivery.
3. We are happy to accept a personal cheque when confirming the order. This will result in a 5-day delay until the funds a cleared before the kitchen is ordered. We accept personal cheques as final payment but these need to be with iPlan Kitchens 6 days before the delivery date.
4. We accept cash payments at the Factory showroom in Dudley during opening hours (by appointment only). Our Delivery Team have no provisions for the safe storage of cash.
A FREE design and quotation is a good place to start, call us free on 0121 448 4745
or Click Here to book a design appointment online
Provided that the timeframe is not too long, yes, we can accommodate that.
The estimates on our Price Page are for the furniture and worktops only and excludes appliances and installation.
We do offer an installation service, the cost of which depends on the size of the kitchen, removal of the old kitchen, electrics etc.
Like the price of the kitchen, an installation can have many variables too. If we provide a detailed quote, plan and design for a kitchen based on your specific requirements, a separate quote for the installation can be provided (subject to survey).
No, is the quick answer. We have adopted a no haggle, one price policy for all. Our prices are the same all year long and are quoted at industry “List Trade Price” or less. At iPlan Kitchens, we are Designers not Salesmen, which means you don’t have to pay commission or get pressured to order today.
Besides, is there really such thing as a sale? Or is it just a tactic commonly used across many industries, to get a commitment from you. Is the same kitchen really going to be £££’s more tomorrow, next week, next month. I don’t think so!
Always check the bottom line for the price, compare the quality of the furniture you are buying, and the service you are receiving.
Our kitchen plan and design services are FREE if you live in the West Midlands, or if you are an existing customer, a referred customer or bona fide iPlan Trade Customer. We can also offer non-customers our pro-level kitchen design services and have limited the design fee to just £240 inc vat. This is fully refundable if you go on to purchase a kitchen from us at a later date and become a cherished customer.
manufacturing
Absolutely, in fact we pride ourselves on being flexible. We make our own cabinets, so we are not constrained by off the shelf sizes. Many of our door suppliers offer bespoke sizes, however, allow for an extended lead time.Â
Yes we can. We can supply all or some units, particularly the big units and L shape corner units dry assembled. The fitter can then easily assemble the cabinets on site.
Sure, no problem, we offer extreme cabinet customisation.
Sure, we have a great selection at Doors Only | IPlan Kitchens
The doors we provide on-line are manufactured in standard sizes. We do however offer a bespoke door service. Just ask your designer for details or email info@iplankitchens.com regarding your specific request.
Please refer to the kitchen doors section for further information on specific construction types.
Sure, we can build it anyway you want.
Yes, all our kitchen cabinets are made from 18mm Egger MFC board with 18mm thick full-height solid back panels on the base and wall units.
18mm solid back panel are an important part of the cabinet construction and ensures your cabinet stays true and square for the lifetime of the kitchen. We guarantee it.
Optional gable ends are available for base units and tall housing units. Sometimes at the end of a cupboard run you may want the side panel on the left or the right to go down to the floor. If you have free standing appliances for example a range cooker, you may want the cabinet either side to have extended gable ends to finish the plinth run. Please Note, there is no height adjustment on the extended gable side.
If you are ordering online, our complete units are supplied with the doors fitted to the unit, or the doors can be drilled and re-boxed.
If you are ordering doors only; No, the doors are delivered direct from the distributor and are not pre-drilled. Drilling doors for hinges is a straightforward task and is well within the ability of experienced fitters or competent do-it-yourself enthusiast. We do offer a door drilling service for just £5.00 per door inc VAT.
We can supply our units flat packed if requested. We call it Dry Assembled. All the dowels will be supplied together with all fixings and hinges drilled for easy reconstruction. All you will requires is some PVA glue and a little know-how.Â
No. This is usually one of the last jobs the kitchen fitter will do when the kitchen has been installed.
No, we don’t offer this kind of service. However, we can supply the doors and panels and even drill the doors to suit your existing hinges, if you supply the hole centres.Â
With 25 stock cabinet colours, and over 100 non-stock colours to choose from, we can offer you the best possible choice for your preferred door style.Â
Yes they do. We use Blum soft close hinges, lift systems and drawers with all our kitchens,
all of which come with a lifetime manufacturers guarantee and included in the price.
delivery
We can expedite delivery under special circumstances, ask your kitchen designer.
It is the customer/recipients responsibility to inspect the delivery and report any damages to us within 48 hours of receipt. Replacements for damages reported after 48 hours of delivery, or for items that have been used or modified on site (for example, drilled for hinges / handles) will be chargeable.
Deliveries by 3rd party couriers that are clearly damaged must be signed for as damaged.
In order to keep delivery cost to a minimum, we charge £1.20 plus VAT per mile from our HQ in Dudley. If ordering online, this is calculated automatically at the checkout.
No, all deliveries are via national carriers and require a signature from an authorised recipient aged 18 or over.
The policy of our couriers is to leave a card if customers are not present at the delivery address. Goods will not be left with neighbors.
You are welcome to collect your order from our factory, but you are advised to place your order by telephone first to bypass our standard on-line delivery charges and to check for stock availability.
Precise delivery times can be given for kitchen cabinets only, as they are delivered by a specialist carrier. All other components are delivered via a national carrier on a standard 1-3 working day service. It is not possible to provide a specific time for delivery of these items.
Yes, (stock items only) provided orders are placed with our distributor before noon, we can deliver between 9.00 and 5.30 the next day. There will be an additional charge for this service.
We endeavor to deliver all orders within the specified time frame and 98% of all orders are delivered on time. Sometimes due to unforeseen circumstances carriers can fail to deliver goods on the nominated day. If this situation does occur, we will notify you immediately we receive notification that delivery is likely to run late. Please note we do not advise you to arrange tradesmen to carry out work until you are in receipt of your goods, and we will not be liable for costs incurred as a result of non-delivery. Please see our terms and conditions of sale for further information.
We’re happy to ship our products abroad. For overseas orders, please contact us for a delivery quotation.
installation
Yes, we have a team of experienced fitters who will install and work on your kitchen until you are completely satisfied.
Yes, we do. iPlan Kitchens are delivered to site fully assembled inside and out ready to install, including the doors, wirework, pull-outs and bins, saving you time and money on your installation. iPlan Kitchens are a breeze to install.
That’s absolutely fine with us.
No, we don’t offer that service. I’m sure most kitchen suppliers offer a fitting service, however, you will find that mainstream suppliers charge considerably more than your local independent kitchen specialist.
Worktops
We provide a full range of worktops from all the leading brands and suppliers.
Laminate, timber, quartz, granite, acrylic, glass, stainless steel or concrete, no problem.
When the base units have been installed, it will be time to template for the new worktops. Fabrication, delivery and installation of the worktop is usually about a week after templating.Â
An upstand is an extension of the worktop that goes up the wall, usually between 80mm and 120mm. Laminate or timber worktop upstands are not recommended behind the gas hob.
Undermounted sinks are normally used in conjunction with an upscale worktop material such as granite and quartz. They have gained a reputation for being more elegant than their top and front-mounted counterparts.Â
Yes, we can. Any size, any colour and made-to-measure.
appliances and accessories
Yes, we can. Ask your kitchen designer for more details.
The good news is, we can price match all your appliances with online suppliers such as AO.com.
Yes, you can. However, if the appliances are built-in and we have quoted for installing them for you, you have to make sure that they are on-site before we start installing your kitchen. If we need to send our fitters back to site, just to finish off installing your built-in appliances, you will incur additional charges.
Sure, we do. We offer the full range of internal corner solutions, pull-outs and waste bins, factory fitted for your convenience.
Sure, that’s not a problem.
Plastic composite sinks, also known as acrylic or composite granite sinks, are popular choices for kitchens due to their durability and affordability. While they offer several advantages, including resistance to scratches and chips, there are some considerations regarding staining.
Plastic composite sinks can be susceptible to staining if they come into contact with certain substances. For example, harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, or highly pigmented foods like beets or red wine can potentially stain the surface of the sink. Additionally, if the sink is not properly cleaned and maintained, it may develop discoloration over time.
However, it’s important to note that staining is not a universal issue with plastic composite sinks, and many users do not encounter significant problems. With regular cleaning and proper care, you can minimize the risk of staining. It’s advisable to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and maintenance to ensure the longevity and appearance of the sink.
If staining is a significant concern for you, another option to consider is a ceramic sink. Ceramic sinks are generally resistant to staining and are easier to clean. However, they may be more prone to chipping or cracking compared to plastic composite or granite sinks.
Granite sinks, on the other hand, offer the aesthetic appeal of natural stone and are relatively resistant to staining. They are typically more durable than plastic composite sinks and can withstand higher temperatures. However, they may require regular sealing to maintain their appearance and protect against stains.
Ultimately, the choice between a plastic composite, ceramic, or granite sink depends on your priorities and preferences. If you like the look of a granite sink but are concerned about staining, you can consider opting for a granite composite sink that combines the best features of both materials. These sinks are made from a blend of granite or quartz particles and resin, providing enhanced durability and stain resistance.
It’s recommended to explore different brands, read customer reviews, and consult with professionals or experts in kitchen fixtures to make an informed decision based on your specific needs and budget.
Yes we can, just ask your kitchen designer.
Of course. Again, just ask your kitchen designer.
Again, just ask your kitchen designer.
Yes, we can. We offer a wide variety of sizes to suit all needs.
Yes we can, any size and any colour. Ask your designer for details.
Yes, we can supply lighting. Read our guide to lighting feature on our Blog.. Kitchen Lighting Guide | IPlan Kitchens
Yes, this shouldn’t be an issue.
construction work
No, we don’t provide that kind of service.
Yes, we can organise this.
We don’t offer specific recommendations for builders.Â
It all depends on the background that has been plastered and the thickness of plaster applied, normally 3-5 days. I suggest (if you have time) leaving it to dry completely and painting before the kitchen is fitted, this will make it easier for you and eliminate getting paint on your new kitchen units.
bedroom and office furniture
Yes we do. Ask your kitchen designer for details.
We do manufacture built in office furniture. However, we don’t supply standalone office furniture.
We offer a wide range of colours here as well. Again, contact your kitchen designer for more details.
Yes we can. Again consult with your Kitchen Designer.
We offer a wide range of colours. Again, contact your kitchen designer for more details.
returns and cancellations
You may cancel your cabinet order if you notify us by telephone or email within 24 hours. You will incur an administration cost of 20% or £25.00 whichever is the greatest. Please be aware if you wish to cancel your order after this period, you will be invoiced for the full order value.
Goods (except cabinets) may be returned for a full refund, less the delivery costs, if done so in accordance with our return’s procedure outlined in our Standard Terms and Conditions of Sale.
It is not advisable to refuse goods on delivery. This does not constitute a cancellation of your order and contravenes the Terms and Conditions of Sales you have to agree to in order to purchase from our store. Refusing goods on delivery may result in goods being lost in transit as no authorised paperwork is in place for the safe return of unwanted items and we are not obliged to make a refund for an order refused in this manner.
get in touch
Do you have some questions? We’d love to hear from you!
Call Now: 0121 448 4745
iplan helpful guides
Open our BUYING Guide (PDF)
Open our MEASURE Guide (PDF)
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