Howdens - Sidcup Omdömen 

Howdens were really helpful and very easy to open an account with. They are really nice and easy to talk to

Great experience as always with howdens. Simon is great and always a top service

Our experience of Howdens was mixed and to be honest was not impressed.

Initially the design phase we thought went well, once we had our design we went in store (Sidcup) and spoke to the designer and made some changes to the design which we were happy with and chose the quartz work surfaces we wanted.

There was a little back and forth and negotiating on price, but this as I now understand appears to be standard practice with the sales tactic "We will give you the reduced price if you take delivery by x date". This for us was not achievable to take full delivery of the kitchen by the date they wished because the fitters hadn't even started taking out the old kitchen. They said we could put in storage, which we did and they then arranged for delivery when we could take receipt.

It was at the point of taking delivery that our experience changed and was not the best and we had 5 trips back to the branch to get damaged goods replaced or pick up missing items (this was not the only issues we had however!!).

Firstly the designer got the measurements of one of our walls completely wrong and was 40mm out. This may not seem a lot but given the fact that one of the cupboards they had supplied was going around our boiler, with the measurements they had taken the cupboard would of been sat right on the side of the boiler. With the measurements out we had to return a 500 cabinet (which we had opened because we trusted the measurements to be correct). To replace with a 400 cabinet cost us £155 and we were left with a 500 cabinet which we then didnt need and they wouldnt take back because....we had opened.

We also had to return a 200 cabinet and an 800 cabinet which were damaged. When we returned the 800 cabinet which had a broken wall hanging mount, the one they tried to give us was not wrapped, all of the wrapping was hanging off and it had scuffs and marks. Not impressed but they did manage to get another from another store which was in good condition.

We also had issues with an end panel which when the designer did the design was one piece and needed to be deeper than normal to cover the side of integrated dishwasher and go back further to meet window. The fitters soon realised that we did not have a side panel deep enough for this, when we called Howdens their response was, "oh no you would have to join two bits together for that". Given that the design showed one continuous side panel and the fact that it had to take the weight of quartz, hardly fitting to try and join cuts of panel together to take that weight. Again they did replace and not at cost to us, but again not great from their side that they tried to fob us off.

Other things that happened during our dealings with Howdens and the Sidcup branch were.

Told we couldn't have 1.5 sink basin as we didn't have space, turns out actually we do have the space (although we never went for it but could have) but were told three times no it wont work.

Were told that we couldn't have a quartz splashback because there was not enough gap behind hob, turns out that was wrong also and we could, they didn't charge us for this addition but wanted to and it was only when I went in there to collect something else I complained that it was our 5th trip to sort stuff out and they waived the charge.

Even the templating of the quartz didn't go to plan and when the quartz fitters arrived to fit they found that the piece for the windowsill had been mitred at the back all the way along and then there was a triangular gap at the side. They wouldn't fit this (too right) as this costs a lot of money so we had to wait a week to get them to recut a new piece and then come back and fit. Whilst this didn't cost us the original pieces pattern flowed as it was cut we take it from the same piece and now the pattern does not flow as natural.

We had missing support bar to go on top of oven which initially again they wanted to charge for, wrong handles, damaged handles, missing under cabinet light wiring. In terms of damaged goods we are probably not surprised they do get damaged given the fact that when the fitters got of the delivery van they said things seemed to be all over the place and rattling around.

We even had to send back an extractor we had purchased from ao after asking the designer if it would go in the unit it was supposed to, "Yes" was the answer and he confirmed this on email, as again he was wrong and if we had tried to fit then it would of had a 1cm overhand at the front of the cupboard with the lip of the extractor sticking out!!

To us it seems that Howdens want your money and will use tactics such as "you can have a discount if you put into storage" and from then on when they have your money (and its not cheap!!) start giving you the run around.

If we were doing this project again I would seriously consider shopping around, we went with them because of a good reputation but our experience was frustrating to say the least!!

Howdens Sidcup brilliant sevice any problem resolved

I recently worked with Jason Rich in the Sidcup, Kent office on designing my kitchen and utility room and the attention to detail was exceptional. At no point did I feel pushed or challenged to make a decision on a particular design as this was changed and adapted on a number of occasions. I now recommend Howdens & Broadway Builders for the attention to detail and craftsman ship that I received and the people to go to. Thank you.

As a company we have worked with Howdens in Sidcup for nearly 20 years for all aspects of kitchens, joinery and hardware. Having also worked with other suppliers over this period we can confidently say their team, products and most importantly customer service is far superior to any others we have used.

Jason and his team provide an excellent design service, often picking up any potential issues at this stage to overcome them well in advance of installation, which is key to maintaining programme and cost. They accommodate client changes often at the last minute and their after sales care is next to none.

In our experience, Howdens offer great quality products, value for money and excellent service throughout.

Would highly recommend Howdens (Sidcup branch).

Particular mention to Jason who diligently managed my project from start to finish. From design, supplying goods swiftly (as I had quite a tight programme), last minute design changes from me!! and also supplying an excellent fitter.

Fantastic communication and service throughout and would recommend Howdens to anyone looking to install a new kitchen.

I'm very pleased with the finished result.

Excellent service received from Sidcup Howdens. I’ve been using this branch for years and have always found them to be helpful and professional. Great attention to detail from the Kitchen planner Jason Rich.

We used Jason at the sidcup branch and he was so helpful with our kitchen plans. We are so pleased with our end result through building associates. Thank you!

We have never purchased a new kitchen before, and we’ve been very pleased with the product that Howdens have produced for us. Jason @ Howdens in Sidcup was extremely helpful along with our Builder Dave Flaunty, they worked together and produced a fantastic kitchen for us.

Jason has been great working alongside my customer jody, designing and sourcing his kitchen . Would thoroughly recommend. Great ideas and really knows his job. On to the next job that survey has been booked in for.

Chris /clb_carpentry

Always a fantastic service from the team at Sidcup branch. Helpful, friendly and professional. Always have or can get exactly what you want and nothing is too much trouble. Backed by great quality products at a competitive price.
Many thanks to all and Merry Christmas.

Good understanding of the product .service was great. Made to fill welcoming

Very helpful ,friendly and polite staff

Friendly and efficient staff. Everything I needed was in stock.

Customer skills, very helpful and friendly.
Good knowledge of products.

Always helpful and extra inside information