How to Plan a Bespoke Kitchen

A bespoke kitchen typically takes 10-16 weeks from first measure to a working room: 2-3 weeks of design, 6-10 weeks in the workshop, and 1-2 weeks of installation. Expect a 30% deposit to book the workshop slot. Price range across NE Essex is roughly £10,000 to £40,000 depending on size, finish, and appliance spec.

The bespoke kitchen process in Harwich, from first measure to hand-over

A bespoke kitchen looks like one big job, but it's actually a series of small, well-planned stages. Understanding what happens at each stage makes it easier to plan around and easier to price accurately. Here's how a typical project runs in our workshop.

Stage 1: The measure and design

We come to the house, measure every wall, note down every pipe and window height, and talk through how you actually cook and store things. Bring anything you've saved (Pinterest boards, magazine tears, cabinet doors you like) - it saves us guessing at the style. We come back to you within a week or so with drawings and a fixed quote.

Stage 2: Workshop build

Once you approve the design, we book you into the workshop schedule. Carcases are cut and assembled from moisture-resistant board with quality runners and hinges; doors and drawer fronts are cut, sanded, and readied for the spray booth. Total build time is typically six to ten weeks depending on kitchen size and finish complexity.

Stage 3: Spray finish

Every visible surface (doors, drawer fronts, end panels, cornice) is sprayed in our booth using a durable PU paint system. The colour is matched to whatever reference you've chosen - Farrow & Ball, Little Greene, or a trade brand. Multiple coats, cured properly between each pass, so the finish is even and won't chip at the door edges.

Stage 4: Site installation

On-site fitting is typically one to two weeks. We protect the floors, remove the old kitchen if there is one, run any first-fix electrics and plumbing (we coordinate with the trades), fit the carcases plumb, hang the doors, install worktops and appliances, and adjust every drawer and door before we leave.

What to think about before you call a joiner

Rough budget, rough layout, and a sense of style. Even a napkin sketch and a link to two kitchens you like is more useful than a blank brief.