Introduction

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The decision between remodeling your kitchen with a complete IKEA setup or building it yourself is a common one among homeowners. This article explores the experiences of a freelancer who has installed IKEA kitchens for clients and specializes in custom kitchens. We will delve into the pros and cons of each option, offering insights based on personal experience.

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Experiences with IKEA Kitchens

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Matt's Perspective

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One individual states, 'I never did it once… I’m not a big fan of particle board cabinets and such in the wet kitchen environment!' Matt, a freelancer with a strong background in custom kitchen fabrication, had a clear stance against using IKEA for his own kitchen remodel. Here are his insights:

r r r Time Consumption: Matt notes that using IKEA kitchens is a longer process. While he charges the same for fitting IKEA units as he does for custom cabinets, the assembly time can be significant.r Waste Management: The abundance of cardboard packaging from IKEA is a drawback for him. He mentions that the extra time spent on unpacking and disposing of waste further delays the project.r Equivalent Fitment: Matt believes that qualified professionals can fit IKEA units just as efficiently as custom cabinets, suggesting that the undertaking is far too time-consuming for him.r Design Considerations: Matt mentions that designers who have never accepted an IKEA kitchen job may not understand the intricacies involved. However, he praises the customer service provided by IKEA during the fitting process.r Cost Comparison: Matt concludes that building his own kitchen is often cheaper than purchasing an IKEA unit and fitting it. Therefore, he recommends custom-built options to those looking to save money.r r r

Matt's experience highlights the importance of considering your own time investment and the unique challenges of assembling a kitchen from scratch.

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Positive Experiences with IKEA Kitchens

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Debby's Perspective

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In contrast, Debby, another individual with experience in kitchen remodeling, shares a different viewpoint. She offers positive insights into the benefits of using IKEA products for kitchen remodeling:

r r r Quality Improvements: Debby acknowledges the improvements in IKEA kitchen quality over the years. She mentions that modern IKEA kitchens use hinges similar to those found in higher-end cabinets.r Customer Support: Despite the potential shortcomings, Debby commends IKEA's customer service, stating that her experiences with them have been excellent.r Value for Money: Debby believes that IKEA offers "superb value for money," despite the limitations. This is due to the wide range of flexible options and customization available.r Customization: Debby suggests that one should not reduce the size of the cabinets and recommends buying bigger units to leave extra space that can be covered with an infill panel.r Fitting CAD: For those uncomfortable with assembly, there are pre-built IKEA units. She advises buying cabinets that are already built and simply fitting them into the kitchen.r Integration: Debby recommends using a different worktop to blend in with the overall look of the kitchen, even when using IKEA units.r r r

Debby's experiences illustrate that with proper planning, the shortcomings of IKEA cabinets can be overcome, providing a satisfactory kitchen remodel at a lower cost.

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Conclusion

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When it comes to choosing between a complete IKEA kitchen setup and a custom-built one, the decision should be based on your specific needs, budget, and personal preferences. Using IKEA can offer great value for money with flexibility in design, while custom-built options can provide a higher level of craftsmanship and entirely tailored fitment. It is essential to weigh the pros and cons thoroughly and consider the time and resources you are willing to invest in your remodeling project.

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