Howdens - Ballyfermot Avis 

Extremely disappointing quality and appalling customer service
I purchased a Howdens kitchen from the Kylemore Road branch approximately a year to a year and a half ago, with the black matt finish doors. Unfortunately, what should have been a beautiful new kitchen has turned into an absolute disgrace.
The doors are impossible to keep clean. Fingerprints, marks, stains and general everyday marks are constantly visible, and despite trying every cleaning tip I have received from Howdens, as well as advice from other customers experiencing exactly the same problem, nothing removes the marks properly.
I have spent an enormous amount of time trying to keep these doors looking clean, yet they still look marked and dirty. This is completely unacceptable for a kitchen that was purchased from a company like Howdens.
What is particularly concerning is that I have found numerous other people on Facebook and other social media platforms reporting exactly the same problem with these same black matt doors. This strongly suggests to me that this is not a cleaning issue or normal wear and tear, but potentially a manufacturing defect with the finish.
I have contacted Howdens and sent emails making a formal complaint about the problem, but to date I have received absolutely no response. The lack of customer service has been just as disappointing as the quality of the product itself.
When you spend a significant amount of money on a new kitchen, you expect the product to be fit for purpose and you expect the company to stand behind what it sells. Instead, I have been left with a kitchen that looks permanently marked and a company that appears completely uninterested in resolving the issue.
The customer service has been extremely poor. Ignoring a customer's complaints and failing to respond is simply not acceptable.
Howdens needs to take responsibility for this and investigate whether there is a manufacturing fault affecting these doors. Customers should not have to live with a kitchen that cannot be kept looking clean under normal everyday use.
I am extremely disappointed with Howdens and, based on my experience, I would not recommend these black matt doors to anyone considering a new kitchen. Do your research first and look at the number of other customers reporting the same issue before making your decision.

Our experience with Howdens Ballyfermot started off well, but unfortunately went downhill very quickly.

Initially, we dealt with a member of staff who came to our home, measured the kitchen, listened to what we wanted, knew exactly what our budget was, produced a design and priced everything accordingly. We were happy with the design and original quote and felt confident moving forward.

The problems started when we went into the Ballyfermot branch to look at materials and finalise everything. We were told the person we had originally dealt with was away on holidays, so we were passed on to another member of staff. From that point, the experience completely changed. We found the attitude unpleasant and the service extremely unhelpful.

Suddenly, things that had already been designed and agreed became a problem. We were told it would be difficult to achieve the shape of the countertop in one corner of the kitchen, despite it already being included in the original kitchen design. We also started being given higher prices for different items compared with our original quote.

The installation situation was particularly concerning. We were recommended an installer and were told that although he would normally charge more, it could apparently be done cheaper if we paid cash. When it actually came time to arrange the installation, the price we were being asked to pay was completely different from what we had been led to expect. We felt the situation was unacceptable and were ready to walk away from the entire kitchen.

Only after this did we receive a call back and things were adjusted to bring the kitchen back closer to what we had originally discussed and agreed.

Unfortunately, the problems continued when the kitchen was being fitted. Incorrect items had been delivered, including a smaller/wrong dishwasher and the wrong extractor fan. When you are spending a significant amount of money on a complete kitchen, you expect somebody to have checked that the correct products have actually been ordered and delivered.

Afterwards, I contacted the branch to purchase some additional items, including a splashback, and even that became unnecessarily difficult. I was given different prices for exactly the same item depending on who I spoke to, which left me with very little confidence in their pricing.

The appliances supplied were also never properly explained or described to us. The fridge was even missing shelves, and overall we were left with the impression that the cheapest possible options had been included rather than anyone taking the time to properly explain what appliances we were getting for our money.

What should have been an exciting experience of buying and installing a new kitchen became stressful, confusing and extremely frustrating.

The most disappointing part is that everything started so positively. Our budget was understood, we had a design we liked and we were given a price we were comfortable with. Once we were passed to somebody else, the entire experience changed.

Between the poor attitude and customer service we experienced, changing prices, the installation situation, incorrect products being delivered, appliance issues and being quoted different prices for the same additional items, the whole process left us with a terrible impression.

Based on our experience, I would never recommend Howdens Ballyfermot. When buying something as expensive as a kitchen, customers should be able to trust the prices they are quoted, know exactly what they are purchasing and expect the correct products to arrive.

Unfortunately, that was not our experience.

Excellent staff and service.

The staff are very helpful and pleasant

Staff were excellent to deal with and the kitchen design was spot on .overall a great experience and will be recommended to all thanks

great kitchen design service and itemised breakdown

Great customer service from design to delivery. You have fantastic staff.

In 40 years in the business I found the staff of Howdens to be more than helpful never felt pressurised to purchase an ideal was a pleasure to deal with staff in the Ballyfermot Brunch

Staff were very friendly and accommodating

I was dealing with Darren and his team in Howdens Ballyfermot, Darren is a true gentleman and is very knowledgeable and has a great eye for design. He has advise me to send my clients to him when we are looking to do full internal fit outs and Howdens will look after all our needs.

Fast and efficient.

Good quality items

I got a quote for worktops & back splash in Finglas branch and when I went to get them you only had them in Coolock they had increased in price. Very disappointing practice. Won’t be returning.
Declan.
Harrington HBRS Ltd

Great people to deal with

Pleasant staff good service

First time ther very good joe was very helpful will b back

missing items, lack of comu nication , misspriced or inflated rate, absolutely a nightmare

Did you know that Howdens with conduct a survey of your kitchen, do a design for free and help you find a local fitter to install.
Remember, if you're looking for a kitchen before Christmas you should start the process today, fitters will get booked up but Howdens can still supply right up to the 22nd December.

Very nice knowledgeable staff.
Robin and Gayle excellent.
Thank you