Quick answer: GoodHome ranges such as Caraway and Caraway Innovo come as flat pack, so each unit is packed for on-site assembly.
This affects the whole process, from ordering and delivery to fitting. The supplier offers free design appointments and a refundable £50 measuring visit to help get sizes right. For customers it means lower unit costs, but more time is needed during installation.
Prices for units can look attractive; a 12‑unit quote in 2025 ranged from around £4,154 to £4,799 excluding worktops and appliances. Labour usually forms 20–30% of total spend, and B&Q gives an optional managed fitting service if you do not want to hire trades yourself.
What matters most is the difference between a ready-made option and flat pack. We will explain how that choice affects timelines, handling of multiple boxes at delivery and long‑term durability over the years.
Key Takeaways
- GoodHome Caraway ranges are supplied flat pack; you or a fitter assemble units.
- Free design and a refundable measuring visit help reduce sizing errors.
- Unit prices can be lower, but labour and time on site rise.
- Delivery arrives as multiple boxes; check items on arrival.
- There is a 25‑year guarantee on cabinets, so long‑term durability is covered.
At a glance: are B&Q kitchens pre assembled?
Knowing how your new kitchen will reach site helps you plan labour, storage and delivery day.
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Short answer: No — GoodHome Caraway and Caraway Innovo arrive as flat pack units that are built on site.
What that means for your purchase today
Flat pack delivery cuts unit cost but adds assembly time. Innovo units are 34mm taller to suit a handleless look, so fitters must plan rail positions carefully.
Make sure your schedule allows for cabinet build before final installation. You can use B&Q’s free design appointment and the refundable £50 survey to reduce on‑site delays.
“A clear plan and a full parts check on arrival save hours and unexpected cost.”
| Aspect | Flat pack (GoodHome) | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery | Multiple boxed units | More handling, count boxes on arrival |
| Time | On-site assembly needed | Adds labour hours |
| Cost | Lower unit price | Factor fitting into total spend (labour ~20–30%) |
Flat pack vs pre-assembled: what you’re actually buying from B&Q
Whether cabinets come as packs of panels or as finished carcasses will shape handling, storage and fitting sequences.
GoodHome Caraway and Caraway Innovo explained
GoodHome Caraway is the mainstream line, offering slab and shaker door styles in a range of finishes. Each cabinet arrives as a pack of panels, fixings and hardware to be built on site.
Caraway Innovo is engineered for handleless work. Its units are 34mm taller so the grip rail sits neatly without altering door proportions.
Standard sizes, taller handleless units and cabinet specs
Many wall and base cabinet heights sit around 720mm, while specific products can differ — for example, a base at 870mm appears in some listings.
Widths run commonly from about 400mm up to 1000mm, letting you design with regular modules rather than bespoke widths. The finish varies by door line, so protect surfaces during assembly to avoid marks.
“Expect multiple labelled boxes per cabinet and plan a clear staging area for checks on delivery.”
- Key difference: flat pack shifts build time to site; trade brands such as howdens supply more ready-made carcasses via trade channels.
- Customer tip: check parts, hinges and runners on arrival and allow time to set reveals for a clean finish.
Assembly and fitting: how flat pack affects time, cost and the end result
Flat pack delivery changes the on-site workflow and often adds a full assembly day before installation.
If you build cabinets yourself you cut fitter hours and save money. Follow instructions, protect edges and dry-fit tricky runs to avoid mistakes.
Hiring a kitchen fitter means the job includes building, aligning doors and setting runners. Many pros charge more for a flat pack job because it takes additional time and skill.
Why labour can increase with flat pack cabinets
Flat pack adds a dedicated assembly phase before installation. That raises the total time on site for each unit, especially tall larders and corner solutions that need careful squaring.
Labour typically forms about 20–30% of the total project spend, so extra hours directly affect the final cost of your kitchen.
Mitigating issues: prep, parts, and protecting the finish during assembly
Plan and stage parts by cabinet, check fixings on delivery and pre‑sort hinges and screws into tubs to speed the job. Use soft blankets or foam when assembling to protect the finish.
Dry-fit a sample run with handleless rails to get reveals right. Agree who will assemble versus who will fit to prevent scope confusion at the end.
“Clear staging and a short dry run save time and reduce rework.”
Design and ordering with B&Q: process, services and delivery
Start your project by using B&Q’s free design appointment to turn ideas into a practical layout and a precise shopping list.
Free design sessions (in-store or online) let a designer map storage, appliance positions and unit counts. Book one to get a full itemised plan and clearer prices.
For accuracy, pay for the £50 measuring service. The fee is refunded if you buy, and a verified survey reduces surprises on site.
Choosing ranges, doors and storage before you order
Decide on Caraway or Innovo, finishes, internal storage and trims so the cabinet list is complete. Agree substitutions in advance if a SKU is out of stock.
Delivery of units and what to check on arrival
Delivery often arrives as multiple boxes per cabinet; make sure you have space and help to stage them safely.
“Count boxes, check door packs, runners and hinges against the invoice and log shortages immediately.”
| Step | What to ask | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Design appointment | Layout, appliance specs, itemised list | Reduces on-site changes and extra cost |
| Measurement survey | Verified room data (refundable fee) | Fewer surprises, accurate fit |
| Delivery check | Count units, inspect doors and fixings | Smooth post‑sales replacements if needed |
Price reality check: cabinet costs and overall kitchen price bands
Unit price tags tell part of the story; finishing choices and labour write the rest.
Expect a 12‑unit B&Q quote in May 2025 to sit around £4,154–£4,799 for units and trims. That figure includes handles, cornices, plinths, pelmets and end panels but excludes worktops, sink, taps and appliances.
Indicative prices for a 12‑unit project
Per‑unit prices vary widely. Wall cabinets list from roughly £66–£188 and base units from about £77–£246 depending on size and finish.
- Typical range: £4,154–£4,799 for a 12‑unit fit‑out (VAT and sales included).
- Extra items: worktops, appliances and lighting add significant cost and time.
- Ask for itemised quotes that separate cabinets, trims, labour and third‑party trades.
How installation affects the final bill
Installation normally forms 20–30% of total spend (BCIS). If your design is complex or needs full on‑site assembly, budget toward the top of that band.
“A lower unit price can be offset by longer assembly time; a pre‑assembled supplier such as Howdens may cost more on materials but save fitting hours.”
Smart moves: prioritise finish and quality where it matters, use a survey to reduce damage and rework, and compare the difference in total money spent versus time saved to find the best kitchen value for your project.
Quality and durability: what independent lab tests and customer surveys suggest
Independent testing and owner feedback give a clear picture of how well cabinets hold up over time.
How Which? checks hinges, drawers and shelves
Which? runs 19 tests that stress shelves, drawers, runners and hinges to copy real‑use loading and repeat cycles.
The results matter: lab scores ranged from 89% down to 54%, and two ranges failed the hinges test, showing hardware varies a lot.
Owner-reported wear after five years+
A combined customer survey blends satisfaction with likelihood to recommend. The top brands scored around 80% in that poll.
Across brands, about 44% of owners reported damage after five years. The most common issues were scratches to the cabinet finish (15%) and soft‑close failures (12%).
“Assembly quality and correct installation play a big role in long‑term performance.”
| Measure | What tests show | Owner feedback |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware | Hinges/drawers vary; some failures in tests | Soft‑close faults ~12% |
| Finish | Surface resistance checked in labs | Scratches reported ~15% |
| Longevity (years) | Wide score spread implies differing lifespans | 44% saw damage after 5+ years |
Practical tip: for a durable kitchen, check parts on delivery, follow fitting guidance and tighten fixings carefully to avoid crushing board fibres. For more on test methods, see the Which? review.
Installation options: B&Q fitting service vs independent kitchen fitters
Deciding who fits your new units shapes cost, timelines and who you contact if issues crop up.
What B&Q’s managed installation includes
B&Q offers a managed service where they coordinate a single supplier, handle scheduling and run the whole job. This can cut hassle for customers who prefer one point of contact.
The managed route may cost more, but it often bundles customer service, scheduling and snagging into one package.
Hiring your own fitter: quotes, contracts and scope
If you hire an independent fitter, get at least three quotes and aim for a fixed-price contract. Confirm the scope: assembly of the pack, plumbing, electrics and tiling.
A clear programme from the fitter should show delivery day, assembly time and handover steps. Builders used to howdens may quote fewer hours due to pre‑assembled carcasses; adjust comparisons accordingly.
“Plan delivery to arrive before trades start and insist on a pre‑start inventory check.”
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Managed service | Single contact, managed schedule, aftercare | Higher prices, less DIY control |
| Independent fitter | Potentially lower cost, more control over scope | Need to manage trades, get multiple quotes |
| Split approach | You assemble packs, fitter installs; lower labour cost | Ensure fitter will warrant work they didn’t assemble |
Practical tips: confirm who assembles the flat pack, ask how panels will be protected, keep a site diary and insist on prompt communication for any missing parts or delays.
Comparing suppliers: B&Q flat pack today, pre-assembled alternatives
Supplier choices can shift cost into materials or into labour, so compare total spend not just unit sticker prices. GoodHome units arrive flat pack, while howdens supplies ready-to-fit carcasses through trade accounts. That difference affects delivery handling, on-site build time and the final installation day.
Where howdens and other suppliers differ on ready-made cabinets
Howdens commonly delivers bulkier, finished carcasses that cut assembly time for fitters. By contrast, retailers such as Wickes and IKEA often ship boxed panels that need building on site. Ask each supplier how cabinets come and who is expected to build them.
Balancing unit price, fitting time, and total project cost
Flat pack usually lowers unit price but raises labour. Labour typically forms 20–30% of total kitchen cost, so savings on cabinets can vanish with extra hours on site.
- Fastest install: ready-made carcasses save time but cost more per unit.
- Lowest material spend: flat pack cuts price but needs assembly time and more handling at delivery.
- Benchmark quality: use Which? test and customer survey scores to compare hardware and longevity; top ranges scored above 75% in tests.
“Request like-for-like quotes that include cabinet build, fitting and any scribing — the difference in end cost can be smaller than you expect.”
| Supplier | Typical delivery | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| B&Q (GoodHome) | Flat pack boxes | Lower unit price, more on-site time |
| Howdens | Ready-made carcasses | Higher price, faster install |
| Wickes / IKEA | Varies (flat pack common) | Check delivery and build responsibility |
Customer experience factors: design support, service and post‑sales
Good planning at the design stage cuts costly rework and keeps your schedule on track. Use the free design session and the refundable £50 survey to confirm exact dimensions and high‑risk details before you order.
Planning accuracy and downstream fitting issues
Millimetre‑accurate measurements reduce downstream issues when you fit b&q kitchen units yourself or arrange trades. A precise layout helps with reveals, rail positions and appliance clearances.
Ask the designer to highlight corner clearances and door swing conflicts so trades can route services in the right place.
Post‑sales support and handling damage or missing parts
Document every delivery with photos and timestamps. Note transit damage or missing parts on the delivery note and contact customer service immediately to trigger replacements.
Keep a list of SKUs and quantities to hand — fast identification speeds post‑sales resolutions and reduces delays on site.
“Count boxes, photograph any damage and lodge a report on the day to avoid hold‑ups.”
- Wear and damage: expect normal risks such as surface scratches and soft‑close faults; keep spare runners and a touch‑up kit.
- Service tips: save order numbers, photos and chat logs to speed any escalation or guarantee claim.
- Prices and replacements: ask for price matching to your original order if parts pricing has changed during promotions.
- Delivery impact: confirm cut‑off times for reporting shortages so your fitter’s schedule is not disrupted.
Good customer service responsiveness shapes the overall experience. Well‑kept records and clear photos make it much easier to resolve issues fast and protect your investment.
Guarantees and what’s covered on B&Q kitchens
A robust guarantee on core items reduces worry about cabinet faults in the years after installation.
B&Q backs GoodHome cabinets with a 25‑year guarantee that covers the main structural parts. Covered items include door and drawer fronts, cabinet panels, cornices, pelmets, plinths, hinges, worktops and drawers.
What is not covered is important. Appliances follow manufacturer warranties. Taps, sinks, internal storage, bins, accessories, handles, under‑cabinet lighting and hanging brackets are excluded.
- Keep proof of purchase, delivery notes and your plan; these speed any service response.
- Register parts when possible and keep box labels — part codes help match replacements.
- Report damaged delivery items immediately under sales and delivery terms to avoid disputes.
If a covered component shows a material fault, B&Q will usually repair or replace it. Cosmetic damage from misuse or poor installation rarely qualifies, so follow care guidance for damp or high‑use areas.
Clarify whether labour is included for remedial work before you buy and save the contact for quick customer support. For full b&q kitchen details see the b&q kitchen details.
Conclusion
Choose a clear path early: a new kitchen that saves money often arrives as a flat pack and needs on‑site work, while a quicker install costs more up front. ,
Use the free design and refundable survey to make sure plans, cabinet sizes and delivery slots match your schedule. Check packs on arrival and stage parts to speed the process and protect the finish.
Compare supplier quotes, not just prices. Consider how long the job will take, who will fit b&q kitchen units and the likely cost of labour. Customer survey results and lab tests show wear over years, so log any delivery damage and use good customer service to resolve faults fast.
FAQ
Are B&Q kitchens pre-assembled or flat pack?
Most GoodHome ranges from B&Q are supplied as flat pack units that require on-site assembly. Some specialist door styles or bespoke options may arrive partly assembled, but the standard offering is packed for home delivery and needs fitting and fixing by you or a tradesperson.
At a glance: are B&Q kitchens pre assembled?
Short answer: GoodHome ranges are flat pack. This means boxes of carcasses, doors, hinges and fittings arrive separately rather than complete cabinets, ready to be assembled and installed.
What does that mean for my kitchen purchase today?
Expect to budget for fitting time, possibly a measuring visit, and some assembly work. You’ll also need to inspect deliveries for damage and keep track of all small parts before installation begins.
What are GoodHome Caraway and Caraway Innovo?
These are popular B&Q ranges. Caraway is a standard flat pack line with modern doors and common sizes. Caraway Innovo offers additional finishes and handleless options but is still delivered as units to be built and fitted on site.
Do units come in standard sizes and taller handleless options?
Yes. B&Q supplies a range of standard widths and depths plus taller units for tall ovens or pantries. Handleless units use different drawer runners and door fittings, so check cabinet depths and hinge types before ordering.
How much DIY effort is involved versus hiring a kitchen fitter?
If you’re competent with flat pack furniture, you can assemble base and wall units yourself. Fitting—plumbing, electrics, worktops and final alignment—usually requires a qualified fitter. Many customers pair DIY assembly with a professional to reduce labour time.
Why can labour costs increase with flat pack cabinets?
Labour rises if on-site problems appear: uneven walls, floor levelling, missing parts or damage on delivery. Each extra cut, adjustment or repair adds time. Flat pack units often need more on-site assembly than pre-assembled carcasses, which increases installer hours.
How can I mitigate issues during assembly and protect the finish?
Check all boxes on arrival for damage and missing parts. Store components flat and dry, assemble on clean surfaces, and use protective pads when moving doors and panels. Follow manufacturer instructions and keep a small toolkit and clamps handy.
What design and ordering services does B&Q offer?
B&Q provides free online and store design appointments plus an optional paid measuring service. Designers help choose ranges, doors, storage solutions and create a plan that fits your space and budget.
What should I choose before ordering: ranges, doors and storage options?
Decide on door style, worktop material, internal organisers and appliances early. This reduces changes later and helps ensure carcasses, end panels and fillers match worktop overhangs and appliance sizes.
What should I check on delivery of units?
Inspect every carton for dents or water damage. Open boxes to verify doors, hinges, fittings and screws are present. Report any faults to B&Q immediately and photograph damage for claims.
What are indicative prices for a 12‑unit B&Q kitchen?
Prices vary by range and finish, but a typical 12‑unit GoodHome kitchen for a mid-market finish often sits in the low thousands for units alone. Add worktops, appliances and installation for the total project cost.
How much does installation typically add to the total spend?
Installation commonly accounts for around 20–30% of the overall kitchen budget. Complex layouts, bespoke worktops or plumbing and electrical alterations can push that percentage higher.
How does independent testing reflect on cabinet quality?
Independent labs test carcasses, hinges, drawer runners and door durability. Results show mid-market flat pack lines perform adequately for most households but may show more wear under heavy, daily use than premium, pre-assembled cabinets.
What do owner surveys say about wear after five years?
Many owners report good long-term value with routine care, though common issues include hinge adjustment, scuffed doors and drawer runner wear. Proper installation and protection during fitting reduce these problems.
What does B&Q’s managed installation include?
The managed service normally covers delivery, installation of units, worktops, sink fitting and basic appliance connections. Always check the contract for specifics like tiling, plumbing modifications or waste disposal.
Is it better to hire my own kitchen fitter?
Hiring an independent fitter can save money or offer greater flexibility. Get multiple quotes, a written scope of work and a fixed-price contract to avoid unexpected costs. Ensure the fitter is qualified for electrics and gas where needed.
How do suppliers like Howdens differ on ready-made cabinets?
Howdens and some local joiners offer more factory-assembled or semi-assembled cabinets and trade-only services. These options often reduce on-site assembly time but may cost more per unit than standard flat pack ranges.
How should I balance unit price, fitting time and total project cost?
Consider total project time and labour when choosing units. Cheaper units may save on purchase but increase fitting hours. Factor in your tolerance for DIY, timeline and willingness to pay for fitted-off units.
What customer experience issues commonly affect projects?
Planning inaccuracies, late or incomplete deliveries, and damage on arrival are common. Accurate measuring, clear communication with the fitter and thorough delivery checks help avoid delays and extra costs.
How responsive is post-sales support for damaged or missing parts?
B&Q provides a post-sales service for missing or damaged items; response times vary. Document issues with photos, keep order numbers handy and follow up persistently to speed resolution.
What guarantees cover B&Q kitchen units?
B&Q offers a manufacturer’s guarantee on many kitchen components, covering faults in materials and workmanship for a stated period. Check your specific product page or paperwork for exact terms and exclusions.
