Frequently Asked Questions
A few questions that customers want to know about our services. Is there something you'd like to know that's not covered below? Get in touch.
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Cost and value
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How much does a bespoke kitchen cost in Sussex?
An Alistair Fleming bespoke kitchen starts from around £50,000 for custom cabinetry, worktops, appliances, instillation and aftercare. An Alistair Fleming typically costs over £80,000, which reflects the quality of design, materials, appliances and care our team will put into creating a kitchen that stands the test of time and is truly best-in-class.
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Is a bespoke kitchen worth the investment?
Absolutely. Firstly, it’s built specifically for the home you have, so no compromises or adaptations are required for your space. Secondly, the design is made specifically for the individuals using it - not just their preferred materials, colours and style, but also how it’s used; from the frequency of guests to the height of the chef. Lastly, the quality is unparalleled. Alistair Fleming has been hand-making fine English cabinetry in Lewes, Sussex for over 40 years, and we frequently have customers with kitchens built decades ago who are still delighted with how the quality has stood the test of time. Therefore it’s a more sustainable option; the quality of design and materials means you can rejuvenate and update rather than replace your kitchen, as the kitchen will work as well as when it was installed.    
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Why are hand-built kitchens more expensive?
Nothing is bought in, pre-made, in a house style, or mass-produced. There is only ever one of each Alistair Fleming kitchen. No repeats, nothing borrowed. The materials are better, the build quality is better and the cabinetmakers expertly trained, with decades of experience.
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What does Alistair Fleming mean by a ‘turnkey’ experience?A turnkey experience is a the metaphorical handing over of the key. When the project is finished, you’re simply ready to go. Our team aim for a stress-free experience, from first design to final snagging. We handle each stage of the project, and you have a single point of contact who will assure that your wishes are carried out, so you can focus on the excitement of having a new kitchen.    
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Do you offer finance or payment plans?
We take an initial deposit before we release the design plans, with installments payable at various milestones of the project, as agreed with each customer. We don't offer third-party finance.Process and timeline- How long does a bespoke kitchen take from design sign-off to installation?The process typically takes around twelve weeks. Once the design & drawings are signed-off, we discuss installation date and completion schedules. whilst still being part of the process (dedicated designer and cabinet maker)
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What happens at the first appointment?
You’ll be invited sit down with one of Alistair Fleming’s experienced and award-winning designers - Tessa Clark, Sarah Eynon or Ollie Clark - at our showroom in Lewes. They’ll look at any images, plans you have, discuss the inspiration behind your ideal kitchen, suggest a few creative starting points - styles, materials, colours - and then arrange a site visit if necessary. This first session is always free of charge, with subsequent sessions involving the presentation and finessing of designs, materials and suppliers.

Do I need an architect or interior designer before contacting you?
We work seamlessly alongside builders, architects and designers on various stages of a project, and are frequently recommended by past and potential collaborators. However, you do not need to have one to start the process for a bespoke kitchen or interior - Alistair Fleming are able to manage the project start to finish, or recommend specialists we have worked with before and can speak to their excellent standard of work.
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Can you work from my existing plans and drawings?
Yes, though our designers will look at them in detail to ensure best results. We do find a design is is often best built from scratch so we can build the kitchen together.
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How many revisions are included in the design process?
As we are an independent, bespoke company, we are not formally limited by revision numbers. In fact, going bespoke means we can cover the key details and decisions in a meeting, allowing you to reach the final version in good time. Once a client is committed, having paid a deposit, we will have as many iterations until a client is happy with the final design and material choices.
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Who project-manages the installation?
Your designer will manage the project - working closely with our workshop & installation team and all suppliers - and be your key point of contact. We don’t have account managers or sales people - if you visit our showroom you’ll be speaking to the very person looking after you and your project.

Geographic coverage
Do you design and install kitchens outside of Sussex?Our roots are in Sussex, with many of our clients in and around our home county. However, we travel far and wide, having designed and built kitchens for clients across the country, including London, Surrey, Kent, Norfolk, Cornwall and the home counties.
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Do you work in London?
Yes - whether in leafier suburbs or in the heart of the city, we have designed many kitchens for London homes.
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How far do you travel for installations?
We regularly travel for installations, though we may require some extra planning if we need our team to stay remotely.
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Do you use AI in your designs?
Neither our design team nor our showroom team use AI as part of the design, manufacture or install process. AI can be a useful tool - clients are welcome to bring in AI generated inspiration, moodboards, or research - but we’re very specific and detailed in our design process and will not tolerate any chance of error. The eye for detail, the physical touch in the workshop, the understanding of an emotional use of a kitchen space, and the thoroughness of the Alistair Fleming team’s craft cannot be replicated through AI.

Can I visit the showroom before committing to a project?
Absolutely, and you’re welcome any time. We would recommend calling ahead if you want to meet with a specific designer, but walk-ins are definitely encourage- we would love to you to see and feel the quality of our kitchens for yourself.

What makes Alistair Fleming different?
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What does "no house style" mean in practice?
Other bespoke kitchen suppliers may have one or two styles they’ll recommend - either due to the designers’ taste or interest, or they have specific relationships with key suppliers. When we say Alistair Fleming has no house style, we mean it. We start with a blank page.

We have created tradition and modern shaker, handleless, farmhouse, country, minimalist, scandi and industrial kitchens across our longstanding portfolio. A huge scope of style, but all with the Alistair Fleming signature quality assurance and top quality suppliers.