Getting a new kitchen is a great way to improve your home, and add considerable value to your property. Whether you are building a completely new kitchen or simply renovating the existing one, here are five tips you must consider before you begin:
1 – Plan early and thoroughly
Whatever the work you have in mind, getting a new kitchen is a huge task so it’s essential to plan thoroughly before you start. The first question you need to ask yourself is ‘what am I going to use this room for?’ – for some people the kitchen is simply a food preparation area, but for others it is the social centre of the house. Are you going to have a seating area? Do you want new flooring or wall tiles? Will you need new electricity points? Ask yourself these questions well in advance to avoid problems once the work has begun.
2 – Appliances – remember the ‘triangle’
Anyone who’s designed a kitchen will tell you about the famous ‘triangle’ theory, between the sink, fridge and oven/hobs. These three points are the main areas of any kitchen, so it’s important they are not cramped into one place together so you can move freely between them – by putting them in a triangle in your kitchen, you’ll probably find all the other elements of the room fit in around them. This is also the time you will need to think about units: most kitchens fall into one of four design categories: single-line, double-line, L-shape or U-shape – the space you have to work with usually dictates which one you’ll go for.
3 – Who will do what?
It’s always best at this stage to delegate jobs – if you are simply updating the current kitchen with a lick of paint, you may be able to complete the work yourself. Alternatively, if you’ve bought all the components yourself, you may only need to hire someone to fit it for you. However, it is always advised that if you are unsure of any of the aspects of the job then call in the professionals. It’s also a good idea to identify any specialist services you will require, such as removal firms, electricians, or water & gas specialists.
4 – Don’t forget the regulations
If the new development involves an extension of your house, make sure you contact your local council as planning permission may be required. There are all sorts of regulations around cooking areas, and the distances between certain items. One area in particular where you must be careful is the hob. There are very strict regulations regarding the location of wall units around hobs, and the proximity of electrical points – if you don’t get this right your kitchen could end up being condemned by the authorities, and before you know it you’ll have to fork out for even more work to replace them.
5 – Get the professionals in for the utility points
If you’re having major work done to your kitchen, it’s likely you’re going to have to move the gas, water or electricity points. Even if you intend to do most of the kitchen project yourself, get the professionals in for this part – although it might add a bit to the cost of your new kitchen, it’s simply not worth the hassle of breaking regulations, or worse still causing an accident by doing it yourself! If you’re moving or installing a gas boiler or hobs, ensure that you get a CORGI (Council of Registered Gas Installers) registered installation firm – there are around 50,000 of them in the UK.
When looking for firms to carry out work for you, the universal rule for all home improvement companies applies: make sure that you employ a reputable firm with a proven track record!
www.kitchenquoter.co.uk can help you choose your supplier.
