If embarking on a major project, arrange with your builders to fit a temporary kitchen, comprising worktop, kitchen sink, microwave, fridge and electric hob. As well as reducing dust and dirt, a mess-free site is generally a safer site. Insist that your builder keeps the site as clean and tidy as possible. ‘Ensure that you employ a qualified tradesperson to fit your kitchen, and for any gas and electric work,’ advises Michael Burke of Homebase. Get at least three different estimates, and look for members of relevant professional bodies to give you greater protection if something goes wrong. You may want to hire an architect or find a builder to help manage the work if it’s a large project. You’ll need to select your fittings and finishes, including:ħ. Finalise your kitchen designįrom DIY warehouses to bespoke kitchen companies, kitchen design specialists are there to help you with planning your scheme and usually supply drawings so that you can fully visualise your transformed space. Don’t forget to factor in lead time for the fittings and fixtures you’ll be ordering, and set aside an extra sum (5 to 10 per cent of the total is usual) in case you need to make unexpected changes as you proceed. Once you have a clear idea of both your practical and design requirements, draw up a plan dividing up the project into specific tasks with deadlines, and assign segments of your budget. Set a timeline and budget for your new kitchen Have a read of our guide to kitchen extensions. The major part of the disruption should then take place in late spring/early summer when you’ll have more hours of daylight, and outdoor barbecues and cold suppers will be far more appealing. Ideally, plan to start your kitchen extension in early spring. Get a second person to re-measure and check your measurements.’ 4. ‘Consult a local builder to give advice on the floor level and any re-plastering. ‘Check the condition of your walls and floors, too, as any remedial works may affect the measurements of your space,’ says Michael Burke, divisional installation manager at Homebase. It's not just about turning up to a kitchen design company armed with all the measurements you need – from the floorplan to the position of windows and doors. Ensure your kitchen measurements are sound Are you designing a kitchen from scratch? Check out our advice page.ģ.‘How many people will be using it? Can it fit into your current footprint, or would it work better in a different setup?’Ĭonsider activities beyond cooking, suggests David Vine, kitchens project leader at Ikea: ‘Do you need a work area, or a place to socialise? A place for pets or for laundry? Look out for smart kitchen storage solutions that will help you design a functional yet beautiful space.’ ‘Decide what you want and need in your kitchen,’ advises B&Q interior design manager Cat Dennison. You’ll be living with your new kitchen layout for a long time, so think about how to make the space work for your lifestyle. Go armed to the kitchen design company with a good idea of how you want the layout to be. Our handy guides are a great starting point for finding inspiration, whatever your style.ĭo your research and collect images that inspire you to help develop your scheme, and consult kitchen design specialists to make sure you consider all possibilities, when it comes to style and space planning.
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