Things to Consider When Fitting a New Kitchen

How to plan your new kitchen

One of the most important elements of fitting a new kitchen is planning. To ensure that everything fits properly, you should create a floor plan with exact measurements. This allows you to avoid common problems such as doorways blocking cupboards, worktops feeling too narrow, or ovens that don’t fit in the space. 

You should also think carefully about the layout of the kitchen to ensure maximum efficiency. It’s important to consider the flow of traffic and how the individual elements of the kitchen connect. Make sure that the fridge is near the food preparation area, while the sink should be within easy reach of the oven. 

Practical design considerations

Fittings and fixtures are other important factors when fitting a new kitchen. From the materials and colours of the cabinets to the textures of the handles and units, each choice should be considered carefully. 

It’s also important to think practically when deciding on the cabinets, drawers and cupboards. Opt for full extension drawers to make the most of the available space and ensure that you have plenty of storage for food, cooking equipment and cutlery. To save money, you could also opt for open shelves instead of units. 

How Long Does Fitting a Kitchen Take?

The amount of time that it takes to fit a new kitchen varies greatly depending on the size of the room and the complexity of the design. However, it usually takes between one and two weeks to complete the project. This includes the installation of hidden electrical wiring, plumbing and drainage, fitting the worktops, cabinets and drawers and laying the flooring and tiling. 

Before the kitchen is fitted, you should clear out any unwanted items and remove furniture to make room for the installation. You should also put away any valuable items and delicate crockery. 

What building regulations need to be considered?

If the kitchen includes gas appliances, you must ensure they are correctly installed and checked to meet the relevant safety standards. The installer must be Gas Safe registered and can provide you with a certificate when the job has been completed. You will also need a qualified electrician to fit all electrical appliances. 

It’s also important to double-check any existing fixtures and fittings for signs of wear and tear. This could include checking the walls for dampness, checking the pipework and ensuring that all surfaces have been correctly insulated. 

Set up a temporary kitchen

During the installation process, you will obviously have to make some arrangements to prepare meals and drinks. Before the kitchen is fitted, you should look into setting up a temporary kitchen area. This could include using a kitchen countertop in a spare room or using camping equipment to cook meals outdoors. 

It may also be worth investing in some nice kitchenware, such as pans, plates and cutlery, to make sure that you can still enjoy good meals during the renovation period. If necessary, bag up any items that you won’t be using during the fitting process and put them away until they can be used again. 

In conclusion, fitting a new kitchen is a big job and there are many things to consider. From planning the design and layout of the room to checking the safety standards of gas appliances and setting up a temporary kitchen area, there are many different aspects to consider. With careful planning and preparation, however, your dream kitchen will soon become a reality.