Buying a New Kitchen – Your Guide to getting it
right!
Installation issues
 Are your existing electrical and plumbing
services adequate for your new kitchen?
As the kitchen houses a number of appliances, it is imperative
that your electrical supply is sufficient to withstand the demands
placed on it. The same is true of water, waste and gas supplies
and it is strongly advised to undertake a pre-installation check
of all services.
A plumbing and electrical layout correlated to your final design is well worth
consideration. This will shorten installation time, allow you to hire your
own contractors if you wish and, most importantly, offer you peace of mind
in the knowledge that future service problems can be averted.
Should you require a services dimension plan it is advisable to arrange for
one on ordering your kitchen to allow you sufficient time to schedule and complete
the preparation before installation commences.
How to choose an installer.
At present there are no industry standards required to ply your
trade as a kitchen/bathroom installer and the plain fact is that
you are taking pot luck by contacting an unknown quantity who has
decided to title him/herself as one.
There are, however, a number of steps you can take to avoid the
possibility of your new kitchen looking worse than your old one.
- Use your judgement of character when speaking to a candidate
to install your kitchen. It's important that you liase with your
installer whilst the job is in progress and difficult if you
can't communicate with each other.
- Use the conversation to find out how long they have been in
business
- Determine a guarantee period offered for the work undertaken
- Ask to view a previous installation.
- Discover if they have any relevant qualifications and memberships
(Corgi etc)
- Are they insured for public liability?
- What tools do they carry? Do they have a worktop jig, router
and mitre saw - essential kitchen fitting tools and a good indication
of credibility
- Determine their plumbing and electrical knowledge, experience
and qualifications.
- Arrange a site visit two weeks before the installation. You
will learn a lot more about the person that you are about to
employ
 As with any trade, good kitchen installers are worth waiting
for, so contact one well in advance of your project commencing.
When you're happy with your choice of installer there are a number
of other issues to discuss with him/her and this is best achieved
when contacting the installer to let him know you wish him to
undertake the installation.
Below is a list of further considerations you should discuss with
an installer.
- Vehicle access - How close can a vehicle park to the work area?
- Vehicle parking - Once unloaded, where can a vehicle be parked?
Will it be safe in the space you suggest?
- Rubbish removal - Will a skip be required?
- Door size/restrictions - It's often a problem trying to fit
a large cabinet through a tiny porch and certain cabinets may
need to be delivered as flat packs if access is a problem.
- Work area - allocate one to the installer during the site visit,
and reserve it as his/hers on commencement day. It also helps
to mention that certain trades (painters or floor finishers)
will have a difficult time working in the same room while the
kitchen is being installed.
- Furnishings/belongings removed - A day or two prior to installation
remove all furniture and belongings from the room and empty the
cupboards.
- Floor protection - If the flooring has been completed before
installation it will need protecting.
- Dust protection - the homeowner will never fault you for being
too careful about dust protection. Sheets taped to house entry
points will minimise dust spreading throughout the rest of the
house.
- Power - How many outlets are there, and how far away? There
are a limited number of trades that can share a power circuit.
- Keys - It's difficult have a kitchen fitted if your installer
can't gain entry.
- Job noise - In a large refurbishment noise levels can reach
hair pulling proportions so be prepared and if your neighbour
works a night shift it's good advice to let them know of your
project prior to commencement of the work.
- Working hours - Give the installer an indication of start/finish
times
- Plumbing/electrical - These are critical areas. Check box
heights and plumbing preparation. If preparation hasn't been
completed, go over the information with your installer should
he be completing the work.
- Room lighting - Look for conflicts between lighting locations
and cabinet placement. Recessed ceiling lights may be positioned
in such a way that they end up directly over a refrigerator.
- Appliance details - It helps to give your installer a list
of appliances to be fitted and, if possible, their specifications
- Children/animals - As your installer will be using some heavy
machinery you will need to make sure that children or animals
cannot gain access to the work area.
- Bathroom privileges - Ensure your fitter knows where to go
Well, I hope this information proves useful in assisting you to
achieve a trouble free and satisfactory installation and if you
feel competent enough don't rule out the possibility of saving
yourself a substantial amount by having a go yourself but remember
the health and safety issues above all else.
© Tim Foley 2004
This Article in association with Tim Foley of http://www.kitchensfitted.co.uk
Tim is the founder of the kitchensfitted.co.uk website which offers impartial
advice to site visitors via our forum and heads T Foley Interiors, offering Consultancy
in exclusive kitchen designs. TFI offer a full design and consultancy service
and act as intermediaries between the customer and the kitchen market.
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