Congratulations on your decision to opt for a bespoke kitchen fit. We’ve got insider advice to help you manage your project and deal with the disruption to your daily routine.
Replacing your fitted kitchen can be a daunting undertaking, but when all the work is done it’ll be a new lease of life for your home. The disruption to family life could be far less than you’re expecting, and there are some things that you can do to ensure everything runs smoothly. Understanding the process can help you plan for how you’ll manage the installation of one of our made-to-measure kitchens.
Planning
Arguably the most important stage, the planning stage can also be the most variable. The process largely depends on the scale of your project and the extent of the building work that’ll be required. Changing your fundamental kitchen layout, moving supply points and structural work require careful planning and consideration.
While in the planning stages, it’s an excellent opportunity to give your existing kitchen a good old sort out. You never quite know how much stuff there is in your kitchen until you’re forced to empty it all out in the name of renovation. It’s a great time to rehome any unused or unwanted items and it can offer some valuable insight into the storage needs of your new kitchen.
Delivery
Once your new kitchen design has been finalised, the ordering can begin. The supply of bespoke kitchens takes longer than off-the-shelf options and 8 weeks is the norm as each piece is made to order, but you should be kept up to date as the project progresses. Delays happen for all sorts of reasons, but it’s important that everyone is kept in the loop.
Removal
This is where the real changes begin! A skilled team of kitchen fitters, plumbers and electricians can do away with your previous kitchen in a matter of hours. Once everything is cleared, it’s time for plasterers (if needed) to re-plaster where necessary and next it’s time for the plumbers and electricians to check existing supply points and add any additional outlets, if required. With all the groundwork complete, your new kitchen can now begin to take shape.
Fitting
The first step is to install the cabinets. This process can take anywhere from three to five days, depending on the size and complexity of your project. Solid worktops will have to be templated once the cabinets are in place with a turnaround time of about a week, which will mean you’ll be waiting a little longer for your lovely kitchen. This isn’t the case when wooden or laminate are chosen, and these will be fitted by the installer after the cabinets. Once the worktops are in place it’s time for the plumbers, electricians and fitters to return to complete their final works. We always suggest adding a couple of days to proposed fitting times for troubleshooting. This can be anything from delays or changes of layout in situ, but this is not the norm.
Living without a kitchen
Most homes are only blessed with one kitchen, and unless you’re going to be living elsewhere during the work then you’re going to have to learn to get along without it. There are a few things you can do to make the transition less painful.
- Set up a small kitchen elsewhere in the house, a camping stove will suffice. A fridge, microwave and toaster is a good idea too, not forgetting a good supply of water and anything else you think you might need. You’re going to have to flex your culinary creativity, but it’s good to have an idea of how you’re going to set this up.
- Invest in some eco-friendly disposable plates and cutlery, as washing up gets tricky
- Don’t forget laundry – if your washing machine is in your kitchen, you could be without it for a while
And just like that, it’s finished! Your new kitchen is one of the biggest investments that you’ll make to your home, and it needs to be perfect in every way and here at Willow Kitchens and Interiors that is certainly what we aim to achieve.
In view of current government guidelines regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, our Buckingham showroom is currently closed. However, we are able to operate a fully virtual service, wherever you are in your kitchen design journey. Give our team a call on 01280 822749 to start the ball rolling.