Purchasing a kitchen may be the third-most costly purchase your family will enjoy (following a house and vehicle). Inside a bid to lessen the price, countless people plan and install their very own kitchen every year. This need not be considered a major headache – follow these tips and hints to alleviate the stress and allow you to benefit from the fruits of the work for many years.
Part one of the two part series contains tips and hints on calculating and planning your ideal kitchen. Part 2 covers budget, worktops, accessories, delivery and installation.
Measurements
Take all measurements in millimeters.
Measure floor to ceiling, all walls (measure above skirting and midway in the wall since many walls aren’t straight!).
Additionally, you will wish to measure home windows, doorways, serving hatches, plugs, sockets – as well as their distance in the floor and nearest wall/door frame etc.
Planning your layout
Decide in which you want units and just what type of cabinet – and if you’re able to realistically afford it and really create it (see ‘planning nightmares’ below)!
Would you value drawer or storage space – or a mix of each? This dictates which units to choose and also the cost.
Wall units are often matched in dimensions to base units, creating symmetry – this really is worth remembering if you would like glass doorways, because they usually only are available in certain sizes.
Corner units usually quote dimensions larger than the particular unit – this enables for doorways to spread out correctly and ensures they match up with adjacent units – so pay attention for their measurements.
Check dimensions around the sink you would like most stainless sinks will easily fit in a 600mm cabinet (as just the bowl part must be within the unit) however a ceramic sink requires a 1000mm sink will require a 1000mm unit and when taking a separate bowl and drainer you’ll need room for that extra group of plumbing (because they both need plumbing!).
Decide regardless of whether you want flat packed units or ready put together – they might are more expensive but could save you loads of time.
Planning appliances
Decide regardless of whether you want built-in appliances – because they will require an ornamental door or perhaps a 600mm unit to sit down in.
Fridge/freezer tower units have doorways inside a 50/50 to 60Or40 split – that also dictates how big fridge/freezer compartments.
When ordering ovens and appliances, ensure you’ve purchased properly – built-in ovens and appliances usually require a unit to sit down in or perhaps a door, whereas built under only need a plinth over the front.
It is also worth checking that the double oven is 2 oven compartments – as opposed to just just one oven and separate grill compartment.
If you prefer a five to six ring or wok hob, check you are able to really make use of the other rings if you are utilizing a large saucepan or wok.
