For some, a new kitchen is only a case of updating units and equipment, but for others it’s an chance to completely replan the area with many opting to improve its size either because they build an extension or by knocking down internal walls. “While a reliable DIYer will be able to use a flat-pack kitchen, major work ought to be left to building professionals,” advises Ian Davis, director general of the FMB, which has just published The Essential Guide to Home Improvement. This free guide is packed with sound suggestions about planning home improvement projects, and selecting and dealing together with your builder.
Decisions, decisions
Regardless if you are increasing the available space or not, perform some foot work before you begin. Before you consult a kitchen specialist or call in the builders take a moment to consider how you uses the room. This should help you decide design that’s best for your lifestyle. Will you be eating there; if the room can be used as family gathering space, do you need an informal seating area? Have you been a keen cook who needs lots of work top space or a quick and ready cook that requires central stage for your microwave?
Where are the drains?
One of the most important considerations when you start planning your home is drainage. More often than not the available drains and outside walls determines the layout of the kitchen. Outlet pipes for sinks and appliances for example dishwashers and automatic washers need, wherever possible, immediate access to external drainage. You also need to think about the capacity of the drains and if they’d like to deal with potential usage. If you live in a new house this is not an issue as capacity is taken into account once the house is built.
Should you start moving pipes going to accommodate layout this can prove expensive and could not be consistent with building regulations. If you’re changing things it is always advisable to take a look at your ideas before you begin.
The eternal triangle
When you are planning the preparation area, remember the working triangle theory linking the oven/hob, fridge and sink. Make sure they are close together and incorporate worktops between then whenever we can to permit preparing food and somewhere to put pots before the next operation in the cooking procedure. Finally, think about storage and just how expensive is required for cutlery, crockery and cooking utensils in addition to groceries.
Safety and competence
Moving or changing utility points (water, gas and electrical) will prove to add to the cost of the project, but it is now time to make sure that you have a good supply of in a position electrical points. If you’re moving or installing a gas boiler or cooker, guarantee the installer is Corgi registered. Corgi may be the Council of Registered Gas Installers and is the gas safety and competence watchdog. You need to check that the installer is registered individually not just the organization he works best for. This is essental to Health & Safety legislation and never doing so may invalidate the merchandise guarantees.
You will find 45,000 Corgi installers in the united kingdom and the majority of the FMB’s 13,000 members will also be registered.
Lend your support
If you are renewing an existing kitchen your builder will help you with plans and drawings, but major alterations to the existing layout – for instance taking out a wall or building extra time – will almost certainly require additional supports towards the existing structure. Obtain a builder who are able to help you with planning and building regulations which is advisable to take advice from the structural engineer as well as engaging an architect to draw up plans.
Check out the rules
The good news is that planning permission might not be essential for small extensions but you should contact your local planning office and ask when the work can be achieved within permitted development. If the house hasn’t been extended since 1948 this really is likely to be the case, however, you must find in advance. If planning permission is needed and also you don’t apply, the authorities will make you take away the extension and return your building to its original state.
All extensions must, however, meet Building Regulations which is better to submit full plans to the local authority building control department to allow them to advise on any changes needed before work begins.
Have you been floored?
Consider flooring – are you able to overlay your chosen material onto your existing floor? Make sure whatever you choose would work for kitchen spills and water leaks that are inevitable. Some laminate flooring, for instance, doesn’t cope too well with leaks.
Use the pros
Finding a professional company to change your home doesn’t have to be an issue. With some 13,000 vetted builders throughout the UK, the FMB’s website, www.findabuilder.co.uk is a great place to start, or ask relatives and friends who have had similar work completed to recommend someone – they’re only likely to achieve this when they were built with a good experience!
Lastly, during the construction work think about the way you are going to cope without kitchen facilities. Most builders will work around your loved ones needs but the warm water and cooking facilities will in the end need moving at some point so get your contingency plan in place.
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JessieGaGa844