Planning for a new kitchen? Read this before you begin
Decisions, decisions
Whether you are increasing the available space or not, do some ground work before you begin. Before you consult a kitchen specialist or call in the builders take a moment to consider how you uses the area. This will help you decide design that’s best for your way of life. Will you be eating there; if the room is used as family gathering space, do you need an informal seating area? Are you an enthusiastic cook who needs lots of work top space or perhaps a fast and ready cook that requires central stage for the microwave?
Where are your drains?
One of the most important considerations when you begin planning your home is drainage. Generally the available drains and outside walls determines design from the kitchen. Outlet pipes for sinks and appliances such as dishwashers and automatic washers need, whenever we can, immediate access to external drainage. Additionally you need to consider the capacity of the drains and whether they can cope with potential usage. If you live in a new house this isn’t a problem as capacity is taken into account when the house is built.
If you start moving pipes about to accommodate layout this could prove expensive and may ‘t be consistent with building regulations. If you are changing things it is always better to check out your ideas before you begin.
The eternal triangle
When you plan 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 wherever possible to permit food preparation and somewhere to put pots prior to the next operation in the cooking procedure. Finally, think about storage and how much is needed for cutlery, crockery and cooking utensils in addition to groceries.
Safety and competence
Moving or changing utility points (water, gas and electrical) will add to the cost of the project, but it is now time to make certain 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 have to make sure that the installer is registered individually not only the organization he works 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 UK and quite a few from the FMB’s 13,000 members will also be registered.
Lend your support
If you’re renewing a current kitchen your builder will help you with plans and drawings, but major alterations to the existing layout – for example taking out a wall or building an extension – will almost certainly require additional supports to the existing structure. Obtain a builder who are able to assist you with planning and building regulations which is advisable to take advice from a structural engineer as well as engaging an architect to attract up plans.
Browse the rules
The good thing is that planning permission is not always essential for small extensions however, you should speak to your local planning office and get when the work can be achieved within permitted development. If the house hasn’t been extended since 1948 this is apt to be the situation, but you have to get out in advance. If planning permission is needed and you don’t apply, the authorities will make you remove the extension and return your building to its original state.
All extensions must, however, meet Building Regulations which is better to submit full intends to the local authority building control department so they can recommend any changes needed before work begins.
Have you been floored?
Think about flooring – can you overlay your chosen material onto your existing floor? Make certain whatever you choose is suitable for kitchen spills and water leaks which are inevitable. Some laminate floors, for instance, does not cope too well with leaks.
Use the pros
Getting a professional company to change your kitchen needn’t be a problem. With some 13,000 vetted builders through the UK, the FMB’s website, www.findabuilder.co.uk is a great starting point, or ask relatives and friends who may have had similar work completed to recommend someone – they’re only prone to do so when they were built with a good experience!
Lastly, throughout the construction work consider the way you are likely to cope without kitchen facilities. Most builders will work around your loved ones needs but the hot water and cooking facilities will in the end need moving sooner or later so get your contingency plan in position.
The resources with this article where collected from the number of different sites, thank you for spending time to see on Essex Builder
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