Planning a new kitchen? Look at this before you begin
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by: JessieGaga
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Whether you are increasing the available space or not, perform some ground work before you start. Before you consult a kitchen specialist or call in the builders take some time to consider how you uses the room. This will help you decide the layout that's best for your way of life. Will you be eating there; when the room can be used as family gathering space, do you want a casual seating area? Have you been a keen cook who needs lots of work top space or a fast and ready cook that requires central stage for the microwave?
Where are the drains?
One of the most important considerations when you begin planning your kitchen is drainage. More often than not the accessible drains and outside walls determines the layout from the kitchen. Outlet pipes for sinks and appliances for example dishwashers and washing machines need, wherever possible, immediate access to external drainage. Additionally you have to consider the capacity from the drains and whether they can cope with potential usage. If you reside inside a home this isn't an issue as capacity is taken into account once the home is built.
Should you start moving pipes about to accommodate layout this can prove expensive and may 't be in line with building regulations. If you are changing things it is always advisable to take a look at your opinions before you start.
The eternal triangle
When you are planning the preparation area, remember the working triangle theory linking the oven/hob, fridge and sink. Get them to close together and incorporate worktops between then whenever we can to allow food preparation and somewhere to put pots before the next operation in the cooking procedure. Finally, consider storage and how expensive is needed for cutlery, crockery and cooking utensils as well as groceries.
Safety and competence
Moving or changing utility points (water, gas and electrical) will add to the price of the project, but it is now time to make certain that you've got a good way to obtain in a position electrical points. If you are moving or installing a gas boiler or cooker, make sure the installer is Corgi registered. Corgi is 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 company he works for. This is required by Health & Safety legislation and not doing so may invalidate the product guarantees.
There are 45,000 Corgi installers in the united kingdom and the majority from 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 likely require additional supports to the existing structure. Obtain a builder who can help you with planning and building regulations and it is advisable to take advice from the structural engineer as well as engaging an architect to draw up plans.
Browse the rules
The good news is that planning permission might not be necessary for small extensions but you should contact your local planning office and ask when the work can be done within permitted development. If the house hasn't been extended since 1948 this really is apt to be the case, but you have to get in advance. If planning permission is needed and you don't apply, the authorities can make you remove the extension and return the building to its original state.
All extensions must, however, meet Building Regulations and it is better to submit full plans to your local authority building control department to allow them to advise on any changes needed before work begins.
Are you floored?
Think about flooring - can you overlay your chosen material on to your existing floor? Make certain whatever you choose would work for kitchen spills and water leaks that are inevitable. Some laminate flooring, for example, doesn't cope too well with leaks.
Use the pros
Finding a professional company to transform your home needn't be a problem. With some 13,000 vetted builders throughout the UK, the FMB's website, www.findabuilder.co.uk is a good starting point, or ask relatives and friends who may have had similar work completed to recommend someone - they're only likely to achieve this if they were built with a good experience!
Lastly, during the construction work think about how you are going to cope without kitchen facilities. Most builders will work around your loved ones needs however the warm water and cooking facilities will in the end need moving sooner or later so get your contingency plan in place.
About the Author
The resources for this article where collected from the a few different sites, thank you for taking time to read on Essex Builder
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