Avoid kitchen, bathroom disasters

Most women desire a top-of-the-range kitchen; many men would agree even though they pro­bably don’t spend as much time working there. Both would desire a top-of-the-range bathroom.

The problem is that unless you are buying a property built to your personal specifica­tions, and have completed the work before moving in, you will probably have to re-model your kitchen and bathroom while you are living in the house.

When decorating your living room, bedroom or any other room in the house, it is usually bearable because you can close a bedroom door and sleep elsewhere.

However, can you close the kitchen door and cook, wash, eat and store food elsewhere? Can you shower, bathe and use all the facilities elsewhere?

Those of you who have re-modelled a kitchen or a bathroom will remember the disruption to your life, the unbelievably long time it took, the arguments, the mess, the feeling that life would never be the same again.

I have friends and family who have recently experienced the most disruptive time of their lives when renewing their kitchens. One family moved out; they were lucky enough to have a home abroad and left the whole kitchen project in the hands of a project manager.

The work involved in a new kitchen is probably the more stressful of the two, as many people have a spare bathroom. Some lucky people have a second kitchen, but for those of us who don’t, this process can rate right up there with the top stressors of life.

Maybe some of you are considering a new kitchen, why not? However, make sure you are aware, before starting this project, of the difficulties you are going to experience and make provisions for them.

Some of the problems I found when researching this subject were related to the fitting of the kitchen and the company, or fitters, who promised a dream kitchen, but left a kitchen nightmare behind them.

I tracked down a 12-point plan to enable those considering a new kitchen to be armed with the right information to help them make an informed choice.

Check the credentials of the company you are buying the kitchen from; ask for contact details of previous customers. Listen to them, not to the adverts or the sales people. This applies to previous fitters too, even if you are buying the kitchen flatpacked. If you intend to fit the kitchen yourself with help from electricians, plumbers and other workers, check their credentials.

To ensure longevity of the kitchen, buy quality cabinets; it will prove more cost-effective in the long term. Choose cabinets with solid backs and 18mm/19mm width.

Drawers should be metal-sided with solid base backs. Anti-slam drawers are an innovation currently proving popular and are now more affordable.

Research some facts – there is no substitute for speaking with a knowledge of the criteria you are looking for.

If you are using a company, try to identify a personal contact who will visit at least once during the course of the installation.

If you are using a designer, collaborate with them on visions, requirements and needs.

Avoid cold sales techniques – they may end up burning you.

Verify that all kitchen items arrive undamaged before allowing commencement of the project. The same applies to flatpack delivery when fitting the kitchen yourself.

If installation is included in the package, withhold at least 20 per cent of the fee until all is complete and working – this will ensure that any missing items are installed and fitted before final payment is made.

Draw up a works schedule to ensure synchronisation; make sure those involved follows this dateline.

Speak to your kitchen fitter before installation to discuss time, date and domestic arrangements while the kitchen is being installed. The workers could be in your house for some time.

The core of any kitchen is formed around the three vital components: cabinets, appliances and worktops. Having the ability to identify the quality of these components is a skill that will go some way to ensuring a successful project.

Additionally, consider how you are going to cope throughout the period of works. Where will you cook, wash the dishes, place your fridge?

You may need the help of friends and family, you may need to make space in another room to store the fridge and freezer. The bathroom may need to double as a kitchen sink and food preparation area.

The refurbishment period will be a lot more successful if you have made these plans beforehand.

The key to renewing a kitchen or bathroom is to research and plan thoroughly; don’t rush into any decisions and prepare yourself for serious lifestyle inconvenience.