It is as important to prepare for your kitchen refurbishment in the days leading up to the start date as it is for the fitters to carry out the refurbishment itself. The more you can do to prepare in the days prior to the start date, the fewer problems there are likely to be and the less risk of even small problems causing undue delay.
Empty and Label Every Cupboard
Clear out every cupboard and drawer a few days before and sort everything out into labelled boxes that can be packed away into other rooms of the house or even taken down to the charity shop. The fitters need an empty shell to work in and the last thing you want to do is start rummaging through dozens of similar boxes a few weeks later looking for something as simple as a sieve.
Measure and Photograph Everything First
Take photos of the kitchen and the connections for fixed appliances and for services such as electricity, gas and water around the sink, the dishwasher and other outlets. Also note and photograph any specific points such as special plumbing arrangements. Take measurements of appliances and note the position of sockets. This will confirm that new appliances and kitchen cabinets will fit the kitchen and enable any specific points to be identified and agreed prior to commencement of work.
Set Up a Temporary Kitchen Elsewhere
Set up a temporary kitchen in another room such as your dining room, utility room or even the landing. A microwave, kettle, toaster and a small fridge with a table and appropriate utensils to prepare and eat meals will suffice for a few weeks. Also, remember to stock with the necessary items such as plates, cutlery, glasses and tea towels to name but a few.
Arrange Disconnection Safely
Appliances connected to gas or mains electricity, such as fixed cookers, hobs and boilers, need to be disconnected by a qualified person. It is best to bring in a Gas Safe registered engineer to disconnect your gas appliances and a qualified electrician to isolate your fixed electrical appliances. This is best done the day prior to the commencement of work to allow the fitters to commence safe working in the room. Also on this day please inform your fitters of any appliances that you wish to keep.
Protect Floors and Access Routes
Protect your floors and access routes. The routes that the fitters will use to carry materials into the kitchen and remove the resulting debris need to be protected with dust sheets and boards. Carpeted hallways and stairs will suffer scuffs and damage from plaster dust within a short space of time. Tiled and wooden floors will suffer scratches from dropped tools if left uncovered. This is something that you can do before the fitters arrive, but it is more likely to be included in the price of the kitchen if you ask the supplier.
Confirm Deliveries Are on Track
Before the start date check that all kitchen units, work surfaces, appliances and special order items such as sink taps and shower heads have been delivered and are on site. It’s much easier to chase up a supplier a week before a start date rather than 3 weeks down the line when the fitters are waiting for these items. Obtain written confirmation of delivery dates where possible to ensure all items are on site when required.
Agree Parking, Skips and Working Hours
Work out where your skip or waste bags will be and where your fitters will park. Discuss the working hours of your fitters with your neighbours so they know what to expect. This is particularly important if you live in a terrace or in a block with shared access. Give your neighbours as much warning as possible – ideally a week or two – and try to avoid parking a skip in their driveway.
Agree the Decision Points Early
Sitting down with your chosen Kitchen Refurbishment Company before the work commences to determine the decision points that will affect the way your kitchen refurbishment is built is also important. As with most things, agreeing the position of sockets, the plumbing runs for the sink and dishwasher, and the position of tiling lines before the start of the work will ensure that the refurbishment completes on time and to budget.
Clear the kitchen, get the details sorted beforehand, and the rest of the job takes care of itself.