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Designs on a New Kitchen

November 8, 2010

Thinking about a new kitchen? They say it's the heart of the home but whether you're a budding Jamie Oliver or a serial microwaver it is probably one of the most expensive things any of us will purchase for our homes. So treat it as an investment - if you plan to stay put and need it to last or if you plan to move in the future, if done well, it will help to increase the value of your home.

Here are some points to consider when planning that new kitchen:

• Before you do anything else, set your budget. There is no point traipsing around showrooms or the Internet dreaming about the design you just spotted in the latest celebrity home if your budget won't match your aspirations, which, let's face is probably reality for most us!
• Spend time looking around at what's available. These days there is so much choice for every budget.
• Think about what you like and dislike about your existing kitchen layout. What do you miss - extra freezer space, lack of work top area, too little storage?
• The same applies to your appliances if you need to change them - consider more energy efficient ones.
• If your room is dark do you need to consider lighter units/flooring? I have hand painted units but just repainting them off-white and the walls cream has made a huge difference as I have a dark floor tiles - something I would change next time round (when I can afford it!)
• Remember the fridge/cooker/sink work triangle. Think about how you use your kitchen, what do you want from it? Practicality, not just great design features is key. I have a great looking cooker alcove but I don't like it as it wastes precious worktop space next to the hob, the area most used for food preparation.
• Think about additional costs that may be incurred if you want to move utilities such as gas, water etc.
• Try and get a computerised plan from the designer or sales person, it helps you visualise what the style may look like in your own home.
• The worktops will be the workhorse of your kitchen so spend as much as you can on these.
• If your budget is limited, think about just replacing the door fronts if the carcasses are sound, there are plenty of companies offering this service.
• Remember the two rules of thumb for any work undertaken i.e. fitters, plumbers etc: 1. 'Get 3 Quotes' and 2. 'Ask for References'. It's a bonus if you can find someone that has been recommended.
• And last but not least plan a strategy for being without a kitchen for a while - how will you cook/eat in the interim (or who you can scrounge the odd meal off!), where will you wash up, where can you store the contents of your kitchen and don't forget to keep the essential survival items such as kettle, toaster, microwave, sufficient crockery and cutlery etc in an easily accessible location.

Enjoy your new kitchen - it will be worth it! Why not check out the Who Can Help section of the website for ideas.

To find a company who may assist you further, simply click on the free links located on the right hand side of the page.

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