How to arrange the perfect kitchen installation
Not only is a new kitchen of practical benefit, but it looks good, and adds value to your property. You must choose new kitchen appliances and units that match your home environment, and will be practical in your kitchen, but that just the first stage. Ensuring that your kitchen is correctly installed is just as important as buying the right kitchen. If the kitchen installation is shoddy, takes too long, or creates a huge mess then the installation experience can quickly turn into a nightmare. To ensure that the fitting goes smoothly you will need to think through these issues before committing to purchase.
Is fitting included in the cost?
Sometimes when you buy a new kitchen the cost of installation is included in the initial purchase cost. If you aren't sure what is covered in the purchase cost you should always check before you buy. You don't want to choose a new kitchen and then find that it actually works out a lot more expensive than you thought because you now have to pay someone to fit it for you.
Who will fit your new kitchen?
Often the company selling you the new kitchen will also provide kitchen installations and you can arrange for installation at the same time you make the purchase. This isn't always the case however, and even if the company could install the kitchen it may be cheaper to look elsewhere for the installation.
If you are an experienced handyman then you could fit the kitchen yourself. This may be cheaper, but it isn't the easiest option, especially if you already have a full-time job. Your kitchen gets a lot of use, and you don't want it to be unavailable for weeks while you complete the job in the evenings or at weekends.
What questions should you ask your fitting company?
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Who will fit my kitchen? If you arrange fitting from the company who sold you the kitchen you should find out who will be carrying out the installation. Many companies will subcontract their kitchen installations to a third party so find out exactly who will be doing the work.
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Which technical services will your kitchen fitter be able to provide? Is all electrical, plumbing, and gas work included in the cost of the fitting or will this be left to a third party or incur additional costs?
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What is the work schedule? This is probably the most critical question. Find out how long the work will take, and once the schedule is agreed, make sure the workmen stick to it.
Thinking through these issues before arranging a kitchen installation will ensure that your new kitchen will be fitted on time, on budget, and will be ready for your use when you need it.