First Kitchen

[Danielb]

I’m soon to start my first kitchen, well first one on my own, is there any advice you got for me or any tips, recommendations etc?
Do you guys design your own kitchens?
This one i'm doing the designing myself so any tips be helpful.

[wine~o]

OK..designing a kitchen..you'll already be aware of the triangle..(fridge/sink/cooker) makes most efficient us e of working space...then you need to consider safety..cooker at least 300mm away from any doors..dishwasher (drop down door) doesn't want to be anywhere near an entrance (If accidentally left open could be a tripping hazard)

Then you need to consider how you actually use the kitchen..do you work left to right (prep to hob) or are you the other way??

Serving area..where are you planning to serve up?? plenty of worktop there??

Storage...how many pots /pans and where do they live?? I have mine hanging because they would be a nightmare in cupboards..

Electrics/gas/water...what do you have and do you need to relocate??

Most important room in the house IMO..get it right and everythig flows..get it wrong...

[Danielb]

Thanks for the reply, it seems i already know most things and just need more confidence in myself.

[speed]

i design small kitchens myself sometimes, anything big or expensive get them designed howdens/magnate trade etc have a free design service

you will have to allow for corner posts/end panels etc in your run length for example a 1000 unit needs to be spaced off the wall 130mm for the post and the intersecting unit to fit

how many kitchens have you fitted before with someone else?

[Danielb]

i design small kitchens myself sometimes, anything big or expensive get them designed howdens/magnate trade etc have a free design service

you will have to allow for corner posts/end panels etc in your run length for example a 1000 unit needs to be spaced off the wall 130mm for the post and the intersecting unit to fit

how many kitchens have you fitted before with someone else?

Four, but i mainly built the units and cut the worktops.

[prem]

cut the tops or join the tops?

if you think you can do it, then thats a start. do everything with confidence, customers dont want to see a fitter who dithers, thinking too much looking unsure. you have to install confidence in all you do, then the customer will think you know what your doing.

when you are starting out fitting give your self plenty of time to complete the job. dont rush a fit, you find you go quicker as the job progresses, but rushing the end of a job is where all the mistakes can and will be seen.

good luck, let us know how it went.