I'm planning to have a new kitchen fitted shortly. I'll be having it installed professionally, I don't have the joinery skills or the health to do it myself. I've learned from previous home renovation work that the more I know about the work that tradesmen will be doing for me the less chance I'll have of being rippedd off or getting a bodged job.
The question is - what issues should I be thinking about and looking out for in designing and specifying my new kitchen, and in supervisin/checking the work done?
I've come across a few so far on this site and others:
Look at thickness of cabinets.
Consider quality of hinges and drawer mechanisms.
Are the front panels solid wood, veneer or plastic?
Minimise the size of the fridge-sink-cooker working triangle.
Have plenty of sockets.
Wiring for built-in appliances should allow them to be easily switched off and unplugged, i.e. not wired in.
Flooring may be installed before or after units, latter is cheaper but may cause clearance issues with built-in appliances.
What other issues and design factors should I consider? What "dirty tricks" do unscrupulous kitchen fitters use?
The question is - what issues should I be thinking about and looking out for in designing and specifying my new kitchen, and in supervisin/checking the work done?
I've come across a few so far on this site and others:
Look at thickness of cabinets.
Consider quality of hinges and drawer mechanisms.
Are the front panels solid wood, veneer or plastic?
Minimise the size of the fridge-sink-cooker working triangle.
Have plenty of sockets.
Wiring for built-in appliances should allow them to be easily switched off and unplugged, i.e. not wired in.
Flooring may be installed before or after units, latter is cheaper but may cause clearance issues with built-in appliances.
What other issues and design factors should I consider? What "dirty tricks" do unscrupulous kitchen fitters use?