From Concept to Completion

You have decided that it is time for a new kitchen and so it is only natural that as a homeowner you want to take your time to research your options to enable you to have an understanding of the process. We have put together a list of key stages of a kitchen renovation and how long you should expect your kitchen fitting to take.

1. Decide on your budget. Whilst you may not want to discuss your budget upfront, having a figure in mind will help your designer have a clearer understanding from the outset.
2. In the overall process of buying a kitchen, you will need to make several decisions around materials, brands, style and more. Our designers will meet you at your home or on site, measure up and talk you through your options. If you are having a new extension built we can work from your architect plans. You are also welcome to visit our showroom in Essendon, Hertfordshire to see the wide range of colours and finishes we offer.
3. We will come up with an initial design and full colour renderings, so that you can see what your new kitchen will look like. 
4. Once you have agreed on a design and price, we will send out a quote which will show a breakdown and itemisation of everything agreed.
5. Once you have chosen your kitchen, one of our designers will order the items for you. It is at this stage you would need to pay the deposit. Lead times vary between manufacturers, but as a general rule please allow 4-8 weeks delivery. If you have requested a more bespoke kitchen, this may take longer. Your designer will be able to advise you on the delivery timeframe.
6. If you are significantly changing the layout of your kitchen, it may involve changing electrical points, water supply or require new flooring. It would be an idea at this stage to hire an electrician or plumber (or we would be happy to do this for you).
7. Please ensure that all planning permissions and building regulations consents have been obtained (where required) and that any freshly laid plaster or screed is fully dry and the floor has been laid.
8. Once our kitchen is in our warehouse it will be checked and then delivered to you. Please ensure that there is enough room for the delivery of the cabinets. This area should be clean and dry. Protect your floor where the deliveries will be stored and cover furniture with dust sheets if required.  
9. Your old kitchen is removed (if you have requested this). Please ensure that you have emptied out all of your drawers and units and make sure that you have thought through how you will manage without your kitchen for a week or so (if you are having a full refurbishment you will be without a hob, oven and sink).
10. Your kitchen installer will generally start by turning off your water supply in order to drain pipes and perform pipeline work. The water will only need to be turned off at the stop cock for a few hours.
11. Your kitchen installer will usually remove your old kitchen in this order: doors, drawers, oven, hob, cornice, lights, wall units, tiles, worktops including sink, plinth and then base units. If you are having new appliances installed in a different location to that of your old kitchen, or if any cables of plumbing need to be moved, you will need a plumber and electrician to come in at this stage. However, if all of your electrical outlets are staying in the same place, you won’t need much work done beyond a simple check and rewire of the existing outlets (a job that we would carry out for you).
12. If you are having new flooring installed, now would be the time to do it. Having a clean and empty room makes laying the floor easier and creates a complete level surface in which to install the units.
13. The cabinets and worktops will be fitted first, followed by the sink and hob. The majority of the kitchen should be completed within five days, depending on size. Your installer will start with the base units starting at the corner and working out and around the room. This is then followed by the wall units. Holes for door handles will be drilled and the handles attached. It is worth noting that certain changes will increase the length of time needed to fit your kitchen, so please bear this in mind from the outset if time is a priority.
14. If you have chosen solid worktops such as granite or quartz, these will have to be templated to ensure they fit perfectly. This can take between 7 and 10 days. This process needs to take place on site after all of the units have been installed to achieve complete accuracy. It is important for you to be present during the templating as you can decide exactly how you want your worktop to look. Your installer will be able to provide makeshift worktops whilst yours are being prepared. Once your worktops have been fabricated, the worktop team will return to install it onto your cabinets. This process usually takes a couple of hours, depending on size and layout.
15. The sink is then reconnected.
16. If you are having wall tiles fitted, now would be the perfect time. Alternatively your kitchen installer will be back to fit the splashback.
17. Cornices, pelmets and infill panels are next followed by doors, drawer fronts and plinths.
18. Integrated appliances are installed, connected and tested.
19. Your new kitchen is ready for you to enjoy!
20. Once you are happy with your finished kitchen we would recommend that you register your warranties (details in your welcome pack).
21. We always aim to ensure that your kitchen is up to standard so we will furnish you with a sign-off sheet to make sure you are happy with everything.