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Created page with 'Decisions, decisions Whether you are increasing the available space or otherwise, perform some foot work before you start. Before you consult a kitchen specialist or call in the …'

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Decisions, decisions
Whether you are increasing the available space or otherwise, perform some foot work before you start. Before you consult a kitchen specialist or call in the builders take a moment to think about the way you will use the area. This should help you decide the layout that's perfect for your way of life. Are you going to be eating there; when the room is used as family gathering space, do you need an informal seating area? Have you been a keen cook who needs lots of work top space or perhaps a quick and ready cook that requires central stage for your microwave?

Where are the drains?
One of the most important considerations when you begin planning your kitchen is drainage. Generally the accessible drains and outside walls determines the layout of the kitchen. Outlet pipes for sinks and appliances for example dishwashers and automatic washers need, whenever we can, immediate access to external drainage. Additionally you have to consider the capacity of the drains and if they'd like to deal with potential usage. If you live inside a home this is not an issue as capacity is taken into account once the house is built.

Should you start moving pipes about to accommodate layout this can prove expensive and may 't be in line with building regulations. If you're changing things it is usually better to check out your ideas before you begin.

The eternal triangle
When you plan the preparation area, recall the working triangle theory linking the oven/hob, fridge and sink. Make sure they are close together and incorporate worktops between then whenever we can to allow food preparation and somewhere to place pots prior to the next operation within the cooking procedure. Finally, consider storage and just how expensive is needed for cutlery, crockery and cooking utensils in addition to groceries.

Safety and competence
Moving or changing utility points (water, gas and electrical) will prove to add towards the price of the project, but it is now time to make certain that you have a good supply of well placed electrical points. If you're moving or installing a gas boiler or cooker, guarantee the installer is Corgi registered. Corgi may be the Council of Registered Gas Installers and is the gas safety and competence watchdog. You need to make sure that the installer is registered individually not just the organization he works for. This is required by Health & Safety legislation and never doing so may invalidate the product guarantees.

There are 45,000 Corgi installers in the UK and the majority from the FMB's 13,000 members are also registered.

Lend your support
If you are renewing a current kitchen your builder can help you with plans and drawings, but major alterations towards the existing layout - for example taking out a wall or building an extension - will likely require additional supports towards the existing structure. Obtain a builder who are able to help you with planning and building regulations and it is better to take advice from a structural engineer as well as engaging an architect to attract up plans.

Browse the rules
The good news is that planning permission might not be essential for small extensions but you should speak to your local planning office and get if the work can be achieved within permitted development. If the house hasn't been extended since 1948 this is likely to be the situation, but you have to get out in advance. If planning permission is needed and you don't apply, the authorities will make you take away the extension and return the building to its original state.

All extensions must, however, meet Building Regulations which is better to submit full plans to your local authority building control department so they can advise on any changes needed before work begins.

Are you floored?
Consider flooring - are you able to overlay your selected material onto your existing floor? Make sure whatever you choose would work for kitchen spills and water leaks that are inevitable. Some laminate floors, for instance, doesn't cope too well with leaks.

Use the pros
Getting a professional company to transform your home needn't be a problem. With a few 13,000 vetted builders throughout the UK, the FMB's website, www.findabuilder.co.uk is a good place to start, or ask friends and relatives who may have had similar work done to recommend someone - they're only prone to do so when they had a good experience!

Lastly, throughout the construction work consider the way you are likely to cope without kitchen facilities. Most builders will work around your family needs but the hot water and cooking facilities will inevitably need moving at some point so get your contingency plan in place.

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CowdenRobertson420: Created page with 'Decisions, decisions Whether you are increasing the available space or otherwise, perform some foot work before you start. Before you consult a kitchen specialist or call in the …'