Kitchens

What does my kitchen need to do?
One of the first things you need to think about is how you use your kitchen, and, how you'd like to use it in the future. Is it simply a space for preparing food, or do you use it for family meals, entertaining guests, or for work or hobbies? Getting a clear idea of the functions you need your kitchen to perform will help you make sure your new kitchen does everything required of it. Think about your current kitchen - is it too small? Are things laid out in a way that makes certain tasks difficult? Is there enough storage space? By identifying the problems areas in your current kitchen you can make sure your new kitchen makes your life easier and more comfortable.

Is there enough space?
If you need more space in your kitchen, it's a good idea to talk to a builder or architect about the options available to you in extending your existing kitchen space into other areas of the house, or adding an extension to your home. There may be possibilities you have not considered, and, with kitchen design improving rapidly in recent years, there are many ingenious ways in which you may be able to make the space you already have work better for you.

What is my budget?
Setting a budget is one of the most important parts of buying a kitchen as it is likely to determine the approach you take. Be clear about how much you can afford and allow a contingency for any unexpected expenditure. Don't forget to allow for appliances, fixtures and fittings (e.g. lighting, new sockets, window blinds etc.) and any plumbing or electrical work that may need to be done. It can be quite difficult to get an accurate feel for the total cost of a kitchen, as you may need to get prices from a range of different trades-people. One solution to this is to work with a company which offers a complete kitchen service (including all electrical, plumbing, tiling and decorating work) and which can give you a full quotation for all the work required.

Have I chosen the right materials?
There are so many different options available when buying new kitchens today that the choice can seem overwhelming. In the early stages of the planning process collect as much information as you can about the different types of kitchen available - flick through magazines, wander around the showrooms, or make a note of the kitchens of friends and family that you like. It's also really important to take into account factors such as budget, practicality and the size of your kitchen space when choosing the look and feel for your kitchen. Many suppliers will present their products in extremely spacious show-kitchens, but you need to be realistic about what will work with the levels of light and space you have. You also need to think about the practicality of certain materials and how they will fit in with your lifestyle - so, for example, if you have pets, will your flooring be easy and quick to clean? It's also really important to see (and feel) the materials before you buy. This will give you a good indication of the quality level and how easy to maintain it is likely to be. Some surfaces (e.g. granite worktops) may require specialist cleaning materials, so make sure you ask the supplier before you buy so you can calculate any extra ongoing costs.

Have I got the right layout?
When you know what you'd like to do in your kitchen and what space will be available, the process of designing the layout can take place. All reputable kitchen suppliers will offer a design service that will help you lay out your kitchen, but in order to get an impartial view if may also be worth consulting a builder or architect. Good quality providers will want to visit your property to take measurements and see the space before starting the design process. Take a hands-on approach to the design process and make sure you are getting what you want, not what the designer wants to sell you. If you're not happy with the design service, it's best to walk away at an early stage as this could suggest problems with the overall service quality.