How to choose the right kitchen and save £100s
So your thinking of buying a new kitchen,and hopefully fitting it yourself, as you may know there is a huge range out there with all sorts of gadgetry, styles and choices of materials to choose from. My advise is to start with a budget and stick to it as best you can, because it can soon spiral out of control, especially when your sat with a sales rep...
Don't forget if your considering fitting it yourself you need to keep it as simple as possible.
The best thing to do is go to at least 3 different kitchen companies and let them measure your kitchen up and design it for you. This is normally free at most companies. if you get 3 design/quotes on different ranges then you have a good comparison. This way you can play each company of each other by getting them to beat previous quotations. You could soon save 100s by doing this. Don't forget to be cheeky and ask for a free dishwasher or a gadget you may have seen. Remember they need your business!!
Another great tip, is to ask for a trade account. You don't need to be in the trade to open one, you just need a couple of references to put on your form.(i don't even think they check).This way you can save 100s extra. Remember they need your business!!
To save further 100s ask for the prices of all the appliances and highlight them on your quote. Then go on line and find the same items and buy them direct.There normally much cheaper. You can also get most online companies to deliver for free, if not tell them. Be cheeky!
Ok you have your free C.A.D drawing, your kitchen plan and a delivery date.....
EVER THOUGHT OF FITTING YOUR OWN KITCHEN
You could save yourself 100s of pounds by fitting your own kitchen, it really isn't that hard to do.
Over the next few weeks i'm gonna show and explain how to fit a simple kitchen from reading my blog page.
I will teach you :
1 where to get the best kitchen prices from.
2 how to fit your new kitchen from scratch.
3 advise you on electricians and plumbers (which you will need to complete the project)
4 advise on which tools to use and the best ones for the job.
5 Even tiling and finishing off the project
6 All the tips and tricks of the trade
7 I will answer any comments you post to help you achieve your goals.
I will post new blogs every other day so keep posted people..
If there are any other questions about any other DIY problems then don't hesitate to ask.
TOOLS YOU WILL NEED TO FIT A KITCHEN
If you are reading the kitchen blogs, and are one day going to fit your own, then here is a tool check list you will need to accomplish this task.
1. A good power drill/driver
2. A hammer drill
3. Level
4. Jigsaw
5. Hammer
6. Silicone gun
7. Hand saw
8. Clamps
9. A set of drill bits and cutters
10. Router and Router jig ( if you are fitting the work surfaces with routered Joints and not worktop metal jointers)
11.A good assortment of screws (may not be supplied with kitchen)
12.Fine Rasp
13. Contact adhesive
14. Mitre Fix
15. Tiling equipment ( will get around to these tools in a later blog)
You will most definitely need all of these tools,as for the router and jig you could get a competent joiner to do these for you as they do take a long time to master and is really difficult to explain to a novice.
It will be really beneficial to use this method and not to use the germ collecting metal strips. NO NO
I will be attaching some specific tools which i tend to use all the time in my day to day tasks at work.
I will write a few reviews to help you decide which are the best suited for you.
Happy shopping!
PREPARING FOR YOUR NEW KITCHEN
So you have your Plumber and Electrician and kitchen delivery date sorted. Now you need to choose all the extra things you need to make your kitchen look the part.
1.Choose wall tiles
2. Paint colours
3.Floor coverings ie Tiles,real wood, Laminate, cushioned flooring etc
4. Window blinds
5. Ceiling lights, spots, directional spots
Theres plenty to think about when trying to redesign the entire kitchen, to make all the colours mix together to form a unique room in your home.
Did you know that the Kitchen alone can add 1000s to the sale of your home. It is probably the most important room in the house,and could sway the decision of a buyer. This is why its imperative to get the kitchen just right.
Make sure you mull over plenty of ideas, look in magazines at what designs, colour schemes and finishing touches you can use to make your kitchen the best it can be.
*If your present kitchen is still in good shape you could always try and sell it. Take photos and write down the cupboard sizes and appliances etc. You never know a local Landlord/ Landlady may buy it off you for a rental property.
You have a busy few weeks ahead.
Don't forget you may need a skip when the kitchen arrives, there will be alot of packaging.
YOUR KITCHEN IS NEARLY HERE
Ok your new kitchen is in the process of delivery. Your next step is to find a good plumber and electrician. You cant fit your own kitchen without the expertise of these trades, unless you yourself are qualified to do the tasks of electrics and gas fitting.
Electrician: These guys n gals wont even touch most electrics in your house unless you have an up to date RCD consumer board (Fuse box), this will protect your home and family and the sparky doing the work. Your electrician will probably suggest that you have one fitted if you haven't already , if he doesn't suggest this then id be a little weary . Don't forget its safety first.
When you find your sparky tell them what your plans are for the kitchen and give them a copy of your kitchen plan.They will then take you through the process and tell you there ideas too. Always ask for a "quotation not an "estimate". A quotation is where the price they give you is the price you pay, an estimate is a close guess and you will normally pay more.
Always get at least 3 quotations and tell them to itemise the quotation on a letter head or Email so you know what your getting for your money.
Plumber: You will need a plumber to either disconnect your gas appliances , fit your sink or move your gas supply to another part of the kitchen. The fitting of the sink can be done by you if needs be and probably save you around £100.I can help you with this in a later blog. To disconnect the gas oven or hob or move a supply to another zone is a definite for a plumber and is a no no for you to do yourself.
The same as the sparky, get 3 quotes and make sure there all pricing for the same job item.
Little tip.. don't always go for the cheapest quote, most times "you get what you pay for" and also trust your own instinct, it can count for more than you think. Its always a good idea to hire a trades person through a recomendation. Always ask to see there certificates too so you know there properly qualified, Theres alot of cowboys out there.
Ok you have choosen your sparky and your plumber and youve given them a start date.
Next is your shedual
Thanks for reading The Jolly Joiner ;-)
So your thinking of buying a new kitchen,and hopefully fitting it yourself, as you may know there is a huge range out there with all sorts of gadgetry, styles and choices of materials to choose from. My advise is to start with a budget and stick to it as best you can, because it can soon spiral out of control, especially when your sat with a sales rep...
Don't forget if your considering fitting it yourself you need to keep it as simple as possible.
The best thing to do is go to at least 3 different kitchen companies and let them measure your kitchen up and design it for you. This is normally free at most companies. if you get 3 design/quotes on different ranges then you have a good comparison. This way you can play each company of each other by getting them to beat previous quotations. You could soon save 100s by doing this. Don't forget to be cheeky and ask for a free dishwasher or a gadget you may have seen. Remember they need your business!!
Another great tip, is to ask for a trade account. You don't need to be in the trade to open one, you just need a couple of references to put on your form.(i don't even think they check).This way you can save 100s extra. Remember they need your business!!
To save further 100s ask for the prices of all the appliances and highlight them on your quote. Then go on line and find the same items and buy them direct.There normally much cheaper. You can also get most online companies to deliver for free, if not tell them. Be cheeky!
Ok you have your free C.A.D drawing, your kitchen plan and a delivery date.....
EVER THOUGHT OF FITTING YOUR OWN KITCHEN
You could save yourself 100s of pounds by fitting your own kitchen, it really isn't that hard to do.
Over the next few weeks i'm gonna show and explain how to fit a simple kitchen from reading my blog page.
I will teach you :
1 where to get the best kitchen prices from.
2 how to fit your new kitchen from scratch.
3 advise you on electricians and plumbers (which you will need to complete the project)
4 advise on which tools to use and the best ones for the job.
5 Even tiling and finishing off the project
6 All the tips and tricks of the trade
7 I will answer any comments you post to help you achieve your goals.
I will post new blogs every other day so keep posted people..
If there are any other questions about any other DIY problems then don't hesitate to ask.
TOOLS YOU WILL NEED TO FIT A KITCHEN
If you are reading the kitchen blogs, and are one day going to fit your own, then here is a tool check list you will need to accomplish this task.
1. A good power drill/driver
2. A hammer drill
3. Level
4. Jigsaw
5. Hammer
6. Silicone gun
7. Hand saw
8. Clamps
9. A set of drill bits and cutters
10. Router and Router jig ( if you are fitting the work surfaces with routered Joints and not worktop metal jointers)
11.A good assortment of screws (may not be supplied with kitchen)
12.Fine Rasp
13. Contact adhesive
14. Mitre Fix
15. Tiling equipment ( will get around to these tools in a later blog)
You will most definitely need all of these tools,as for the router and jig you could get a competent joiner to do these for you as they do take a long time to master and is really difficult to explain to a novice.
It will be really beneficial to use this method and not to use the germ collecting metal strips. NO NO
I will be attaching some specific tools which i tend to use all the time in my day to day tasks at work.
I will write a few reviews to help you decide which are the best suited for you.
Happy shopping!
PREPARING FOR YOUR NEW KITCHEN
So you have your Plumber and Electrician and kitchen delivery date sorted. Now you need to choose all the extra things you need to make your kitchen look the part.
1.Choose wall tiles
2. Paint colours
3.Floor coverings ie Tiles,real wood, Laminate, cushioned flooring etc
4. Window blinds
5. Ceiling lights, spots, directional spots
Theres plenty to think about when trying to redesign the entire kitchen, to make all the colours mix together to form a unique room in your home.
Did you know that the Kitchen alone can add 1000s to the sale of your home. It is probably the most important room in the house,and could sway the decision of a buyer. This is why its imperative to get the kitchen just right.
Make sure you mull over plenty of ideas, look in magazines at what designs, colour schemes and finishing touches you can use to make your kitchen the best it can be.
*If your present kitchen is still in good shape you could always try and sell it. Take photos and write down the cupboard sizes and appliances etc. You never know a local Landlord/ Landlady may buy it off you for a rental property.
You have a busy few weeks ahead.
Don't forget you may need a skip when the kitchen arrives, there will be alot of packaging.
YOUR KITCHEN IS NEARLY HERE
Ok your new kitchen is in the process of delivery. Your next step is to find a good plumber and electrician. You cant fit your own kitchen without the expertise of these trades, unless you yourself are qualified to do the tasks of electrics and gas fitting.
Electrician: These guys n gals wont even touch most electrics in your house unless you have an up to date RCD consumer board (Fuse box), this will protect your home and family and the sparky doing the work. Your electrician will probably suggest that you have one fitted if you haven't already , if he doesn't suggest this then id be a little weary . Don't forget its safety first.
When you find your sparky tell them what your plans are for the kitchen and give them a copy of your kitchen plan.They will then take you through the process and tell you there ideas too. Always ask for a "quotation not an "estimate". A quotation is where the price they give you is the price you pay, an estimate is a close guess and you will normally pay more.
Always get at least 3 quotations and tell them to itemise the quotation on a letter head or Email so you know what your getting for your money.
Plumber: You will need a plumber to either disconnect your gas appliances , fit your sink or move your gas supply to another part of the kitchen. The fitting of the sink can be done by you if needs be and probably save you around £100.I can help you with this in a later blog. To disconnect the gas oven or hob or move a supply to another zone is a definite for a plumber and is a no no for you to do yourself.
The same as the sparky, get 3 quotes and make sure there all pricing for the same job item.
Little tip.. don't always go for the cheapest quote, most times "you get what you pay for" and also trust your own instinct, it can count for more than you think. Its always a good idea to hire a trades person through a recomendation. Always ask to see there certificates too so you know there properly qualified, Theres alot of cowboys out there.
Ok you have choosen your sparky and your plumber and youve given them a start date.
Next is your shedual
Thanks for reading The Jolly Joiner ;-)
