Things To Consider When Fitting A Kitchen Yourself

The majority of people employ a professional kitchen fitter when installing a new kitchen into their property. It is most definitely not a job for someone with no experience of making home improvements! It requires a good level of skill and expertise. Nevertheless, it is possible to fit a kitchen yourself if you have a decent level of competency in carrying out work in the house. It should be noted at this point that home owners should comply with legal requirements when it comes to dealing with gas appliances and electrics.

Things to Consider When Fitting a Kitchen.

Ensure That You Have All of the Necessary Tools

Firstly, it is necessary to have a good range of tools to hand. Items such as a screwdriver, spirit level, electric drill, hammer, putty knife, ruler, mitre box with saw, adjustable wrench, hand saw and keyhole saw are all very useful. Of course, it goes without saying that there are many more - the key is to being exceptionally well prepared. There is nothing more frustrating than having to stop work because you don't have the correct equipment.

Preparation is Key

Preparation is key when it comes to fitting a kitchen yourself. This will ultimately save time in the long run.  Firstly, the gas, water and electricity should be turned off. The old cabinets can then be removed. It is typical to remove the base cabinets first - this allows for easy access to the wall units. Once all of the old kitchen has been dismantled and removed, it is sensible to make sure that the walls and floor are all even. Uneven walls can cause a myriad of problems further down the line. It may be necessary to plaster the walls and then add a couple of coats of paint. It is also more straightforward to put down new flooring at this stage.

Assembling the Kitchen

Many fitters prefer to assemble and install the wall cabinets first. Others disagree - it really comes down to personal preference. However, if the wall units are fitted first, you won't have to work around the base cabinets which is clearly an advantage. The base cabinets and drawers can then be assembled and fitted. It is not necessary at this stage to add the doors and handles and so on. Once the units are in place the worktops and sink can be installed. Following this, the drawers, shelves, lighting and so on can be installed. Last of all, the finishing touches and finer details such as plinths can be added.

To sum up, it is possible to fit a kitchen yourself if you have the right level of skill and expertise. This can save a considerable amount of money and is great for those on a budget.

Alison Paul Designs supply fitted kitchens in Southport.