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Your five steps to

KITCHEN PLANNING

Buying a new kitchen can be an exciting process - follow our five simple steps and youll soon be on the way to creating your dream design.Have a contingency budget Most projects take longer than you think and cost more than planned! Its a good idea to put aside 10 per cent of your budget for emergency building repairs and unforeseen expenses.
Be clear about what you want Its useful in the very early stages to look at what you dislike about your existing kitchen. Make a list of all the things that annoy you - lack of storage space old - fashioned design, poor layout - and think carefully about how you might improve them. Build a scrapbook of kitchens and accessories you like, but make sure you look il over carefully and weed out things youve changed your mind about before you visit any kitchen showrooms. Try to have a clear idea of the design and colour you like at the start - there are so many other decisions to make, it will help you to have a solid base.
Use the experts Remember, from the budget DIY stores to the high - end kitchen specialists, the experts are there to help. Make use of online or in - store design systems and visit several showrooms in your budget range to get quotes. Dont always assume a kitchen specialist will be more expensive, as many of them stock designs in a range of budgets. Make your needs and desires as clear as possible - a good designer will ask about you, your family and how you envisage using the space, as well as more practical things, such as design and cost. Start by creating your kitchen wish - list that includes your must - have features.

Your five steps to KITCHEN PLANNING

Set your budgetYour budget will ultimately decide where you buy your kitchen but remember your money wont entirely be spent on the kitchen units and appliances. Will your project involve building work, for instance, and are you planning to organise that yourself or are you looking for someone else to do it for you? Even the simplest kitchen redesign is likely to involve builders to remove the old units and possibly electricians and plumbers, too, if youre chancing your layout. Consider flooring and worktop choices carefully. Opting for under!loor heating will impact on what Uoor you choose, which will have cost implications.
Plan carefully Mow you need to start puling all the elements together.Do you need a builder or an architect? Are you building an extension that requires plans? Does the design require planning permission or building regulations approval? You need to find this out at the start to avoid having to make costly changes later. Make sure to get a number of quotes and contact builders well in advance as the best are often busy. Choose a kitchen designer whos on your wavelength. Just as important as style and price is finding a designer who understands your familys wants and needs and takes heed of your wish - list.

CHOOSE YOUR FINISHING TOUCHES

A new design will often include r.ew appliances. II youre going to a large retailer, kitchen showroom or high - end specialist, you can often buy your appliances through them. If you prefer to buy them yourself - the internet is a good place to source bargains - then make sure you coordinate their delivery after speaking ;o the kilchen showroom or builder. Worktops, flooring and taps can also be supplied by the company youre buying your cabinetry :rom but. again, if you choose to buy direct then ensure youve got a schedule from your builder or kitchen company to avoid delays.
OUR TOP 5 KITCHEN ESSENTIALS
Eye - catching extras Add to your kitchen wow factor with a statement appliance like this Om extractor hood from Elica, or bold accessories that you can change depending on your mood.
Brilliant storageMake the most of your space with generous larders, special st storage such as pull - out drawers and spice racks, as well as Le Mars units and carousels for corner cupboards.
Durable surfaces Your floor and wonctops are the most used parts of your kitchen, so make sure theyre fit for purpose. Investing in the best surfaces you can afford will always be money well sDent
Great lightingEnsure your lighting is right from the start with well - illuminated areas for prep and cooking, and softer, mood lighting elsewhere. LEDs in plinths add an extra dimension.
Hardworking appliancesMake sure your appliances are right for you. There s no point having top - of the range models with a wide array of features if youre an occasional cook.
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