Kitchen project.....Where to start??? Post Reply

[SusieL]

We want to update our kitchen and there will be some building work (but none that needs planning or architect) and new kitchen and bifold doors. I just can’t work out where to start. Do I secure the builder first or order the kitchen? And the doors- do I source them and if so when? I wonder if everything is not in progress when the builders come will it mean things are slow and cost more money? And the flooring and the lighting... all chosen before starting or can I wait to see what things look like? Also I have no idea how to work out ball park costs. I don’t really want to waste time getting quotes from companies that are going to be way over budget but none of the websites give much of an idea of cost to see if it’s worth pursuing!

Help!

[Tpa]

I think you have to start with a builder. I would choose at least 3 to get quotes from - it may seem like a waste of time right now, but they will give you a load of advice and you'll start getting a feel for what you want. In general, you are best to order once you have your builder secured - they can help you with a lot of the basics - lighting, taps, drains, etc ...they secure builder discounts and can make recommendations for where to get them from.
Regarding design, I would choose the look you want first and then start going to the shops. I'm not a designer, but I did a major renovation on a budget and I'm happy to help if you need some advice on where to get things that look more expensive than they are. Good luck!

[ahmeds]

Dear Sir/Madame,

Hope this finds you well. I saw your post on here and would like to offer our services. Quotations are FREE so please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Services we offer include:

Home/House/Flat Refurbishment
Renovation
Painting and Decorating in London
Bathroom and kitchen fitting and installation
Property management

You can contact us on 020 3751 2912 - 077 8626 7777 or drop us a line info@homehealersltd.co.uk

www.homehealersltd.co.uk/painters-decorators-london/

[M&mmum]

Hi! I have emailed you with our experience!

[Sublime Property]

You have to have quite a cheek to just copy my post and just change contact details. Are you not able to come up with a few short sentences yourself?
Fingers crossed your work is better than your posts although I don't hold my breath

Dear Sir/Madame,

Hope this finds you well. I saw your post on here and would like to offer our services. Quotations are FREE so please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Services we offer include:

Home/House/Flat Refurbishment
Renovation
Painting and Decorating in London
Bathroom and kitchen fitting and installation
Property management

You can contact us on 020 3751 2912 - 077 8626 7777 or drop us a line info@homehealersltd.co.uk

http://www.homehealersltd.co.uk/painter ... rs-london/

[BrianP]

Hi
I would say that before the builder you need to take one step back and decide what it is you want - this means a detailed specification, to include the order of play, who supplies what in terms of materials (tiles, kitchen units, appliances etc) and how many other contractors (eg for the doors) are likely to be involved and what needs to be in place (steel supports etc) before the doors go in. The more detail you provide, the easier it is for a builder to supply a realistic quote. It would be worthwhile getting an architect or structural engineer to help draw up your specification. They might even be able to recommend a suitable contractor. This would be convenient but might limit your choice of options. Once you come to deciding on the design for your kitchen, it would definitely be advisable to invite the builder along to the meeting. Their input would be invaluable and would almost certainly avoid subsequent problems when the unexpected crops up - as it inevitably will. The cost will not be cheap but you will find that the increase in value to your house will more than cover it. Best of luck.

[boonkoh]

I've just gone through this project (renovation, kitchen, new patio doors, and much more) and planning is the key. At times it will feel like you're doing 5 jobs at the same time, but it has to be done, unless you hire a full-service design & build team.

Considerations to help you plan:

Kitchen
- we found it took at least 3 weeks to get a few kitchen company quotes (and they vary alot). This is because of the design phase requires many iterations. And then the negotiations on pricing.
- if you're going after a German kitchen, lead time is usually like 8 weeks, so you want to get a kitchen design confirmed and deposit paid so the clock starts ticking.

Bifold doors
- less time needed than the kitchen, but also will probably take a week or two at least to see all the suppliers and negotiate.
- if you have an existing door that you're replacing, then you need to coordinate massively. The builders will need to prepare the opening exactly to what the bifold door company needs, after they have come in and done the site survey.
- Then after ordering, it could take anything from 2-4 weeks for the manufacture before they are ready to install.

Building works
- final finishings (i.e. decorating, making good, touchups) can only be done after the kitchen and bifold are in.
- but they will need to do pre-install work. e.g. electrics, plumbing (if required), any floor levelling, and put down the first coats of paint (so its easier to do the final paint coats).

Costing - unfortunately because every project is unique, its difficult to get a "ballpark" until the actual situation is assessed. Also your size, layout, etc will be different from the next person.

Three companies I can recommend:

KDC Kitchens - was the cheapest we came across from the various German kitchen companies, and we were very happy with the final kitchen. Worktop and splashback was not competitive though, so we had to source separately (causing even more project planning complexity).

expressbifolds.co.uk - we went with them for sliding patio doors. They have their own brand range which was cheaper than the main two brands of bifold doors (which they also supplied). Happy with it, everything went smoothly.

Riga Interiors - our general builders. They did our last flat 6 years ago, and now our new home. Competitive pricing, and also above average quality of work. However, this is not a hand-off-and-go-on-holiday type of full service design and project management. You will need to be fairly hands on with the decisions and monitoring of work. Good if you're that type of disposition and would like involvement with the building project throughout. If you do get in touch, ask for Vitaliy and tell him I (Boon) sent you, as he gets quite busy at times, and a referral might be priority.

[SusieL]

Thanks so much for the replies. Very informative and helpful. Feel like I have a bit more of an idea of how to start this now. Thanks

[Terry ward]

Hi there please feel free to contact me on 07514241339 i can help with all aspects and arrange all for you and i have many references kimd regards Terry ward

[house-renovation]

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[Charlotte @ Draw]

Hi Everyone,

I came across your post, we are an architecture practice based in Wandsworth Town, we have worked on small to large scale projects over the last few years, and if you were interested in using an Architect, we would be delighted to help you with your project. There are a few examples of our work on our website so please take a look.

Please feel free to give us a ring at the office on the number below.

Kind Regards,


Charlotte Fraser
O: 020 8874 6749

dRAW Architecture
340 Old York Road, Wandsworth, SW18 1SS
www.draw-architecture.co.uk

[Northcote_Lighting]

Hi,

Do consider the lighting carefully as it's crucial in ensuring you get the most out of the space. It's too easy to get it wrong with modern fixtures (mostly LEDs) which behave very differently to halogen in terms of light output, beamwidth, colour temperature and compatible dimming.

As a local lighting designer I would be be happy to help or do look at my website for some inspiration - http://www.northcotelighting.co.uk

[Emma Green Design]

Hello,

I've just come across your post.

It certainly can feeling completely overwhelming with so much to think about at the start of a project.

I'm a local interior designer based in Battersea, near Clapham Common. I specialise in residential interiors and I'm a Full Member of the British Interior Design Association with 14 years experience.

I can advise you on kitchen design, colours, wall and floor finishing and lighting, recommend builders and decorators and generally guide you through the whole process.

If you would like to meet or chat initially free of charge, my details are below.

Please have a look at my website and Instagram for a look at previous projects.

http://www.emmagreendesign.com/
https://www.instagram.com/emmagreendesign/?hl=en

Kind regards,
Emma
0207738 0637

[Clairee]

I would suggest to choose a kitchen company who can demonstrate past project and actual site visit. Ensure they are proficiency at what they do. Any good builders will be able to offer you a site visit of his current work. In same case past project that builder's has finished. While you are with contract manager on your site visit use this opportunity to ask for advice and suggestions. They can give you a rough quote on your project on the spot. That should give you a guide.

Check if they have insurance certificate and guarantees. If you just stick with a builder without contract, don't be surprise him walking away at some point with your money unless you have been recommended by a person who you trust and know.

Having accreditation and or certificates is a sign of trust. Builders have trade discount for materials they need that could work in your favour.

[AVC]

Hello,
I am the owner and director of a small architecture and interior design practice. My business; Studio AVC is currently based in my home studio in Tooting and in our office space in Blackfriars.
I do residential work similar to yours and would be happy to help you if you like.
I would be more than happy to meet you or talk over the phone when you are available. Best,

Ayça Vural-Cutts
Director

StudioAVC
T 020 8767 3663
E info@studioavc.com
www.studioavc.com