With plenty of elements involved in building a new kitchen, there are immense possibilities for things to go wrong. But careful planning can avert these problems. Read the points below to consider.
Getting a new home is a dream come true moment for most of us. Building every part of it needs your true consideration but the kitchen should be the center of your attention. Not just for cooking, this place is famous for the occupants to spend a big chunk of time together; where you eat, laugh, gossip, and create fond memories.
A well-planned kitchen design comprises a foolproof system of plumbing, electricity, and of course lighting. There are several elements involved in building a new kitchen, so there is much potential for things to go wrong.
However, careful planning before starting the project can avoid this from happening. You can surely get the kitchen of your dream, it’s just you must have a keen eye for every aspect of it.
Kick-start with a preliminary layout
Sketch the design you want in your kitchen. Any restriction, such as pillar, window, or door must also be taken into account to avoid any disappointment later on. If you want an island, make sure this is possible in your space. For the island kitchen, you must have a 1m area on each side to make it possible.
Note down the things you would like or hate in your kitchen, for instance, you hate walking miles off for a fridge, you love having a sink under the window to get a sight of your garden, this list goes on…
Many times you’ll find yourself immersed in a battle of wants and needs. A dream kitchen is what you want but a safe environment is what you need the most. Your wants and needs may compromise at a certain point but your safety can’t be streamlined.
So, get a gas safety inspection of your appliances and fitting for the longevity of yourself and the kitchen. The responsibility of having a safe environment becomes tenfold if you are building a kitchen for large establishments, such as a new hotel, office, hostel, etc. So get your commercial gas safety certificate from a reliable company and enjoy a safe living.
Form an electrical plan
After setting out a layout, you should go for the electrics of your kitchen. From electrical appliances to lighting, there are many reasons for your kitchen to require electric fitting.
Ensure proper lighting
Proper lighting can turn an ordinary kitchen into heaven, so spot the areas where you need the lights. Make sure your cooking and dining areas are well-lit.
Branch circuits for lighting require a 15 amp circuit. You can add accent lighting to illuminate certain features. Make a list of all the lights you want to add to your dream kitchen. You can think of concealed lighting strips, recessed spotlights, wall sconces, or statement pendants.
Lighting layout
Make a uniform layout for lighting to have optimum light coverage. Make sure to wire the circuits so that if there is any problem with one circuit, a close-by circuit can avoid lights from going all off at once.
Position the electrical switches
Electrical switches must be placed where needed. In a large or open kitchen, don’t settle for just one switching point. Your lighting circuits, if are separate, can help you better control the lights. A dimmer switch can help control the lights as per your mood. Having fewer sockets is a headache. You never know how many appliances you would need in the future, so install some extra circuits if you are a gadget lover.
Avoid trailing cables
Cables are frustrating as well. Before placing sockets, decide where the appliances will go in the kitchen; where you would like to place the kettle, toaster, dishwasher, oven, fridge, etc. so mark the areas for the switches accordingly. This way you can avoid the ugly cables from getting into your sight.
Add USB outlets
For tech-savvy homes, USB and charging outlets are must-haves near your workstation, so add them to your electric wiring plan as well.
Add small appliance branch circuits
According to National Electrical Code (NEC), a branch circuit supplies two or more outlets for appliances or lighting. NEC requires at least 2 separate 20 amps circuits in your kitchen including worktop outlets. You can add more as per your requirement; the key is to think about future appliances.
Finalize the plan before starting off to finish the project in time. if you have all the necessary information, the electrician will run the cables and everything on spot. He should know everything beforehand.
Form a plumbing plan
Plumbing work is also one of the basics of your kitchen. You will also need a surefire plumbing system in your dream kitchen.
Mark the plumbing units
Just like electrical appliances, obvious points that require plumbing must also be marked; for instance, sink, washing machine, dishwasher, and so on.
There may be other gadgets that require a water supply, such as dispensers or a coffee machine. So if you are planning to add any of them to your kitchen, go for plumbing work accordingly.
Arrange fittings and fixtures
Consider where the fittings and fixtures will go. Do you want a sink mounted directly to the basin, on the wall, or on the worktop?
Things will go accordingly; if it is a worktop, then the supplier will have to make a hole for the sink. Your plumber must also know your choices so that fittings and fixtures should be arranged.
What do you need for an island unit?
If you want to have an island unit, discuss with your contractor the electric fitting and plumbing. Running pipes and cables for your island can be a daunting task, depending on the subfloor you opt for.
At the very least, you will need a socket either on the wall or the worktop. But if you go for the advanced one, you have to include a hob and a sink in your plan.
Hob is obviously looking for an extractor fan, so you will need a downdraft that will extend up from the worktop or on the ceiling. Ceilings will already have an electric fitting, so it would be easier for you to install ceiling gadgets.
Form a floor fitting plan
When to think about going for floor fitting and whether it should run under or above the units? The matter is under much debate.
But generally, if you are going for wood flooring, consider running it above the units and covering the edge with plinth. The reason is that humidity and heat can contract or expand the wood if fitting under the base unit is undergone.
For the rest of the flooring materials, it is recommended to go for under flooring as it is easy to slide your kitchen appliances for repair this way. So consult with your suppliers, enlighten them with your choices and get things done accordingly.
Enjoy your new kitchen
Careful planning means “no regrets” which indicates a HAPPY life. Now that you have a perfect plan for a perfect kitchen up your sleeves, nothing can stop you from getting yourself a dream kitchen.
Author bio: Shoaib provides ghostwriting and copywriting services. His educational background in the technical field and business studies helps him in tackling topics ranging from career and business productivity to web development and digital marketing. He occasionally writes articles for Gas Safety Certs.