Daunted by the Thoughts of Fitting a New Kitchen?
The thought of having a new kitchen fitted can be a daunting one!
As the kitchen is a focal point of your home, a new one means upheaval and, let’s be honest, quite a bit of noise and mess too.
Well, worry no longer because with our guide to fitting a new kitchen, this big task is made much easier.
We’ve listed the main stages of fitting a new kitchen, so it all goes smoothly.
With Mayfield Interiors on board, the stress and hassle are kept to a minimum for you and your family.
All you need to do is look forward to your new kitchen!
Once you’ve had your design from us and we’ve ordered your units, surfaces and maybe some white goods and kitchen appliances, too, you can leave the rest to us.
A new kitchen is undoubtedly an investment, and you’ll have a budget you can spend comfortably. It is always best to have a bit of ‘slush fund’ just in case.
Yet the investment reaps long term rewards and can add value to your home, as well as providing a stunning family hub to your home which you can enjoy for years to come.
One thing we do suggest … as your new kitchen is being built, it might be an idea to have a temporary kitchen you can use. Maybe in your living room or basement? If it’s summer, is it time to BBQ alfresco while your new kitchen takes shape?
Why Do I Need a New Kitchen?
Most house owners change aspects of any new home they move into. It might be straightforward alterations, such as repainting or new carpets and flooring.
Then there are the bigger projects such as a new kitchen or bathroom.
Homeowners are willing to put up with their old kitchen while they save up for a new one … step in, Mayfield Interiors!
You know you need that new kitchen when you’re totally fed up with your old one and you can’t put up with it any longer; when you can no longer replace doors or units easily; and, if you are thinking of selling, then getting bespoke kitchen installed might be top of your list.
Average Cost of a New Kitchen ?
It is one of our most asked questions, and to be honest there’s no straight-forward answer.
It depends on the size of the room, the number of units, quality of the work surfaces, whether new white goods are needed and many other factors.
Be honest with your budget and remember you always get what you pay for. The average house value will be increased by 5% – 15% according to Nationwide Building Society.
Mayfield Interior’s measuring, planning and design is second-to-none and will help you get the most out of your kitchen space.
We’ll come up with some stylish ideas as to how you can use your room wisely and maximise the wow factor.
Engaging a reputable kitchen company is your first step! We can guide you through costs, designs, brands and tempt you with how it will all look in the end, yet all keeping within the budget you’ve got to hand.
Clearing out the clutter
This is a good time to clear out the clutter!
Invest in some plastic storage boxes and put all your utensils, crockery, cutlery, glasses into safe storage somewhere in your home, labelling up the boxes as you go.
Other cupboards such as food and linen cupboards will also need to be emptied along with all your cleaning products. Ensure they are all stored in a safe place away from pets and kids.
Time it takes: One Day.
Site Preparation
So, when the goods are ordered, then the hard work begins!
It could be some of your units are staying in place or it might be a complete revamp.
Either way, the mess and the noise can’t be avoided while the preparation gets underway.
We will make sure this most disruptive part of the proceedings is done in the quickest time and we’ll also ensure your old units are removed so you don’t have to worry about them. It could be you can sell some of your old furniture, too?
We can also work around any units you want to retain and keep in place.
Don’t despair when you see the empty shell that’s left behind! Soon it will be a distant memory.
Time it takes: 1-2 days.
Electrics, Gas and Plumbing
We take our utilities for granted, yet with a new kitchen, spotting where the sockets are, seeking to install new ones, taking notes of any plumbing and drainage pipes and if any alterations are needed, and checking where the gas pipes are located all form the most important tasks. Any snagging and clearing up can be done later. Also, if you are installing new sockets and new electric-run gadgets, now is the time to check this will meet with your existing electrics within your home.
Other electrical goods to think about including the lighting in your kitchen and under cupboard lights too.
You might also need a new fuse box so make sure that’s in your budget costs.
Time it takes: 1-2 days.
Flooring and Walls
We tend not to think about either of these, but flooring and walls are important considerations. If you are having new flooring or a stud wall fitted, now’s the time to do either or both.
New flooring can then be protected as the rest of the work takes place.
If plastering is required, now’s the time to do it.
This also means that if new units are due for installation, the new floor is already fitted, making for a much tidier, neater finish.
Flooring can be done afterwards but the process can be trickier.
Also, tilers can start preparing for splash backs and tiled areas. If you want something a bit different, now’s the time to do it! You can get bespoke-designed tiles and splashbacks that are made-to-measure if you really want to push the boat out!
Time it takes: two to five days.
Cupboard, Units, Drawers, Storage, Worktops
With the preparation of the utilities, flooring and walls completed, it’s time for the cabinets, cupboards, units, drawers, shelving, and storage to take shape.
These will include base units, wall units and maybe stand-alone units, too.
This is when the room can look more like a kitchen again and you feel that you’ve climbed a mountain in terms of mess and noise!
This is also when the kitchen plan we put together helps the room to become that transformed space you’ve always dreamed of.
If it is a full install, then carcasses, doors, shelves, kitchen islands and cupboards can all be skilfully put in place.
Decorative elements can also come into play here if you’ve chosen to have them.
Now’s the time to install the new sink and taps, waste disposal if you have one, draining board, plate wracks, bottle storage and more.
There are many innovative ideas to help with the overall look and feel of your new kitchen, from soft close drawers to quirky storage solutions.
Then it’s time for the all-important worktop or worktops to be put in place. The time taken for this depends on the materials you’ve ordered with some materials taking longer than others to prepare.
At Mayfield Interiors, we also taken this into account and ensure all elements are ready to install so the project goes smoothly for you.
Time it takes: 5 to 8 days
White Goods and Appliances
It could be your white goods are fine to keep using in your new kitchen, and they can be installed back into the relevant areas of your kitchen. If not, and if new white goods have been ordered, this is where you feel you are on that final lap as they fit snugly into their spaces, ready to use.
Once the fridge is in place, the dishwasher and the washing machine are plumbed in and tumble dryer is in situ, then it’s time to think about enjoying your new kitchen. This is where the earlier work of the plumbers and electricians pays off.
The cooker hob is also an important installation, whether electric or gas. This is where your tasty meals can be created, and you can start dreaming about those delectable dishes!
It could be there are other fixes needed for the utilities. Electrics usually need two fixes to complete them.
Time it takes: one to two days.
What Other Skills Are Needed?
With most kitchens, the skills of a joiner are also required and in some cases a decorator if repainting or retiling is needed.
Mayfield Interiors has the full crew to hand, taking care of every element of your new kitchen.
There’s nothing worse than trying to juggle multiple trades people so all the tasks go smoothly, only to find one of them lets you down and the whole project is then on hold.
It could be you also need new blinds or window dressings, and we can help with this, too.
Time it takes: three to five days.
The Snagging Stage
This can be the painstaking stage. Sorting the paintwork, putting the grouting to rights, and adding those distinctive features. Maybe some holes need plugging and rough edges need to be smoothed off, or a cupboard door has dropped slightly. Now’s the time to fix it.
Other fun things to consider are new kitchen towels and maybe some new storage containers that will fit in with your new kitchen décor!
And what about your dining furniture … is it time for a new set?
Time it takes: one to two days.
When can I use my new kitchen?
So once the team has signed off all the appliances, checked the gas and electrics, tested the plumbing, and polished that final door handle, then it’s time to pop open a bottle of bubbly and bless the new kitchen!
All that hard work is now behind you, and you can throw a kitchen warming party to celebrate.
Be sure to understand what cleaning products to use too if you’ve got new surfaces to enjoy.
Investment in Your Home
Your home is by far the biggest purchase most of us will make, and it will need investment over time. Even new kitchens in new builds need some TLC over time.
Technology and styles move on; new trends arrive and energy saving appliances can save you money in the long run.
A new kitchen is a huge task but done by the right people, it doesn’t have to be a colossal problem.
The skills of the team with Mayfield Interiors mean our dream kitchen doesn’t have to be a nightmare in terms of ‘the journey’. From the initial visit to the end result, we’ve got it covered.
Get in touch today and start your journey to a brand-new kitchen that you can be proud of and share with family and friends for many years to come.
