DIY Kitchen

Kitchen Units:

Fitted units are made up of wall units and base units that house cupboards, drawers and appliances. Units are supplied ready made or flat packed -the latter type requires assembly before fitting. Most fitted kitchens can be viewed already assembled in a showroom. The price usually depends on the material and the thickness of the carcass and panels. As a rule, the more substantial a unit is, the more expensive it will be.
Sinks and appliances
Freestanding kitchen appliances- fridges, washing machines, dishwashers, and cookers are normally just under 500mm(1ft 8in) or 600mm(2ft) wide and around 820-880mm(2ft 8in-2ft 11in) in height and it would fit into standard kitchens. Integral appliances are hidden behind doors that match the base units, with hobs and sinks mounted into the worktop. As well as standard sizes, many manufacturers produce both extra-large appliances for large families, and slimline models for small kitchens.
Planning a new kitchen
Planning a new kitchen requires considerable time and thought. It can be complicated fitting all the components and supplies together and, because it is and expensive investment, mistakes can be costly. An existing kitchen layout is a good starting point. If it works, then yu can just update the design, often simply by changing doors and drawers rather than fitting a complete kew kitchen. But if you wish to incorporate some new appliances ro additional storage or feel the space is currently utilized poorly you will need to design a new layout. Planning a new kitchen is a fairly complex task because of the many different factors that need to be considered. It is also and area in which strict budgeting is necessary as much of the cost of a kitchen is not the units, but in the time and cost of installation.
Kitchen layouts
In smaller kitchens, the size and shape of the room will sometimes dictate the layout. In larger rooms there are more options to consider. Typical kitchen unit layouts are single run, L-shaped, or U-shaped and may include island units, breakfast bars and dining areas. Most kitchens are a variation on one of these examples:
L-shaped layout
This layout has units along all or part of two adjoining walls. In a larger kitchen this may allow room for a dining area in the kitchen.
L-shaped layout
L-shaped layout provides ample storage space and floor space and is therefore ideal for a busy family modern life.
U-shaped layout In this layout units cover three walls, and in larger room one length of the U may be used as a breakfast bar. In a small kitchen this layout provides maximum storage and appliance capacity, but standing room is limited. It si always best to keep the fridge close to the door.
Galley layout This design uses straight runs of units on opposing walls in a narrow kitchen. As in the U-shaped layout, floor space may be limited, but wall space is used to its maximum potential.
Island layout
This layout tends to be used either in large kitchens or as a design feature in smaller ones. When appliances are fitted in an island, the "work triangle" theory doesn't apply... Also, routing supply cables, pipes and drainage may be tricky with this type of layout.
General info
If the layout of new kitchen similar to that of the old one, this will cut down on a lot of work. However, in most cases some rerouting of services will be necessary.
Gas services
It should be considered whether the position of any existing gas pipes need re-routing or adjusting. When purchasing new gas appliances, the location of connections must be established. In some cases the supply pipes may need adjusting or re-routing. Only a Gas Safe registered engineer is allowed to do any work on gas pipes and appliances.
Electrical services
Kitchens are full of electrical appliances, large and small. As well as standard socket outlets above the worktops for kettles, toasters and blenders, large appliances should be connected to fused connection units (FCU's), and an electric cooker needs its own radial circuit.Lighting should be planned to combine general illumination with directed task lighting above areas such as sinks and food preparation areas. As well as ceiling lights, wall units and cooker hoods can have lighting installed underneath. Once you have designed lighting layout, use it to plan how the electrical wiring needs re-routing. Any rewire is much easier carried out after the old kitchen has been removed and before the new one is installed. Electrical rewire work must be carried out by a registered electrician.
Plumbing supply
Kitchen sink needs hot and cold water supply to be connected to the taps and drainage. Washing machines and dishwashers also need to be plumbed in and their supply and waste pipes to accommodate the kitchen sink, washing machine and dishwasher plumbing. Therefore it makes sense to keep them close together if possible. Drainage pipes are particularly difficult to extend any distance, because they must run at a gradient to facilitate effective removal of waste water. If the drainage pipes are altered, then the building control officer needs to be notified. It might sound very confusing and if you decide that You would rather get a qualified experienced tradesmen to complete your project-we can definitely help You with this task- just press the button "Post the Job" below and wait for vetted registered tradesmen to contact You shortly.

Besides if You want to give an opinion about a different solution on how to do the described jobs, or how to perform the tasks, or which materials better to use or You want to discuss how to do the jobs not mentioned here-You are more than welcome to share it with us.