Fergus Clark Kitchens

Here is some useful advice telling you which steps to take before the kitchen is installed, as preparation is essential in the process of fitting a new kitchen.

Firstly remove your kitchen, this preparation should be done aq few days prior to fitting your new kitchen, this will mean that you may have to visit the local take-away for the duration.Once the sink has been removed, it is usually a good idea to fit an angled washing machine valve to the cold supply for filling the kettle while you’re without a sink. Fit blanks to all other exposed pipe work.

After this has all been done check all the plumbing and electricity as the ideal time to carry out plumbing and electrical alterations is before any walls are re-plastered. The kitchen is the place where most electrical appliances are containedand therefore it is important to check that your existing wiring is capable of coping with the load placed on it at busy periods.

If you possess a plan for your new kitchen, obtaining a first fix preparation layout will help you to determine the position of all electrical and plumbing services to the nearest millimetre. As well as reducing installation time, arranging your own first fix should also reduce installation costs.Wall socket boxes and tails of cable for sockets below worktop height can now be positioned where they are required. Provision should also be made for ceiling and under-cupboard lighting at this stage.

Gas and water services can also be positioned in preparation for cabinet installation, and also any waste pipes or extraction holes.
At this point it is important to refer to the laws relating to work on gas appliances or fittings.Once the pipe-work is in position behind the relevant cabinets , fitting isolating valves will eliminate the need to shut off the house water supply whilst the installation is being carried out.

A good point to remember at this stage is to ensure any pipe-work passing behind integrated appliances is installed tight to the wall and at a low level depending on the appliance depth and configuration. If you oversee this poin it t will mean your integrated appliance doors will protrude from adjacent cabinet doors.

Next, check your walls. Once your old kitchen has been removed it’s worth checking the condition of the plaster.

The finish and strength of the walls ultimately determine how your kitchen will look and to ignoring this may end up spoiling the final appearance.
If major plastering is required once you have removed your old kitchen, be sure to give it sufficient time to dry before fitting any units otherwise the cabinets will swell due to moisture content.

Although time taken on completing the above will of course prolong the installation, it will ultimately bring you peace of mind and you’ll be safe in the knowledge that all your surfaces are sound.

Once you’ve completed the above steps and your plastering is dry you’re ready to mark levels on the wall!

John Vincent
5 Star
Fergus designed and redesigned my Kitchen 4 times as I changed my mind, changed cookers, styling and concept. He was patient and knowledgeable and saved me great heartache and wallet trouble. I sincereley recommend you take time to talk with him. He has many years of experience and can get deals from the industry others would keep to themselves.
Tuesday 21st January 2014