Project Checklist

This checklist gives you some key things to think about to help your home improvement project go more smoothly. Why not print it out and stick it on the fridge? Then it will remind you of what to do on the way to creating your ideal kitchen.

• Work out how much you can afford to spend and how you are going to finance your kitchen.

• Decide on the style of kitchen units and appliances you like. Take a look at the range of kitchens on our website, order a brochure or come and see the kitchen displays at your nearest store.

• Book an appointment with one of our in store Design Consultants who can help you choose and design your kitchen.

• If you’re not fitting the kitchen yourself, start looking for a kitchen fitter. Good fitters are often booked months in advance so you’ll need to make a provisional booking and get them to scope out and cost the project as soon as possible.

• Before your appointment, think about what you’d like to do with your kitchen. Are you happy to put back what’s there already or would you like to change the layout? List any changes you’d like to make – like moving or adding radiators, creating french doors, changing the lighting, adding more electric points.

• When you meet our Design Consultant, take rough measurements of your kitchen along to your appointment and a simple plan to show the position of ‘fixed’ items like boilers, windows, doors, gas points, water pipes etc.

• Once you’ve discussed what you want to achieve, make another appointment for our Design Consultant to visit your home and take accurate measurements. Then they can create a 3D plan to show you what your kitchen will look like with your new units, worktops and appliances.

• Start thinking about the other things you need to complete the project – like tiles, lighting, flooring and paint colours. We can help you with this too if you wish.

• Once you have agreed on your kitchen plan our Design Consultant will help you price and order your units and appliances. Order any other materials and decorative items you will need to complete the project at the same time.

• Invest in some dust sheets to help protect floors and carpets. Fitting a new kitchen will be very messy.

• If you are removing your old kitchen, remember to book a skip. Or why not try selling it, if it’s still in good order? But make sure you leave yourself with a sink, hob and fridge.

• Leave time in the schedule to have the walls re-plastered if necessary once your old kitchen is removed.

• If you’re not keeping old appliances these will need to be recycled. Call your local council to arrange collection or take them to your local recycling centre.

• When you’re storing away other kitchen items – remember, don’t pack away the kettle or microwave and leave yourself with enough crockery and cutlery.

• Stock up the freezer with ready meals. Set up your kettle, microwave and crockery in another room in the house.

• Do your laundry – you may not get another chance for a while.

• Have a regular supply of milk, coffee, tea and biscuits for you and the workmen

• Stay friendly with the neighbours – then they might cook you the odd meal or let you use their oven and washing machine!