Planning the Fit Out of a New Kitchen

Are you starting the decade with a brand new kitchen? Whether you’re doing it yourself, working with a designer, or a combination of both, planning the fit out of a new kitchen is essential. One of your primary concerns is organising schedules—so how long does it take to fit a kitchen? This is a rather open question of the ‘piece of string’ variety! It will depend on the size of the room and the complexity of the fittings. And if it is part of an extension, then this changes timescales once again. So how can you make sure that you’ve set aside enough time for the installation?

Preparation

Be prepared to live without a kitchen. When asking how long it takes to fit a kitchen, know that the answer will be affected by your preparation. If the refit needs to take place in stages, it will take longer overall than if you seal off the kitchen area to be dedicated to the refit. If you are working with a contractor, they can provide guidance and even arrange alternative kitchen facilities. So your study, utility or garage can become a fully functioning temporary kitchen.

Bdgeting

A budget should not be a masterclass in minimising spending. Of course, none of us wants to feel like we are paying over the odds for a product or service. However, if something will last through the years and sustain heavy use, then it’s worth spending on. Clever budgeting means setting aside the right sums for the right things. So, if the cost is a concern, consider how you could make savings by repurposing cabinet structures. This way, you can make the savings that will enable your dream marble worktop to become a reality.

Scheduling

By this, we’re not talking about the schedule of the project itself but rather the schedule of your home. To streamline the fit out of a new kitchen, plan wisely around big family birthdays and school holidays. This will help minimise stress levels during a kitchen refit. Some may prefer a longer project that runs alongside daily activities, while others opt for a shorter timeframe, scheduling it while the family is away on holiday

Structure

Are you changing the structure of your existing kitchen? A fit out of a new kitchen often involves structural changes, especially in kitchen extensions or when your current layout is impractical. For larger spaces, adding a kitchen island can revolutionise the area, showcasing granite or quartz worktops beautifully. Just remember, the more structural changes you plan, the longer the process may take. However, for a kitchen that perfectly suits your habits and lifestyle, every additional hour is worth

Materials

At the very early stages of kitchen planning, there will be design ideas on which you will not compromise. For kitchens, this often comes down to your choice of materials. Perhaps there is a very specific marble or granite that you have set your heart on. Check whether there is an unusual lead time on these materials. Remember that these stone slabs are naturally mined, so you need to ensure that they are ordered in time to be shipped and cut by your supplier. Take advice from your supplier to ensure that you don’t experience unnecessary delays to your refit timescales.

Suppliers

When it comes to suppliers, then do your research. Select contractors and suppliers on reputation rather than price. Personal recommendations are great, but take a look at testimonials, too. Request comparative quotes, and most importantly, communicate. The more open the lines of communication between you and your contractors and suppliers, the less likely you are to experience misunderstandings which cause time delays.

So when you ask how long does it take to fit a kitchen, the answer is down to you! Here at Zenstone, we use our experience with kitchens of all shapes and sizes to plan successful and timely installations of stone worktops.