At Old Image, we like our clients to know that having a new kitchen fitted can be disruptive and stressful. We don't want to put you off in any way but we want you to be prepared for a few weeks upheaval. Regardless of the shape or size or your kitchen project your home will be turned upside for anything from 1 to 8 weeks. We believe that knowing what to expect is half the battle and by taking sensible precautions, the stress of having workmen in the house, dust and an absent kitchen sink will be reduced.
What to Expect
We outline below a typical kitchen schedule of events with approximate timescales:
1. Remove old kitchen cabinets and appliances - 1/2 Days minimum.
2. Carry out structural and building work such as the removal of walls - timescale depends entirely on extent of work.
3. Carry out wiring and plumbling works - 2/3 days minimum
4. Plastering and making good - 1/2 days minimum
5. Decorate walls and ceilings - 1/2 days minimum
6. Lay flooring - timescale depends upon material but expect 1/2 days minimum
7. Fit new kitchen cabinets and appliances - 2/3 days minimum
8. Install work surfaces - timescale depends upon material but expect 1/2 days minimum. Granite work surfaces will longer because a profile needs to be made in advance.
9. Wall tiling - 2/3 days minimum
10.Touch up paintwork and make good - 1 day minimum
Unforeseen Circumstances
We always recommend that you prepare yourself for unforseen circumstances that only arise once your old kitchen has been removed. This will most certainly add time (and in some cases money) to your project such as:
- Faulty or outdated wiring that needs replacing
- Faulty or outdated plumbing that needs replacing
- Structural problems that need to be repaired
- Defective flooring that needs replacing
Before We Commence
We will discuss with you how long we expect your kitchen installation to take. We will talk you through each stage of the installation and will answer any questions you may have. Knowing what to expect should give you some peace of mind and enable you to prepare in advance.
We always recommend that you pack up any items that you will not need during the project to ensure thay are protected from dust and damage. This includes the removal of any pictures, mirrors, furniture, and other items in rooms with walls adjacent to the kitchen. A week before we commence work, start packing up the contents of your kitchen cabinets, beginning with the least-used items. On the day we commence, you should only have real basics in accessible boxes.
If your old kitchen and appliances are in good order we always recommend you sell them on Ebay. Not only is this the most environmentally friendly option but it could how finance your new kitchen! Make sure you advertise your old kitchen well in advance and that the potential purchasers know when it is being removed.
Managing Dust
We will protect what you can’t remove with dustsheets and will seal off doorways to other areas of your home with plastic sheeting to ensure dust is kept to a minimum. We would always recommend that you cover other furniture and in particular computer equipment in other rooms. 
Cooking and Eating
Keep only essential items handy. You may have to rely on microwave meals and non-perishables like soup for a while. You’ll be without water in the kitchen for a time, so plan to do the dishes in another sink or the bathtub. Alternatively stock up on disposable plates and cups. If possible we will set up a makeshift kitchen for you.
Communication
Please let us know in advance if we need to take any special precaution regarding your children or pets such as keeping certain doors or gates shut. Always talk to us about any concerns you may have.
Our clients, Samatha and Martyn Yarde, have kindly allowed us to use photographs of their kitchen installation to give you some idea what to expect when having a new kitchen installed. We will post pictures of their new kitchen in the next few days so you will see it is all worth while in the end!
The kitchen islands features double doors below. Mrs Karsaras wanted deep cupboards to house two food processors.
Below you can see basketware drawers, a wired organiser, chopping board and integral bin.
