Your top tips for embarking on a kitchen refurb

[Liltzero]

My current kitchen units, worktop, tiles, sink etc are now showing their age (20+ years). I've just started thinking about getting a new kitchen. Where do I start? What are your top tips for choosing and installing a kitchen. Thanks

[Liltzero]

Got the list of what's wrong with the current kitchen (knackered, too much open shelving). Did you go for supply and fit, or get your own fitter? National company or a local?? Thanks

[bouncydog]

We went to a couple of independents with just the measurements and asked them for ideas, telling them what we didn't want e.g I don't like islands. In the end we went with the one that listened to us and came up with suggestions. I also used an online planner to map out my own ideas. We ended up with a handmade kitchen with granite worktops that I never thought we could have on our budget. The whole process took around 9 months but its the last kitchen we'll fit in this house. Last one was 20 years old!

[PippaFawcett]

Nine months? Why did it take so long? Is that usual? We are just in the early planning stages of a downstairs renovation which will include a new kitchen but I didn't imagine just that element could take nine months. Although I accept I could be being completely naive.

[EatsShitAndLeaves]

9 months sounds like a long time. I did a full refurb (right back to the plaster) in 3.

I started with the "big ticket" items. I knew I wanted a huge cooker and a big American style fridge freezer. Working out the placement of these first and then planning around that.

Then I listed out my other wants - lots of prep space, pan draws, integrated bins, cooks cupboard for my gadgets where they were easily accessible but tidy.

Make sure you think about things like electrical sockets - how many and the placement.

I went to a local firm who makes bespoke units. The finalised the design based on my "wants".

I bought my appliances online to get the best deal. Generally speaking I threw money at things that could be seen, but bought less pricy brands for integrated items like my dishwasher draws.