What info do I need to take to a kitchen planning appointment?

[PureBlackVoid]

I haven’t booked one yet, so no idea if they let you know in advance but I’m just wondering details I need to include, besides room measurements?

I’m thinking of marking where the stopcock and gas meter are as these things are housed in current kitchen cupboards and can’t be easily moved.

Anything else? It’s a narrow galley kitchen diner if that makes any difference!

I would have an idea about what you can realistically fit in and where it could go. Drains will be a consideration. Also do you have enough electric sockets.

However if it’s a small kitchen you are limited! Consider height of units and whether you prefer drawers or cupboards. Look at worktop solutions in advance. Costs can vary a lot! Consider your budget for appliances too.

Also lighting and flooring will have to be considered.

OP when you do your room measurements make sure you measure up not just widths and depths ie height of celling plus any window sills etc

As pp said, it's helpful to do a scaled plan (I did it on squared maths paper; never used that since 1979!), and marked the drains etc on it but it didn't matter in the end because everything was gutted and services moved all over the place.

My kitchen designer did a total of 5 site visits, 3 of which were measuring stuff, so don't worry, it's their job to make it all work.

Depends a bit if you are definitely using this company to supply your kitchen, or if you’re shopping around.

If definitely using these guys, then take as much and as detailed measurements as possible, including ceiling height and any beams to avoid. And do research to get an idea of what type of cabinets and worktops you like.

If shopping around, then have a look at competitors websites to get an idea of what stuff should cost, and be prepared to haggle. Also control how long the meeting takes! I regret how much time I let kitchen designers waste, they wanted me to sit there for 2 hrs at each appointment, selecting each individual cabinet and handle. Wasted so much of my time! I saw 6 different designers and so wasted 12 hrs and still didn’t get a plan I loved from any of them, so as I wasn’t impressed with any of them I got it all from DIY Kitchens for half the price 🤷‍♀️ and am pleased with the result.

I'd also go with a list of any 'must haves' and 'definitely don't wants' and anything you have now that you want to keep eg appliances etc

Thanks all. I know the styles, appliances etc that I want and where, but still unsure of some stuff like how many drawer units exactly and whether I need a larder as I have an airing cupboard in the dining bit.

Biggest question(!) at the minute is whether to have an integrated bin or if it would be a waste of cupboard space. The current units run all the way to the back door, so a freestanding bin can only go on the opposite end, which is the dining bit, and I hate having the bin there.

I’ve considered leaving a space on the other side with the kitchen so it ends before it reaches the back door, but I’m worried it will look a bit random and unfinished. I’m hoping these things will be easier to decide on once I see the plans.

I’m planning on getting a price from two or three companies. I will take as much info as possible, as knowing me and my overthinking head, I will be sat on the kitchen floor at midnight making changes along the way. I’m using a local fitter though, not going through the companies.

DIY Kitchens seem to be decent and value for money, which is a shame as I wouldn’t be able to see the kitchens and worktops in real life before ordering which puts me off.

Can it cause much confusion if you purchase integrated appliances or taps from a different supplier? I’m leaning towards Wickes as I love one of their ranges but they are pricey for appliances compared to others.

I have two integrated bins in a big kitchen. My DD has a one behind the other pull out bins. I think the unit is 400mm wide. So a single kitchen bin takes up this space. With recycling being separated I now think double bins are vital. We both didn’t want a bin taking up floor space and prefer work top over for better usable space too. Smaller kitchens are all about efficient use of space! Do you like looking at a rubbish bin?

Do you like looking at a rubbish bin?

I do not

You are right about the recycling. We have cats, so lots of food packaging which is a pain to take out daily.

Does the cupboard not get smell from any food waste, or are the lids fairly airtight? My current bin has a good lid, so smells don’t escape it when it’s closed. Food waste is mainly left over cat food which is a nightmare. I can stick the bin out by the back door if it gets a bit pongy when opened, but not full enough to empty. So that’s another reason why I’m undecided.

I have a waste disposal unit in a sink and DD has one too. We put food waste down the “chumbly” as my DM calls it. I think they are worth it. My council collects food waste every week but we don’t want it hanging around. My waste disposal takes a chicken carcass and leg bones. All peelings go into our garden compost. Paper goes into a basket in the laundry room.

You can put left over cat food down the waste disposal. That’s what we used to do. Wash out the tins and recycle.