DIY kitchen update

sheng719

Hiya all...I am planning to renovate my kitchen. I am planning to change the cupboards, remove some of the cupboards and changing the worktops. Is it a task for a diy person? or do I need professional help. My friends husband has done thier on their own...Any advice. I just want to do it to improve space in the kitchen. many thanks!:p

chugalug

Hi, no-one else has answered so I thought I'd just give you a bit of moral support!!!

I'm in the middle of changing my kitchen. I'm changing the cupboards and adding an integrated fridge/freezer. I figured if you can do flat pack furniture (which I can!!!!) and you have a spirit level you should be ok - so far so good:j
All I'm having help with doing is the work top. I've ordered the lengths I need but am having help with fitting it. I want it mitered (sp?) into the corner and not that 'straight cut butt up to the next bit and put a bit of grip-fill in' IYSWIM..........

I might come a cropper but if you don't need the electrics/plumbing/layout changed I can't see a problem.

Good luck and let us know how you get on:D

HugoSP

Pretty much as it says above really. Reading your post above I suspect you are a fairly novice DIYer. I apologise if I'm wrong but I have written this with that assumption in mind.

The major snags you will hit are:

Plumbing, both H and C supplies and waste for sink, washing machine dishwasher etc
Electrics, some of the units could have cables clipped to them. If you're moving sockets I would say in your case this is a job for an electrician when you've finished.
Plaster, decor etc. Not a showstopper in itself but it could leave a novice thinking "I wish I hadn't started!" Again, this can be sorted but be prepared to have to pay or wait until you've got the money to do it.
Worktops, Chugalog has the right idea. There are plenty of fitters or chippies that can do this for you if you don't want the alloy strips at the corners. It is possible to do it but unless you've got the £200 or so min to spend on the tools and the skills, get someone in.

This sort of job will have issues,it will NOT be plain saling for you. I say go for it but know that any ideas of having the kitchen done in a couple of days for a novice DIYer need to be buried NOW. I guarantee that you will learn heaps along the way, form very special friendships/relationships with certain members of B and Q staff when you ask loads of questions, and probably curse at the mess you've made.

In addition you will have to live in the house whilst you are doing it, so the takeaway budget will be blown.

louise_1981

having just done mine (well, I helped, making brews is a big deal) the sink is the biggest bit, as you need accest to it, the back of my ne cupboard is a mess, and I should have just left the damn thing off. It did not help that we are on a water meter. and could not move the plumbing without a suitably qualified plumber soming out etc.

Also I went to design the kitchen at B&Q and OH and FIL disappeared leaving me to sort it! so when things started to go wrong I blamed them for disappearing. Especially when I got well where is this piece and you did get that didn't you!! :mad:

Best thing to recommend is lots of patience, and get someone in when you know you can not do it eg plumber

louise