Tag Archives: Kitchens

The benefits of a flatpack kitchen

flatpack-kitchenWhen it comes to buying a new kitchen, to what extent are you prepared to do it yourself? If you’re weighing up the pros and cons of a rigid kitchen v a flatpack kitchen, the latter might be an easier option than you think!

There are many myths around flatpack kitchens, such as them being of a lesser quality than pre-assembled kitchens and not giving the professional finish you expect. But these misconceptions just aren’t true, and buying a flatpack kitchen can be a fabulous way of getting the bespoke kitchen you want at a price you can afford!

A recent blog post from our sister company Flatpack Kitchens listed some of the benefits of buying a flatpack kitchen. You can read the whole post here or take a look at our synopsis, which sorts out the flatpack facts from the kitchen fiction!

The benefits of a flatpack kitchen include:

  • A cheaper price tag, which means you get more for your money
  • The same quality as rigid kitchens. ItÔÇÖs the material they are made from that counts, not how they are delivered
  • Easier storage until you’re ready to install your new kitchen
  • Easier to fit around pipework and other features
  • With many kitchen retailers, you will be able change your order after it’s been processed. You’re less likely to be able to with a bespoke kitchen

flatpack-kitchenWhen installing your new flatpack kitchen, read the manufacturer’s instructions thoroughly, even if you’re an experienced fitter. Kitchen technology and materials are changing all the time, and the fittings might contain some quirks you haven’t seen before!

Even if you don’t consider yourself up to the task of fitting a new kitchen, flatpack cabinets are not to be discounted. You can buy a flatpack kitchen anyway and use the savings you make to pay a professional to do the job for you!

Replacement Kitchen Doors

Don’t forget that once you’ve got the cabinets in place head over to get new doors – there are a huge selection of replacement kitchen doors available to buy to finish your renovation programme.┬á

flatpack-kitchen

Bathrooms and kitchens top home renovation list

install-kitchenFitting new bathrooms and kitchens are the most popular property renovation projects, a survey has shown, whilst homeowners are also adding value by knocking through rooms, converting cellars and giving their garden a makeover.

Almost half the homeowners who have carried out a major home improvement in the last three years have installed a new bathroom, closely followed by nearly four out of 10 who have opted for a new kitchen. A third of homeowners have modernised their boiler or central heating system, whilst seven per cent have added an extra bedroom.

But with nearly half of those surveyed admitting they didnÔÇÖt inform their home insurer about the work carried out, property owners are being warned they are at risk of invalidating their cover if they donÔÇÖt update their policy details.

The home improvement research, commissioned by Gocompare.com Home Insurance, found that the top 10 renovation projects were:

  • Fitting a new bathroom, 44%
  • Fitting a new kitchen, 39%
  • Installing a new boiler or central heating system, 33%
  • Carrying out a garden makeover, 28%
  • Building an extension, 16%
  • Knocking through rooms, 11%
  • Fitting solar panels, 11%
  • Converting the attic, 10%
  • Adding a bedroom, 7%
  • Converting the cellar, 6%

The survey also found that 22% of homeowners are extending or improving with a view to staying in their property for at least three years, whilst five per cent are carrying out the work with view to selling their home within the same timeframe.

home-buildingGocompare.com’s Ben Wilson says: ÔÇ£As well as making your home a nicer place to live, a major renovation project can add to the value of your property and household contents.┬á For example, when modernising a kitchen with new cabinets and worktops, many people will also buy a new cooker, fridge freezer or other appliances and furniture, increasing both the value of their propertyÔÇÖs rebuilding costs and household contents.┬á So, youÔÇÖll need to review your insurance to make sure that youÔÇÖve got adequate cover for your new investment.

ÔÇ£Also, if your renovation involves scaffolding or removing doors or windows for any length of time, your property will be less secure, so your insurer may increase your premiums to reflect the increased risk while the work is being carried out.ÔÇØ

Homeowners are also advised to brush up on home insurersÔÇÖ rules regarding unoccupied properties.┬á ÔÇ£Most policies stipulate that if you leave your home unoccupied for a period of time, typically exceeding 30 or 60 days*, then your property will not be covered for certain events including theft, malicious damage and escape of water,ÔÇØ adds Ben. ÔÇ£ThereÔÇÖs no standard definition of ÔÇÿoccupiedÔÇÖ, so, if youÔÇÖre planning to live elsewhere during refurbishment works, itÔÇÖs essential that you talk to your insurer first to make sure you understand the implications.

ÔÇ£Most home insurance policies donÔÇÖt cover tradesmen or their work, so you should always check that they have their own insurance in place.┬á ItÔÇÖs also wise to check that they are qualified to carry out the work and registered with a recognised governing body.ÔÇØ

For more information on home improvements and your insurance, read Gocompare.comÔÇÖs handy guide.

Main image courtesy of Do It Yourself Kitchens