Planning a kitchen refit: where to start

Most kitchen jobs that overrun do so because a decision got made too late, not because of anything that happened on site. Here's roughly the order I'd plan things in.

1. Layout first, everything else after

Before you pick a single door style, decide where the sink, hob, fridge and main run of units are going. Plumbing and electrics get first-fixed to that layout, so changing your mind after that point costs real money and time.

2. Worktop material affects the timeline

Laminate worktops can usually be cut and fitted the same week. Solid wood needs to be ordered and, if you want stone or quartz, that's templated after the units are in and takes a further one to two weeks to fabricate — factor that into your dates if you're planning around anything.

3. Decide on appliances before first fix

Integrated appliances have specific size and ventilation requirements. Knowing what you're fitting (and its exact dimensions) before first fix avoids units being built to the wrong size.

4. Be honest about your budget upfront

A good fitter can suggest where to spend and where to save once they know the number you're working to — usually by directing budget towards worktops and hardware, and saving on carcass materials that nobody sees once doors are on.

If you're at the early stages of planning a kitchen, we're happy to talk through the practical side of it before you've committed to anything — just give Sean a ring.