DIY Kitchen

I have personally used a lot of DIY kitchens, wardrobes and storage cabinets mainly due to both time and money restraints I have found with shopping around there is big savings to be made especially if you are handy with a screw driver and drill.  The look of the finished product is a first rate kitchen when complete but read the handy tips to save a lot of blood sweat and tears.

HANDY TIPS

• First things first visit Bunning’s to have a look at what the built prefab kitchens look like on the show room floor.  Look at benchtops,colours, and accessories etc
• Make sure you take a tape measure this way you will be able to get an idea of costs
• Buy the brochure on FLATPAX (this is the brand that Bunnings sell) this should only cost a few dollars but it will have graph paper inside that allows you to draw up your new kitchen and has stick on cupboards so you can get an idea on how the layout of your kitchen will look
• When you have done you’re measuring and are happy with the layout I then start letting my fingers do the walking as you have the prices that Bunning’s have supplied, now you are free to compare with others that are selling similar Flat Packs.
• Don’t be hesitant to ask for a discount for cash after they give you their pricing, we all need to make a dollar.
• If you are not too handy with a screw driver and drill look at handymen in your local paper who will quote an hourly rate to assemble the kitchen.

A new kitchen can be an expensive and frustrating exercise, but with a little planning and measuring your kitchen will come together in no time at all.  I have found that Bunning’s have an excellent product called FLATPAX which has an array of kitchens, laundries and cupboards the best part is that you will be able to see what the finished product looks like when it is complete.  
Don’t forget you will still need to go shopping for sinks, taps, cook top oven and hood.  I have found the best bargains are on eBay or at auctions.  Remember to take measurements with you.

TIPS BEFORE INSTALLING

• Measure walls with spirit level where the kitchen will be fitted as it is seldom level and you will need to pack the cupboards
• Unless you are great with the jigsaw take the bench top (that you have measured to know exactly where the sink and the cook top will go in) also to have holes taken out for the taps.
• If you are going to join tops you need to get them rebated and this needs also to be done at the joinery
• Make sure you have contacted a plumber as the water will need to be disconnected and he will put in the taps.
• Electrician is needed for the cook top and oven and a gas fitter obviously if the oven cook top is gas.

There seems to be a lot of steps but if your prepared everything will goes as clockwork.