A poorly installed fitted kitchen will not only look bad and have practical limitations, it could also reduce the value of your home. If you are going to work on your fitted kitchen yourself, here are a few common DIY mistakes to avoid so that you stay safe and get the job done right.
1. Leaving the power on
If you are dealing with electrical work, you should always turn off the mains supply. Similarly, when installing a fitted kitchen, if you are unsure whether any hidden pipework or wiring is in the way, never take a guess.
2. Using the wrong tools
Using cutlery as a screwdriver, or attempting to bang in nails with the heel of a shoe, is a sure fire route to a poor installation. For a quality finish use the correct tools for the job, it'll make it far easier, and help to avoid injury.
3. Not knowing your limits
When installing your fitted kitchen, know the limits of your DIY skills and try not to take on too much. For example, any electrical and gas work should be left to professionals unless you have adequate experience, and know exactly what you're doing.
4. Lack of preparation
Run through a check list before starting the installation to make sure you have everything you need. Plan the installation in steps so that you know the right order, saving yourself the hassle of taking things apart again if there's something you've missed.
5. Going too fast
Give yourself plenty of time and try not to rush. If you're attempting to install your fitted kitchen during the ad-breaks of your favourite TV programme, you're likely to go too fast and make mistakes. Slow and steady will give you a great installation that you can be proud of.
6. Not using safety equipment
Most of us at some point have been painting or sanding above our heads and had drips or dust drop into our eye. It's pretty horrible. Make sure you have a set of goggles at the ready, and wear knee pads if you're spending a long time kneeling on a hard floor. Run through your installation plan and have a think about any safety equipment you'll need.
7. Leaving mess and clutter lying around
It's advice as old as time, and is still as true today as it was when first spoken, clean and tidy as you go. If there are spills on the floor, or clutter lying around, you're far more likely to trip and cause yourself, or someone else, an injury.
8. Over-stretching/reaching
When lifting heavy objects, or when reaching high, try not to over-stretch yourself. The two minutes saved by carrying it all at once, will seem insignificant if a pulled muscle puts you out of action for two weeks.
9. Not checking your measurements
When installing your fitted kitchen, as when doing any DIY, it's worth checking and double-checking your measurements before getting started.
10. Refusing to ask for help
There is an understandable sense of achievement when completing a task on your own, but failing to ask for an extra pair of hands when needed, can lead to poor quality work or even injury. You'll find that people are only too happy to help, especially when bribed with cups of tea!
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