Kitchen, Recipes & Food

It is very rare that even when we are buying a new build we get much of a say in how the kitchen looks.  If you exchange early enough you will have a choice of kitchen colours, appliances and handles and flooring and occasionally worktops.

What we can ask for as part of the purchase is additional sockets, and Wi-Fi ports.  If you can I suggest you visit during build and look at the kitchen and how you will be using it as to are there enough sockets.  Also, look at what is inside the cupboards and drawers.  Do you want a cutlery drawer?  A metal swivel pull out so you can get to the back of s corner cupboard.  All these types of things don't cost a lot but they all add up and can be negotiated during house purchase and build.

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Here is a list of common snags or potential issues 

 

Plumbing: Small Leaks, appliances plumbed in and working. Check water pressure. water pressure.
Ventilation.  Is there sufficient ventilation for cooking appliances, check for proper ducting, Are you happy they work sufficiently.
Appliance fit issues: Appliances not fitting properly due to incorrect measurements or space limitations.
Cabinet installation problems: Crooked cabinets, gaps, misalignment of doors/drawers. Any chips or scratches
Countertop complications: Seams, improper fitting, damage during installation.
Flooring:  Has it been installed correctly, was there any damage during the process, chips in tiles grout ok? Are there any popping sounds when you walk on them? is then or wood floor scratched.  It is not unusual for wood floors not to have mastic as the floors move and the mastic will split which is not a good look
Lighting: Insufficient lighting, improper placement of fixtures. Are there under the unit lighting, if so is it working?

Do you want pendant lighting over a centre island or if you have spotlight would you like wiring for a pendant over the dining table?  If you know for sure you could ask they wire for it before they have painted so the paint work is not patchy.
Splashback snags: Has the splashback been installed correctly, Has it been sealed and waterproofed. Is there any damage?
Appliances: Make sure all the fuses are correctly labelled.  Check each one works and check they all come on when used together.  If you have a waste disposal check that works too, along with the dishwasher, and washing machine and tumble dryer if supplied.  If you are supplying your own check there is a socket for the appliance and there is enough room for the appliance to fit the skirting board might need to be removed.