Kitchens - ''Kitchen improvements require planning'', says expert

23/10/2007

Homeowners looking to improve the appearance of their kitchens should think long and hard about what they want before embarking on any DIY exploits, a property design expert has cautioned.

According to leading British home designer Nina Campbell, only by assessing the situation first can you decide exactly what needs addressing.

This is important since it may in fact be preferable to replace just certain kitchen units rather than re-fit the entire room, she added.

"If you are happy with the positioning of appliances and storage within your kitchen, then a revamp may be more cost-effective than full replacement," she said.

Stopping to consider the room as a whole before you do so can also lead to cost savings in the long run, in the event that you botch a job because you were not qualified to be undertaking the improvements, she claims.

"If you plan to install a brand new kitchen think before you decide to do it yourself because plumbing and electrics are involved, as well as cupboard assembly," she told BBC Online.

Heat and Plumb offers an extensive range of kitchen fittings including sinks from Franke and Oliver Haffne and fitted kitchens from Rapide.