How to Plan a Kitchen Refurbishment
A kitchen refurbishment is one of the most complex domestic improvement projects — not because the individual trades are difficult, but because coordinating design, procurement, M&E works, plastering, tiling, installation, and finishing in the right sequence requires discipline and advance planning. Getting the sequence wrong creates delays and additional costs that are easily avoided. Here's a step-by-step guide to doing it properly.
Step 1: Design and Layout
Before any other decision is made, finalise the kitchen layout — including the exact positions of the sink (which fixes the drainage route), hob (which fixes the gas or induction connection), oven, dishwasher, and fridge/freezer. These positions determine the first-fix M&E routes and cannot easily be changed after first fix is complete.
Use a kitchen supplier's design service to produce a dimensioned layout drawing showing every unit, appliance, and worktop. Confirm this layout with your contractor before first fix begins.
Step 2: Structural Works (If Applicable)
If the kitchen refurbishment involves any structural changes — removing a wall, creating an opening, extending the kitchen space — these structural works must be completed (with Building Control approval) before any M&E or fit-out work begins. Structural works that are carried out after M&E first fix has been run create disruption and potential damage to work already done.
Step 3: First-Fix Electrics and Plumbing
With the layout confirmed and any structural works complete, the electrician runs cable and the plumber runs pipework and waste runs to all confirmed positions. This is the "rough-in" stage — all the work that goes behind the walls and under the floor before the kitchen units arrive. First-fix inspection by Building Control (where required) happens at this stage.
Step 4: Plastering and Making Good
After first fix, any disturbed plaster is made good. On a full kitchen refurbishment (rather than just a unit replacement), this may involve replastering all four walls. Plasterwork must be fully dry before tiling or decorating.
Step 5: Kitchen Delivery
The kitchen units must be on site and ready before the kitchen fitters arrive. Confirm delivery timing with your supplier and ensure there is adequate space for the delivery and for the packaging. Check every item on delivery against the order — damaged or missing items should be reported immediately.
Step 6: Kitchen Installation
Kitchen fitters install the base and wall units, worktops, and appliances. Worktop templating (measuring the exact shape of worktops, particularly for stone or composite) should be done after units are in but before worktops are cut.
Step 7: Tiling
Wall tiling to the splashback and any other tiled surfaces is typically carried out after kitchen units are in but before second-fix plumbing and electrics. This allows tiles to be cut accurately around the confirmed positions of sockets and switches.
Step 8: Second-Fix Electrics and Plumbing
The electrician fits socket faceplates and connects appliances; the plumber connects taps, sink, dishwasher, and any boiler or heating connections. Both trades return to complete their work after the kitchen is substantially installed.
Step 9: Snagging and Final Fixes
A joint snagging inspection identifies any items that need adjustment — units that don't align, handles that need repositioning, worktop seams that need attention. Final decoration, installation of light fittings, and floor finish complete the kitchen.
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