Renovating your kitchen: what do I need?

Is it finally time to give your kitchen a proper makeover? Or are you moving and does your new home need a new kitchen? An exciting change, but a big one too! So what do you need to think about?

Not much of a DIYer? Start by researching a good contractor. Compare prices and read the reviews carefully. Was the job finished on time? And how were setbacks handled? Don't be afraid to ask for several quotes and take your time to make a well-considered choice.

Renovating your kitchen involves lots of different aspects. Think in advance about everything you want done and what can be reused. Does the electrics need moving? Is the floor being replaced too? And will the ceiling stay the same? Are you only getting new cupboards and a worktop, or are all the appliances being replaced as well? It's also worth considering whether you want to keep cooking on gas in view of the future.

Make a checklist of the order in which everything needs to be done.

For example:

1. Rerouting the pipes
2. Replacing the electrics
3. Finishing the walls
4. Lay the floor
5. And finally, having the kitchen fitted.

Keep an eye on the schedule, but don't plan too tightly. Experience shows there is always some delay. So allow one extra day for the various jobs, so the tradespeople don't get in each other's way.

Choose a suitable waste skip for removing the kitchen. The most popular container is a construction and demolition waste skip of 3m3 or 6m3. That's because all the different materials can be removed together in it. For example tiles, cupboards, worktops, taps, carpet, laminate, concrete, pipes etc.

Would you rather talk to someone on the phone about the right container? Our customer service team is ready to help.