Kitchen Renovation Preparation Checklist

Confirm the exact position of every unit, appliance, and socket. Changes during the build are expensive and cause delays.

Oven, hob, extractor, dishwasher, fridge-freezer, washing machine. Lead times can be 4–12 weeks for premium brands. Order early.

Quartz, granite, marble, solid wood, laminate — confirm choice and get a templating date booked with the supplier. Templating happens after units are installed.

Tiles, glass, stone, or continuation of worktop material. Confirm before tiling stage.

Including boiling water taps (Quooker, Grohe Blue) which need specific connections planned in first fix.

Ceiling spots, under-cabinet, pendant over island, feature lighting. All wiring is done during first fix — changes after that mean ripping out ceilings.

Every appliance needs a socket. USB sockets, pop-up sockets in islands, outdoor sockets — confirm positions on the drawing.

Kitchen flooring goes in at a specific point in the sequence. Underfloor heating (if fitted) must be installed before screeding and flooring.

Walls will be plastered and need decorating. Choose colour in advance so it can be done as soon as plaster is dry.

Spare room, dining room, or garage. You need space for: microwave, kettle, toaster, mini fridge, and washing up bowl.

Microwave, electric hob or hot plate, kettle, toaster. A mini fridge keeps essentials cold. Budget £100–£200 or borrow from friends.

Microwave meals, sandwiches, takeaway menus. Accept that cooking will be minimal for weeks. Budget extra for eating out.

Pots, pans, plates, cutlery, food, cleaning supplies. Everything. The kitchen will be a building site.

Washing up bowl in a bathroom or utility room. If you have a utility room, route the washing machine there temporarily.

If moving the boiler or gas hob, the gas supply may be off for a period. Confirm duration and plan accordingly.

Kitchen plumbing disruption — when will the sink be disconnected? Is there an alternative water source nearby?

The consumer unit may be in the kitchen. Discuss with the electrician how power is maintained to the rest of the house during the rewire.

If the boiler is in the kitchen, protect it from dust and debris. Confirm it remains accessible and operational throughout.

Typical: demolition (2–3 days) → first fix plumbing and electrics (3–5 days) → plastering (2–3 days + drying time) → units installed (3–5 days) → worktop templated and installed (5–10 days wait) → tiling (2–4 days) → second fix (2–3 days) → decorating (2–3 days) → snagging.

After units go in, the worktop is templated (measured to fit). It then takes 5–10 working days to fabricate and install. This is the longest wait in the process.

If told 4 weeks, plan for 5. Delays happen — deliveries, weather, hidden problems, drying times.