7 Mistakes that can spoil your dream kitchen
1. Construction of Brickbat and the concrete slab
Many builders construct a brick wall and a concrete slab to support the
granite counter in the kitchen.Not only is this practice outdated, it is also
unnecessary.Brick wall construction is normally not optimally designed and
can end up wasting almost 20-30% precious storage space in your kitchen.
Also, concrete slabs are rarely perfect, and the modular kitchen boxes
will not fit correctly into the space provided.This necessitates adjustments
and packing in order to fit the box…which affects the quality of finish and
alignment of shutters.If your builder is insistent on getting his granite work
done immediately , request him to support the granite on steel angles instead of a brick wall.Although we do have the expertise to get a kitchen done where a brick support is already constructed, many interior companies refuse to go ahead unless the brick wall and concrete slab is demolished.
2. Position of Chimney near Window
With our experience working with many builders we have found that they
do not consider the best design for kitchens while making the building plan.
Many times the builder would have planned the cooking position right in front of the window.This can cause a potentially dangerous situation, where when the window is left open a breeze can blow out the gas flame.If this goes unnoticed a major disaster could happen.Closing the window would make the room stuffy and airless.
For optimum kitchen design please contact our design consultant.
3. Hole for Chimney pipe
If the design of the kitchen is not finalised before starting the work , you will not know exactly where the cooking stove and chimney are to come. In many cases the hole for the chimney exhaust pipe has not been planned by the builder, which means you have to make a hole to accommodate the pipe
after all the painting work is over.
Again, in many kitchens it may be in the wrong position,and greater length of piping is required, forcing you to buy a chimney with higher suction capacity than you actually need.This, of course, would prove more expensive.
4. Electrical Point for Hob
Many builders do not know that a built in hob has provision for auto ignition which requires an electrical point. If the point is not provided, you will not be able to use the auto ignition feature although you would have paid for it.
If it does exist ,sometimes it is provided in same cabinet where the Gas
cylinder is placed , which is very dangerous….or it could be located rather
far from the cooking area,which is inconvenient. Its important that you design your kitchen well in advance and have a clear idea where the important work zones are- stove, refrigerator and sink. To find out the ideal position of the hob electrical point, contact our design consultant.
5. Switch directly above cooking stove
Planning ahead for your specific electrical needs in the kitchen saves a lot
of rework later.The range of appliances available in today’s market is mind
blowing and can save a lot of time for the cook! Other than the points for
refrigerator , chimney and hob , you need to properly plan electrical points
and placement for the following appliances:
• Microwave oven
• Toaster/Blender etc
• Mixer
• Grinder
• Grill
• Dishwasher
• Electric cooker
Builders sometimes provide electrical sockets directly above the cooking
area. This is dangerous as the switches and wires can melt because of the
heat. The fumes while cooking also make the switches dirty forcing you to
clean them frequently.
6. Chimney point and its position
If your builder has not provided for an Electrical point for the chimney , it can be a major effort to add one towards the end, which is when many people realise that it is missing. Ensure that your builder has provided for the chimney point and that too in the correct position, at the proper height. You need to plan the cooking position well in advance so that the point can be provided accordingly. Even if the point is a little bit away , but is at the correct height, you will be able to manage to use it ,by simply extending the wire
7. Incorrect height of Dado tiles above the countertop
The top cabinets are to be placed at the correct height for ergonomic design
and ease of use. Ideally,2 Feet of Dado tiles should be laid above the counter,
above which the top cabinets are placed.
If the Dado height is less , there will be a gap between the Top cabinet and
the tiles leading to accumulation of dirt. If the Dado height is more , the top
cabinets will have to be placed higher making them inconvenient for everyday
use.
