Kitchen fitting/installation query
My flat is being refurbished, which includes a new kitchen. My builders have started fitting the kitchen and I am a little concerned about how it is coming on. However before I tackle the builders I would prefer to have some idea what I am talking about....
The kitchen wall units are currently loose at the bottom and can be pulled towards you. Should they be be screwed in at the bottom, or is it simply a matter of tightening the brackets at the top enough. It maybe that the builder hasn't yet tightened them properly yet, and it just getting the units all in place before fully tightening it all.
Also the cupboard doors don't all line up neatly - I believe this is quite easy to adjust with a screwdriver?
More concerning to me is that a couple of the wall units are not completely flush together and there is a few mm gap between the units at the top. Can this be solved by playing round with tightening the bracket or do the units need to be reinstalled?
One of the wall units is also around 3mm higher than the neighbouring unit - I assume this unit will definately need to be reinstalled, with the bracket moved slightly?
Thanks for any advice you can give!
The kitchen wall units are currently loose at the bottom and can be pulled towards you. Should they be be screwed in at the bottom, or is it simply a matter of tightening the brackets at the top enough. It maybe that the builder hasn't yet tightened them properly yet, and it just getting the units all in place before fully tightening it all.
Also the cupboard doors don't all line up neatly - I believe this is quite easy to adjust with a screwdriver?
More concerning to me is that a couple of the wall units are not completely flush together and there is a few mm gap between the units at the top. Can this be solved by playing round with tightening the bracket or do the units need to be reinstalled?
One of the wall units is also around 3mm higher than the neighbouring unit - I assume this unit will definately need to be reinstalled, with the bracket moved slightly?
Thanks for any advice you can give!
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Comments
I'm assuming that this is something that you're paying for yourself and not part of a local authority scheme. If they were sub-contracted by a furniture retailer such as B&Q, Ikea, Wickes, for example, complain directly to them rather than get into a personal argument with the builders.
If you had already bought the kitchen units and are paying a builder of your own choosing, then refuse to pay. If you have already paid a deposit (I hope not the full amount), then you may have to resort to the small claims court.
You can also find out if the builder is registered with a recognised trade body, which may be able to influence the outcome. I hope it doesn't come to that and they are simply waiting until everything is in place before applying the finishing touches.
Like you, I would have no clue whether they were doing a correct job of fitting the kitchen cupboards or not, so If I was you I'd ask them, you're well within your rights. You're paying for their services after all.
The cupboards have numerous ways of adjusting so that should not be a problem. Best thing to do is just TALK to the fitter.
Communication with workmen is essential. Discussed allsorts with our fitter including the weather. Afterall you are paying.
i can not
emphasise enough, LET THEM FINISH IT!....then snag it.
It is quiet normal to loose fix units during the job until everything is in place!
There is nothing worse that meddling customers on site who moan about the finish before the work if actually finished! A big tut tut!
I assume you have at least 25% help back as final payment. This always is essential to get the fitters to correct any mistakes.
My OCD for things being ruler-straight went into overdrive when my kitchen was being done, I thought it would all end up cock-eyed, but it was all great in the end.
I also see no harm, though, in asking if all the things you're fretting about, have been noted and will be done.
If you're ever tempted to install cupboards make very sure you understand the wall structure and what fixings to use. Most modern houses use plasterboard with battens and you have to make sure the fixings go all the way through to the brick or concrete behind. Simply screwing into the plasterboard will barely be enough to keep the empty cupboard on the wall.
http://www.diydoctor.org.uk/projects/wallunit.htm
The ones I've fitted are screwed in top and bottom. I suppose they will work suspended just from the top, but it doesn't sound right. Any small movement of the unit from opening the door or when catching on part of it could gradually weaken the fixing.
Just have a word with the installers.
A few mm horizontal gap between adjacent units at the top, which isn't there at the bottom?
Some of this will be hidden by those decorative strips they sometime apply, but really there should be no need for a unit to be skewed by 1/8". I've just looked at my own kitchen, and there's no misalignment like that. Since you're paying, ask for them to do it properly.
Talking to your fitters is the sensible way. I don't understand your advice, given so vehemently.
Got my units from B&Q and bracket is at top only, I believe it is because walls are generally not 100% flat so suspending them allows them to cope with that. Also if you have several units in a row I was told to screw them to together so they line up neatly. And yes you can adjust height.
As every has said, final adjustment will most likely be made at the end.
Please tell me you havent handed any money over yet
Youre not somebody whos paid thousads upfront?:o