Theoretically this was new kitchen... beware MDF!!!

[martlewis]

Well the theory is that finally I'm starting to build a new kitchen. As usual this has led to numerous other jobs and I've yet to start the kitchen.

We've been given a dishwasher and unfortunately there isn't enough outside wall space for this and the washing machine and the dryer. Now the previous home owner was wheelchair bound and had an extension on the front of the house for a lift, measuring 1.2m wide and about 3m long. Since the lift was removed we've had a big hall and a junk area upstairs. Another problem was that they made the bathroom smaller and installed a shower instead of bath.

So I decide to move the washer and dryer into the hall to free space in the kitchen. A bit of plumbing from the upstairs bathroom and a new ring main, some holes in the wall for vents and drains. While I'm at it I decide to turn the upstairs space into a bathroom, and keep existing bathroom as a w/c and basin.

I now have a new bath installed, the washer and dryer installed and no sign of any work in the damn kitchen.

Anyway so as you come in my front door you're confronted with the pic below. My question is should I put doors in the upper parts of the unit to make cupboards or leave it as shelves? It'll all be painted white gloss soon.

The top section of the pipework boxing is awaiting installation, I ran out of time tonight.

Also considering if I should put doors in front of the appliances or not.

 

[Chems]

Will the white goods have enough ventilation like that?

 

[martlewis]

Yeah, I'm going to cut some grilles in the back of the counter top. Haven't cut them yet because if I decide to put doors on then the top will be pulled forward and another piece put in the back with the grilles in that.

Nothing's fixed in place yet as it has to be painted. The dryer also vents directly to the outside via a 4" hole in the wall... Now that was fun and messy to cut!

 

[Woodmagnet]

I'd go with doors top and bottom personally mart,
it would look better than having 2 big eyes looking
at you all the time. :wink:

 

[dicktimber]

Unless I misunderstand,
I would be worried about putting in home electrics here myself as I believe new legislation requires a certificate?

Mike

 

[jhwbigley]

Unless I misunderstand,
I would be worried about putting in home electrics here myself as I believe new legislation requires a certificate?

Mike

sshh

 

[joiner_sim]

I can't believe all the regs. soon you'll have to have corgi come in and register your ars3 to fart!

 

[dicktimber]

It isn't a problem.......
TILL YOU COME TO SELL!!!!!
and then watch the powers to be, checking against existing plans for extensions, conversions, power switches, light sockets.......

Now that DOES WORRY ME!!!!

Mike :idea:

 

[joiner_sim]

okay, i see your point. but he has just moved in i'm guessing from his post.

 

[martlewis]

The electrics were already cabled for the lift, someone might have added a double socket tho, possibly,

As for notifying of work, it's rediculous. You have to notify bulding control if you move the washer from the one room to another. It'll not be long before you have to notify them that you moved the sofa! It's a complete farse. I agree with having to get electrics and other dangerous items certified as safe, tho mine was checked by a sparky.

 

[martlewis]

okay, i see your point. but he has just moved in i'm guessing from his post.

Been here 2 years but only just starting to make the place into a home. Lovely area and great neighbours so hopefully no plans to move. Have looked at a loft conversion and advised by council it will be aproved though we still have to get the plans submitted. Other in the area have been converted so should be ok.

If we ever did decide to sell I could always rip the extras back out and put it back the way it was. There will still be a water point in the kitchen where new owners washer could connect as we're using it for dishwasher atm.

 

[Jake]

It isn't a problem.......
TILL YOU COME TO SELL!!!!!
and then watch the powers to be, checking against existing plans for extensions, conversions, power switches, light sockets.......

Who on earth do you think is going to go to all those efforts?

 

[martlewis]

It isn't a problem.......
TILL YOU COME TO SELL!!!!!
and then watch the powers to be, checking against existing plans for extensions, conversions, power switches, light sockets.......

Who on earth do you think is going to go to all those efforts?

Theoretically isn't it part of this new HIPS pack thingy that you're supposed to get?

Besides it was all done before we moved in :lol:

 

[Digit]

Besides it was all done before we moved in

Ditto!

Roy.

 

[Maia28]

It isn't a problem.......
TILL YOU COME TO SELL!!!!!
and then watch the powers to be, checking against existing plans for extensions, conversions, power switches, light sockets.......

Now that DOES WORRY ME!!!!

Mike :idea:

In my last house we had a loft room that the previous owners had constructed. No mention of this when we bought the house, but when we sold it the purchaser's solicitor did ask a few questions about approvals etc. We resolved this by paying around £10 for an indemnity.
Andy

 

[Jake]

Exactly. And no-one is going to compare plans to reality.

 

[markwuzere]

i believe the problem is when you sell the house you have to sign a declaration stating no electrical work has been carried out, then if anything goes wrong the powers that be check and seen and as all new wiring is now coloured brown and blue instead of red and black, then unless you have managed to get your hands on old cable your in big bother

 

[martlewis]

When we bought the house there was already a mix of old and new wiring in the consumer unit. I don't recall seeing anything stating nothing had been done.

 

[dicktimber]

Just wait till we have home visits to our workshops by health and safety, employed by the council from a directive by Gordons lot, all on gold plated pension deals, checking if we meet PURE and cosh regs.........

A tax for owning a plane, or documented traceability on each piece of hardwood to ensure it came from a sustainable source.......

Won't happen.....????!!!!
Yeh, nor will the Banking system collapse!

I'd get that certification today before they take your fingerprints and DNA!!!!

Mike

 

[Jake]

i believe the problem is when you sell the house you have to sign a declaration stating no electrical work has been carried out, then if anything goes wrong the powers that be check and seen and as all new wiring is now coloured brown and blue instead of red and black, then unless you have managed to get your hands on old cable your in big bother

Brown and blue came in six months before Part P. Some cable is date stamped, which would be more of a problem - but who, realistically, is going to pay for someone to go around a house they might want to purchase to check for this?