DIY Kitchen Overhaul Twice: My Skepticism on Future Home Improvement Endeavors
In a twist of irony, experienced interiors and renovation journalist, Amy Reeves, found herself grappling with the very issues she often writes about, during her recent home improvement projects.
Amy, who has worked as Assistant Editor for Homebuilding & Renovating and as an editor for Independent Advisor, recently faced difficulties in her own kitchen renovations. The walls in her houses were not straight, making it challenging to take accurate measurements for kitchen units. This issue, combined with a measuring mix-up, led to the pantry doors being installed only recently.
The installation of the kitchen, including fitting units, installing worktops, appliances, and sink, took about 5 days split over two weekends. Despite the challenges, Amy and her partner managed to complete the majority of the work. However, they had to hire a carpenter to install the oak worktops for their first kitchen.
One of the most frustrating aspects of the renovation process for Amy was finding matching fixtures from different suppliers. She spent hours searching for the best deals on kitchen tiles online and ordered extra units, such as a wine rack, as a precaution due to the uncertainty of measurements.
Despite her extensive experience, Amy encountered some unexpected challenges. The handles for the kitchen are still missing in the renovation process, and she and her partner had to build a pantry for their second project, a stone cottage with a 70s extension.
Amy, who used DIY Kitchens to supply her kitchen for both her home improvement projects, admits that she has some reservations about fitting her own kitchen again due to the challenges encountered in the process. She hopes for a more timely finished kitchen in her next project, considering letting someone else take on the messy work.
Interestingly, Amy spent a significant amount of time without handles or wall lights for a good three months due to lack of time and mental capacity. She expresses her hope that future projects will be less stressful and more straightforward.
The cost of a new kitchen can range between £10,000 and £35,000+, and Amy advises those embarking on a kitchen renovation to plan meticulously, measure accurately, and allow for some flexibility in their budget.
On a brighter note, Pooky is currently having a summer sale, which might come in handy for those looking to save on their kitchen renovation costs.
Amy is currently renovating an 1800s cottage in Somerset with her partner, marking her third home improvement project. Her first house, a mid-century cottage, underwent a complete renovation, including the kitchen, in 2018. The renovation of her second Steinkottel began in 2020.
Despite the challenges, Amy remains optimistic about her future projects and looks forward to sharing her experiences with her readers.
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