What happens at a kitchen survey, and why it matters

Measuring the room as it really is

Walls in British houses are seldom square or plumb. We measure each wall at more than one height, note where corners drift and record the positions of windows, doors, radiators and boxing. Those small differences decide where filler panels go and how end panels and worktops need to be scribed to meet the walls neatly.

If your kitchen was designed by a supplier, we compare their drawing against our measurements and flag anything that will not fit before the order is placed rather than after the boxes arrive.

Checking floor levels

A floor that falls across the room means base units need adjusting to sit dead level, and a large fall can affect plinth heights and how appliances slide into their housings. We check levels at the survey so the fix is planned into the job rather than discovered on fitting day.

We also note what the current floor is and whether new flooring will run under the units or up to the plinths, because that changes the order of work.

Tracing the waste and services

Where the sink, dishwasher and washing machine can go depends on where the waste pipe leaves the house and how much fall it can have. Moving a sink to an island or an opposite wall is often possible, but it needs planning. We look at the existing waste run, the water supply and the position of the boiler or stopcock.

On the electrical side we look at the existing circuits and sockets, and at what an induction hob or a double oven will need. Any electrics and plumbing changes are then carried out through our qualified trades as part of the same job.

• Route and fall of the existing waste pipe
• Location of the stopcock and water supply
• Existing circuits, sockets and lighting
• Extraction route for the cooker hood
• Radiator positions and any pipework to move

Looking for the things that stop a job

Some problems only show once the old kitchen comes out, but many can be spotted early. Loose or blown plaster, signs of old leaks under the sink, soft floor timbers and walls that will not take the weight of wall units are all worth knowing about before the programme is written.

When we find something like this, it goes into the quote as a clear line item so you can see what it is and why it is needed, rather than arriving as a surprise halfway through.

Turning the survey into a quote and a plan

After the visit you receive a written quote with the work broken down line by line, covering strip out, making good, trade work, fitting, worktops, tiling and decoration. Once you go ahead, we produce a day by day plan so you know when each stage happens and when you will be cooking again.