Complete Kitchen Installation In Hatfield Peverel

Summary:

A recommendation from a previous client led to this full kitchen project in Hatfield Peverel. The brief was to create a single, open-plan kitchen/family space by combining the existing kitchen and adjacent dining room, then supply and install a new fitted kitchen with associated services and finishes.

Objectives

• Remove the dividing load-bearing wall to form one open, functional space.
• Coordinate early with design and structural teams to lock the layout and steel specification.
• Deliver a neat, compliant install with upgraded services (plumbing and electrics), smooth plaster finishes, and full decoration.

Pre-Construction & Coordination

To keep the project as hands-off as possible for the client, we coordinated all third parties end-to-end—aligning kitchen design and supply with Howdens, securing structural calculations and RSJ sign-off from the engineer, and scheduling templating/fit with the quartz fabricator. We handled timelines, approvals and information flow, so the client only needed to review key choices and sign off at defined stages.

• Design kickoff: Worked closely with the clients at the initial stage to progress a Howdens kitchen design aligned to their storage, appliance and workflow needs
• Structure: Engaged a structural engineer to design and sign off the RSJ required for wall removal.
• Worktops: Liaised with the chosen quartz supplier to align templating and fitting with the programme.

Scope Of Work

Site setup & protection
We prepared the property with dust protection, floor/edge protection and temporary screening to isolate the work area. Services were made safe and a safe access route was maintained for the client throughout.

Strip-out and making safe
The existing kitchen and dining room fixtures were carefully removed, including units, worktops, appliances, redundant pipework and wiring. First-fix isolation and safe termination of live services were carried out prior to structural works.

Structural alteration & RSJ installation
Following the engineer’s design, we propped the opening, removed the load-bearing wall and installed the specified RSJ with padstones and fixings. All works were completed to the structural drawings and building control requirements, with the opening squared, packed and fire-stopped as required.

First-fix plumbing & electrics
Services were re-routed to suit the new open-plan layout and kitchen design. Plumbing first-fix provided new feeds/returns and wastes in the correct positions for sink, dishwasher and any additional appliances. Electrical first-fix included new ring/radial circuits where needed, appliance points, oven/hob supplies, island feeds, and switched lighting positions—brought up to current regulations.

Fabric repairs and plastering
Following structural works and first-fix, we made good walls and ceilings, installed new boards where required and applied a full skim to achieve a paint-ready finish. Openings and nibs were straightened to receive cabinetry and trims cleanly.

Kitchen installation
Once deliveries were checked, we installed base and wall units to the Howdens plan, ensuring levels, plumb and secure fixing to substrate. Tall housings and panels were set out for correct appliance clearances. We coordinated scribing, fillers and end panels for tight, symmetrical lines.

Worktop templating & fit
With cabinetry fixed, the quartz fabricator attended for templating. We coordinated access and dates, then received and fitted the finished worktops, including cut-outs, sink/hob setting and final sealing in line with the supplier’s guidance.

Second-fix plumbing & electrics
We connected sinks, taps and appliances, pressure-tested for leaks and commissioned as required. Electrical second-fix included sockets, switches, lighting, appliance connections and final accessories, followed by testing and certification.

Finishes and decoration
Walls and ceilings were mist-coated and finished to the agreed colour. We installed trims, plinths, pelmets and sealants for a complete, clean finish. Where specified, we laid floor coverings and coordinated threshold details to adjoining rooms.

Testing, certification & compliance
Electrical works were tested and certified to current standards, and all applicable notifications were completed. Any gas works (if applicable) were undertaken and certified by a Gas Safe engineer. Structural works followed the engineer’s specification for compliance with Building Regulations.

Waste management & clean down
All construction waste was segregated and removed by licensed carriers. We carried out a full builders’ clean so the space was ready for client review and snagging.

Handover
At handover, we walked the client through the new kitchen, demonstrated appliances, issued care information for quartz worktops, and provided relevant documentation including warranties and electrical certificates.

Outcome

The project delivered a single, open-plan kitchen family room with a structurally verified RSJ, giving the client a brighter, more functional space and improved circulation between cooking, dining and living zones. Services were fully modernised to current regulations, with new electrical circuits, efficient LED lighting and correctly positioned plumbing for all specified appliances.

All works were completed to the agreed programme (four weeks on site) and controlled within the approved budget (£16,600 + VAT). Disruption was managed through protection, phased working and clear daily communication, so the household could maintain routine where possible.