Eureka Spiritsis

I have never lived in my own house before - most of my 70 years have been spent in Manses, with kitchens of varying quality. I was so thrilled that the new families following us to both Kirby and Ferndown had lovely new kitchens to go to. But here we are at Cornerstones [and here we will stay, I hope] Over the past 16 years we have redecorated most of the rooms, and in 2021, we did a minor kitchen refurb, replacing the horrid stained white sink with a new double sink and drainer, and new taps. At that point, Bob rehung 3 of the upper cupboards to make them more useful.

But the cupboards are around 20 years old, and very poor quality. Shelves and drawers kept collapsing, and needing repair,  their plastic fixings crumbling. The cooker hood no longer works properly. The plumbing under the sink is abysmal, and there are not many electric sockets. And the floor is really hard to keep clean, it has a weird textured surface. So we have been planning and saving for a Whole New Kitchen.

Friends and family warned us this was not a straightforward project. Almost everyone has a 'New Kitchen Horror Story. it seems. 

We decided to go slowly, thinking and planning carefully. We are blessed with a Futility Room - and the dishwasher, washing machine and fridge freezer are in there- along with a sink. So we knew we could use that as a temporary kitchen instead [obviously the range cooker will be out of action for the duration of The Works]

2025 has been designated Year Of The Kitchen.

We were recommended a planning guy from Norwich. He came with his door and handle samples, and lots of ideas. He didn't really listen to what we said [two essentials; keep the electric box accessible, leave a space for my Dalek, used daily] He ignored those two points completely, and suggested a kitchen costing £30K+ [not including flooring, plumbing or electrics] Thanks but no thanks. We looked at another company, but their pricing policy seems decidedly iffy.

Then we found a kitchen company we did like - units with good strong internal fixings, accessible corner cupboards which do not waste space, and intelligent designs. We debated fitting it ourselves, and my brother, and one of Bob's Shedmates have kindly offered their help. So after a few minor hiccups. we have planned and ordered our new kitchen. One which is guaranteed and should last many many years. At a fraction of the cost we were quoted from Norwich Guy. Watch this space...