Before deciding whether a custom flat pack kitchen is the right option for you, it's important to consider all the main pros and cons.
Since the proliferation of DIY and home maker TV shows, the popularity of the flat pack kitchen has risen drastically. It's important to remember that these shows make everything look really easy, so we've put together a quick checklist of considerations before you embark on your own DIY kitchen project.
Remember, if you decide the DIY option is not for you, it's still more cost effective to purchase a custom flat pack kitchen and pay somebody else to assemble and install it than to order a traditional bespoke joinery kitchen.
Pros of DIY Flat Pack Kitchens
1. Money saved:
The first benefit of assembling a kitchen yourself is that you can save a lot of money. If you're on a tight budget and can spare the hours, then doing the purchasing, planning and fitting all by yourself will save a considerable amount on your costs.
Since you're in control of all purchasing decisions, it's likely you’ll be more careful with how the budget is spent than if you outsource this role to somebody else. After all, nobody is as careful spending someone else's money as they are with their own! You'll not only be able to limit purchases to the absolute necessities, but you'll also make a greater effort to look for discounts and special offers.
2. Time flexibility:
With a DIY flat pack kitchen, you have the flexibility to work around your regular schedule and manage the assembling tasks during your free hours. This reduces the inconvenience of fitting in with the availability of tradespeople and their regular working hours.
Cons of DIY Flat Pack Kitchens
1. Time to complete installation:
The installation process takes longer for an amateur DIYer than it does for professionals. Usually, a DIY kitchen installation can take from 5 to 14 days (depending upon the size and requirements of your kitchen and how many hours per day you have available). Patience is the key to achieving a quality finish for your DIY kitchen, so if you have something urgent coming up or don't have much time to invest, DIY may not be the best option for you.
2. The quality of the finish is only as good as your skill:
If you haven't had a lot of experience with DIY in the past or your attention to detail is not great, it may show in the final result. It's important to follow instructions exactly, measure accurately, check levels and install units with precision if you want to get a quality looking finish to your DIY flat pack kitchen.
If you don't possess the skills and patience to execute the fit-out, it's advisable to hire experts for the task, instead.
3. Costly mistakes can happen:
Full installation of a kitchen is a big task. Although the cabinet assembly is relatively straightforward, there are some tricky elements that can go wrong for the inexperienced DIYer. Mitring and attaching cornices is one example. Measure twice, cut once and take care attaching these elements to avoid wasting time and materials if you get it wrong.
It's also advisable to have at least two people working to install your kitchen to avoid dropping and damaging assembled cabinets.
If you have what it takes to complete the assembly and installation of a DIY flat pack kitchen, you can save thousands of dollars.
If you'd like all the benefits of a DIY flat pack kitchen, but don't think you possess the skills or confidence to complete it yourself, DIY Australia offer a very affordable installation service available to the following areas :Sydney Metro, Wollongong, Bowral, Gosford, Central Coast, lower Blue Mountains, Newcastle, Bathurst & Nowra
