Maintenance & Refurbishment
Kitchen Refurbishment Feature
A pre-built kitchen is only as good as the practicality it affords the tenants. It still needs to have all the necessary facilities to store, prepare and cook food, while fitting in a potentially restricted floorspace
they last for the duration of a tenancy and beyond, powder coated steel units – such as the models offered by Elfin Kitchens – look great and remove the need for constant maintenance. With a pre-built compact kitchen, durability is guaranteed, with the unit
constructed of powder coated steel, combined with a stainless steel sink and drainer. In addition, this design and robust construction removes the need for constant maintenance, while also reducing concerns over ‘makeshift kitchens’ appearing in tenants’ rooms. Utilising a pre-built kitchen offers further advantages, such as arriving fully
assembled on a pallet. With all cupboards and appliances already measured up to fit neatly together, installation time is greatly reduced, as much of the work has already been done – and no manual labour is required. Top quality compact kitchens also arrive for installation complete with an appropriate waste kit which, in turn, helps to reduce plumbing costs. The best compact kitchens also benefit from versatility, especially in terms of
design. Indeed, there are well constructed units that come in a broad choice of colours to suit a range of interior styles, which can even create a high-end ‘bespoke’ look.
PRACTICALITY Of course, a pre-built kitchen is only as good as the practicality it affords the tenants. It still needs to have all the necessary facilities to store, prepare and
38 | HMM June/July 2019 |
www.housingmmonline.co.uk
cook food, while fitting in a potentially restricted floorspace. As a result, it requires a well-conceived design – an aspect that separates quality manufacturers from the competition. The more experienced and established companies offer a wealth of options, not only in terms of unit size(s), but also the configuration of appliances. Whether it is extra cabinets for storage, larger worktops for food preparation or a choice of cooking appliances, these are all options available to landlords. For example, larger properties can utilise pre-built kitchens comprising a
built-in combination microwave oven and grill, ceramic hob, dishwasher, sink and integrated fridge. Alternatively, in a smaller studio space, a pre-built kitchen could simply consist of a sink, hob and fridge. Most importantly, whatever the final kitchen looks like or contains, it has to be suitable for the application in hand, its intended users and the space available, while remaining proportionate to the expected rental yield from a property. By choosing a quality manufacturer offering high quality, compact kitchens,
landlords and social housing managers can ensure they are getting strong, durable units that are not only built to last, but will also help reduce overhead costs over time. Plus, good-looking kitchens boasting the latest appliances will satisfy tenants’ needs for the duration of their rental period, ensuring a happy balance between property owners and occupants.
Bob Andrew is managing director of Elfin Kitchens
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