Jumat, 25 Juni 2010

So what is a modular kitchen? .... and some best practices

I recently came across a customer who was told by his "designer" (more carpenter) that the kitchen he has made for the customer is Modular because ... "see it has these steel baskets and I will also put in a magic corner". Ha, haa I thought, this needs some explanation, why don't I use this topic as my first post in the blog. So here goes....aaaum ganeshaya namah...

With so many scrupulous and un-scrupulous designers, carpenters, interior-walas selling what they call "modular kitchens" these days it is good as a customer to know what exactly is a "Modular Kitchen".

So here it is....

1. As the name suggests a "Modular" Kitchen consists of modules that are assembled together. Each module consisting of the Carcass (box) and the shutter is independent and can be taken in and out of the full unit separately. This also helps in repair work when the kitchen ages as for example, you can completely replace the wet unit (unit under the washbasin) if it spoils after some years of use without disrupting the rest of the kitchen.

2.  The Carcass in a Modular kitchen rests on 3-4 inch legs, typically 4 legs under each module. It does not rest on a wooden plank. The legs are hidden behind a PVC (not wood) skirting. The legs & the PVC skirting help because (a) As mentioned in point 1 earlier the unit/ module can be independently moved in & out and (2) the wood does not touch the ground, hence no chances of any damage caused by water, mop etc.

3. Height is usually more than the normal kitchen. Most designers (Carpenters) would keep the height as 32 inches and this is usually what the builder also gives. However typical Modular Kitchens will have a height around 36 inches.It is good to keep this height because (1) We Indian women are nowadays taller than in the past :-) and therefore it is more convenient to work on a higher slab and (2) If you want to fit a dishwhasher under the slab it will not fit in 32 inches and (3) A higher height gives you more storage space underneath.

4. While steel baskets and accessories in the drawers etc. are good, they nowadays cost the same as soft closing drawers & by that I mean the same price as Hettich Innotech drawers (http://www.hettich.com/uk/carpenter/1109.php) which are considered as amongst the best drawer systems in the world. The choice is however left to the individual.

I guess thats it. I am sure this will give one enough gyan to "sound" intelligent and knowledgable to your designer/ carpenter so that he does not take you for a ride.

Happy home making

NM

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