A missing kitchen can significantly change your move-in budget. Before deciding, find out exactly what is missing: units, appliances, connections or everything.
Check the technical starting point
Ask for measurements and the location of connections. Arrange work that requires qualifications with suitable tradespeople. Check with the landlord which changes are allowed and how installation must be agreed, rather than assuming permission by default.
Plan for the transition period
Add delivery, assembly, connection and possible waiting time. Decide how the family will eat until the kitchen is ready. Discuss what will happen to the kitchen when you move out and which arrangements should be put in writing.
How to write a brief for fitting out the kitchen
Separate units, appliances, delivery, assembly and the necessary connections. Show the professional the room dimensions and the location of existing connection points. For work that requires qualifications, do not replace a proper check with your own guesswork. Check with the landlord which changes are allowed and how they are approved. Compare quotes for the same scope. An inexpensive set of units does not mean a kitchen is ready to use. Before ordering, check doorways and access: a kitchen of the right length still has to be delivered, installed and connected in a permissible way.
How to plan daily life until the kitchen is ready
Line up the move-in date, the delivery and when installation is actually finished. Think about storing food, cooking and the family's schedule in the meantime. Do not book several dependent tradespeople for the same day without confirming the order. Keep the rescheduling terms and a list of what must be ready before each tradesperson arrives. Find out separately what happens to the kitchen when you move out and how the arrangements are documented. This helps you compare a flat without a kitchen with one that is already ready for everyday use.
What to check
- Measure the room and doorways.
- Check any restrictions on installation.
- Get comparable installation quotes.
- Plan a temporary solution for the first days.
Example situation
A kitchen may fit lengthwise but still require a connection to be moved. Checking this before buying protects you from unexpected work.
Next step
Compare flats with and without a kitchen by when they are ready to live in and by the total cost of setting up.
Official information on this topic
Checklists and examples are organisational recommendations. Requirements depend on the procedure, the city and your situation; check them with the relevant office before you act. Please discuss legal and tax questions with an authorised professional.
This article was prepared with the help of AI. The example illustrates the approach and does not describe a client case.