{
  "id": "fit-kitchen-units",
  "url": "https://diy-app-beige.vercel.app/guides/fit-kitchen-units.html",
  "category": "kitchen",
  "title": "Plan and fit kitchen units",
  "summary": "Turn the room survey into a cabinet and worktop layout, separating safe assembly from regulated service connections.",
  "difficulty": "advanced",
  "duration": "Several days to several weeks, depending on scope and trades",
  "riskLevel": "check-first",
  "visualGuidance": {
    "level": "recommended",
    "format": "layout-diagram",
    "reason": "A measured plan and elevation are essential for cabinet sequence, door clearance, worktop joints and appliance space.",
    "brief": "Create a dimensioned plan and wall elevations showing cabinets, fillers, doors, windows, appliances, worktop joins and existing service zones; label all unverified dimensions."
  },
  "materials": [
    "Cabinets, doors, panels, plinths, fillers and hardware from the final schedule",
    "Manufacturer-approved rails, legs and wall fixings for the confirmed construction",
    "Worktop, joining hardware and compatible edge treatment",
    "Splashback and finishing materials from the approved design",
    "Appliances and sinks only after dimensions and service requirements are confirmed"
  ],
  "tools": [
    "Tape measure, laser or long level, square and marking tools",
    "Cable, pipe and stud detector used as one part of service checks",
    "Drill-driver and fixings matched to the verified wall",
    "Suitable cutting tools with guards, support and extraction",
    "Clamps and manufacturer-specific cabinet assembly tools"
  ],
  "preparation": [
    "Measure the room in several places and record door, window, floor and wall variation.",
    "Map existing water, waste, ventilation, gas and electrical points without assuming they can be moved.",
    "Check every appliance's installation, clearance, ventilation and service specification.",
    "Approve the cabinet schedule, opening direction, fillers, worktop joins and installation sequence before ordering.",
    "Book appropriately qualified trades for every regulated or specialist connection."
  ],
  "safety": [
    "Do not alter gas, fixed electrical, structural or unknown plumbing systems as part of cabinet fitting.",
    "Large cabinets and worktops require safe lifting, support and a clear installation route.",
    "Verify every fixing path; kitchen walls commonly contain concealed services.",
    "Do not use an unsupported or unfamiliar cutting setup for panels or worktops."
  ],
  "steps": [
    {
      "title": "Survey and define the scope",
      "instruction": "Create an as-is measured plan, list what stays and identify every trade-dependent item.",
      "stopIf": "Stop if the design assumes unverified structural changes or moved gas, electrical, water or waste services."
    },
    {
      "title": "Approve the design",
      "instruction": "Check cabinet dimensions, fillers, doors, appliance clearances, worktop joins and access against the real room."
    },
    {
      "title": "Prepare the room",
      "instruction": "Have authorised trades isolate or alter services, then repair and check walls and floors before cabinets arrive."
    },
    {
      "title": "Assemble and set the reference",
      "instruction": "Build cabinets to their instructions and establish a level datum based on the highest part of the floor."
    },
    {
      "title": "Fit and align cabinets",
      "instruction": "Install in the planned sequence, securing only to verified structure and checking level, plumb and door lines continuously."
    },
    {
      "title": "Fit worktops and finishes",
      "instruction": "Use the maker's supported cutting and joining method, then fit panels, plinths and handles."
    },
    {
      "title": "Complete trade connections",
      "instruction": "Have the appropriate professionals connect, test and certify regulated or specialist services before use."
    }
  ],
  "professionalCheckpoints": [
    "Gas appliances, pipework and flues require an appropriately registered gas professional.",
    "New circuits, moved sockets, hard-wired appliances and other fixed electrical work require a qualified electrician.",
    "Structural changes require professional design and any local approvals before work starts.",
    "Complex water, waste and appliance connections should be completed and tested by a competent plumber or installer.",
    "Stone, solid-surface and unfamiliar worktops normally need templating or fabrication by a specialist."
  ]
}