1. Food

   We suggest that you consider how, where and what you are going to eat while work progresses. Creating a space for a microwave, kettle, toaster and fridge as a mini-kitchen will do much to cater for your basic needs during the installation. Some families find that preparing meals in advance and freezing them in individual portions can help save the cost of takeaways or eating out. For others, friends and family can accommodate while others prefer to do some limited cooking. To help in this respect, InstallXL has a two-zone portable induction hob - feel free to ask a loan of it.

2. Washing

   Access to a washing machine can be important as well – especially for families with younger children. If you would like to use your washing machine or dryer during the installation, please let us know so we can accommodate your requirements.

3. Services

   Power, gas, water, and internet access are essential considerations, particularly if you work from home. Typically, these services may be off for short periods during the first few days of work. We will always notify you beforehand and, if needed, provide temporary power for devices like computers, routers, or fridge/freezers. No services will be switched off overnight.

4. Family

   Please assist us by making sure that, for safety reasons, children or pets do not enter the fit area at any time. If any family member has any special needs or requires special attention, please advise us so that we can be aware and make provisions for their needs.

5. Packing up

   Please ensure that by the start of the first day of the installation, all cabinets are empty, all decorations in the immediate area are removed, and all access routes to the room are clear of items. Additionally, if any services (water main stop cock, hot water isolator (usually located in the airing cupboard), gas meter and electric fuse board) are not located in the fit area please make sure they are readily accessible. Remember to keep a few cups, plates, bowls and utensils handy for breakfast and refreshments.

6. Storage & getting the rest of your property ready

   It's likely that we will be using a Hippobag or skip to remove the rubbish. We will have a conversation with you about it's placement. Please let us know if you have any concerns about the protection or strength of the selected area particularly while a lorry places and picks up the skip.

It's likely that we will need an area to store items till they are ready to be installed. Preferably this would be near the kitchen or in a garage. Typically a space of 4m2 normally is sufficient for some cabinets or appliances plus somewhere for some long items like plinth and cornice.

7. Keys and security

   If you are away while works progress, pleased be prepared to provide us with a set of keys and any access or alarm codes. We have procedures to keep keys safe and codes confidential.

   
   Increased activity and a skip outside your property will draw attention. Please give some consideration to the general security of your property and let us know anything that will affect you or our (particularly our vans) security.

8. Parking
   If you live in an area that has controlled or restricted parking, please be prepared to provide us with a parking permit for the duration of the works.

9. Neighbours

   Parking, noise and dust are details that may affect your neighbours. We will always be respectful of those around us and limit our impact on them, but your courtesy in letting them know that there will be a period of increased activity around your property may help put their minds at rest and allow them to make any adjustments necessary or allow them to voice any concerns or needs they may have.

These notes are based on our experience and that of the BIKBBI – see https://www.bikbbi.org.uk/preparing-for-installation/. We hope they help your preparations. If you have any questions or comments please don’t hesitate to ask.