ºÚÁÏרÇø

Residents have high expectations but maintenance and upkeep must be easy and affordable

Based on our specification experience within the BTR sector we suggest a number of items should be planned into the kitchen wherever possible. Ìý
Ìý
The aim is ofÌýoptimising the space available and delivering wellÌýthought out, practical solutions for residents, whilst ensuring maintenance and upkeep is easy and affordable. Ìý
 Ìý
The way kitchen facilities are laid outÌýisÌýa matter of meeting resident expectations as well as good aesthetics.  In our experience there areÌýpitfalls to avoid and best practices to adoptÌýin meeting those requirementsÌýandÌýalso in settingÌýtheÌýgroundwork for easy maintenance. Ìý
Ìý
Environmental factors,Ìýplus initiatives such as food preservation technologies that reduce waste,Ìýare becoming increasingly important to potentialÌýresidents, so look at energy ratings, water usage and other sustainable aspects of the appliances you choose.   Ìý

Appliance basics   Ìý

As a minimum,ÌýmostÌýresidents would expect their kitchen to include a combi fridge freezer, a²Ô oven and hob plus microwave. If the property doesn’t have a utility area,Ìýadding laundry appliances either as a separate washing machine and tumble dryer, o°ù washer dryer if space is limited,Ìýand a‾·¾±²õ³ó·É²¹²õ³ó±ð°ù would deliver the complete kitchen. Ìý

Space will be the driving factorÌýwhen it comes to choosing appliances,ÌýandÌýmost manufacturers will have solutions toÌýensure it isÌýoptimised,Ìýwhether it be slimmerÌýproducts, different capacities or clever tech like a multi-function oven.  Ìý

Each of these configurations may meet resident needs but have different space considerations or hidden trade-offs that are best avoided. Ìý

FoodÌýcooling andÌýstorage Ìý

While under-counter drawer-based options for food cooling and storage are available, these do not typically provide sufficient space for most users.   Ìý

A better solution is a combi fridge-freezer which may take up more floor space but tends to provide the storage that residents need.  Ìý

Those offering frostÌýfree automatic defrosting help avoid maintenance visits or worse, residentsÌýdoing it themselves andÌýdamaging the appliance.  Ìý

Depending on the model or brand chosen, a combi fridge freezer may also include foodÌýpreservation technology which helps extend the life of food whether it be meat,Ìýfish,ÌýfruitÌýor vegetables.  This in turnÌýhelpsÌýin reduceÌýwaste, a²Ôd resident’s weekly shopping bill.  Ìý

Cooking solutions Ìý

Ovens are available for both built-in or built-under installation meaning they can be part of a tower cupboard unit or, more typically,ÌýsetÌýbelow the hob. They can beÌýsingleÌýor double-oven formatsÌý– orÌýeven 2-in-1Ìýovens providing varying capacities.   Ìý
 Ìý
It’s worth checking functionalityÌýas many will include basic functions (grill, defrost and fan cooking) plus an array of further cookingÌýoptions. Becoming increasingly available areÌýoptions for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. Ìý

Additional features like removable door glass andÌýself-cleaning functionality are important considerations for maintenance and keeping the appliance pristine.  Ìý

The perfect hob Ìý

OurÌýrecommendation isÌýto installÌýinduction hobs where possible.ÌýÌý

This style of hobÌýonly heats the pan surface and reduces the risk of burns, isÌýextremely energy efficient and offers the user the quickest technology along with precise control.ÌýÌý

It isÌýeasier to maintain (both during residencyÌýand at lease end) andÌýwith the electrification of the grid, they are a better option for future proofing. Ìý
For anything other than a small studio, a 60cm hob really is important. Ìý

Microwaves Ìý

While countertop microwaves might be available, typically their inclusion removes valuable real estate – available worktop surface for food preparation.   

If including a fridge-freezer as recommended, thisÌýis typicallyÌýincorporated in a set of wall units with a wall-mounted microwave. Ìý

An alternative is to include a combination oven that has microwave functionality. Ìý

Dishwashers  Ìý

MostÌýresidents will expectÌýa dishwasherÌýto be provided as standard. As well as enhancing the apartment’s specification and thereby increasing the likelihood of securing a tenancy agreement, aÌýdishwasherÌýcanÌýoffer benefitsÌýlike saving water and freeing up time. Ìý

However, if the space is open plan, consider the noise during operation.Ìý

Laundry appliances  Ìý

Residents will expect either a washing machine or a washer-dryer to be included. In apartments the laundry appliance is often within the service / utility cupboard.Ìý

TheÌýdepth of many laundry appliances may make this difficult, however,Ìýwasher-dryers no more than 500mm deepÌýcan be sourcedÌýandÌýeven shallowerÌýwashingÌýmachines are available.  Ìý

Minimising the impact on the environment  Ìý

The appliance selection process should aim to minimise the impact on the environment locally whilst in use, from a manufacturing source perspective and in terms of recyclability at end of its life.   Ìý
 Ìý
Energy labelling offers a perspective on the energy consumption of products during typical operation, butÌýdo not coverÌýthe management of materials,Ìýemissions and energy embedded in the production.   Ìý
 Ìý
As part ofÌýaÌýsustainability strategy, consult the credentials of the manufacturer (for exampleÌýwithin their Annual Report and wider sustainability reporting) to understand their approach toward managing such impacts. Ìý

Warranty options Ìý

Some of the ongoing maintenance costs can be better managed.ÌýÌý

By selecting products covered by a warranty, maintenance costs can be minimised. Ìý

Whilst it is the norm for kitchen appliances installed within new-build schemes to be covered with a two-year warranty, one or two premium brands offer longer  warranties as standard. Ìý
 Ìý