Essential Kitchen Planning for New Builds: Insights from Küchen Design by Hörsch

When embarking on the journey of building a new home, many homeowners focus on the structural elements, heating systems, and outdoor spaces. Unfortunately, kitchen planning often takes a backseat until the walls are erected and the floors are drying. This oversight can lead to costly mistakes, such as incorrectly positioned connections, mismatched hoods, and refrigerators that can't be opened due to spatial constraints. To avoid these pitfalls, it's crucial to start kitchen planning before electrical and plumbing work begins. We spoke with the team from Küchen Design by Hörsch in Welzheim to uncover the key considerations for homeowners.

Timing is Key: Start Planning Early

When should homeowners initiate kitchen planning? Torsten Hörsch, Managing Director: Ideally, kitchen planning should commence before electricians and plumbers begin their work. Practically, this means as soon as the floor plan is established and wall thicknesses are determined. If planning occurs only after the interior work is completed, homeowners must adapt to existing connections. Early planning allows for connections to be placed exactly where appliances, sinks, and outlets will ultimately be located.

Common Mistakes in Connections

What are the most frequent mistakes made with connections? Torsten Hörsch: A common error is placing the water connection for the sink too far to the outside, which can lead to conflicts with the siphon and the cabinet. Additionally, the outlet for the oven is often installed behind the appliance instead of in an adjacent cabinet, complicating future replacements. Furthermore, the exhaust duct for the range hood is sometimes overlooked, especially if the homeowner later opts for a recirculating model.

Discussing Measurements, Style, and Budget

How does an initial consultation at the kitchen studio proceed? Torsten Hörsch: We begin with three essential questions: Who cooks, how often, and for how many people? What are the room dimensions, including windows, doors, and radiators? And what is the realistic budget? Only after addressing these factors do we discuss styles—modern, timeless, classic, or country—and layouts such as L-shaped, U-shaped, island kitchens, or open-concept designs.

What are the typical budget ranges? Torsten Hörsch: Budget ranges are highly individual and depend significantly on the choice of fronts, appliances, countertops, and features. For instance, open kitchens with islands, premium fronts, and integrated appliances are typically in a much higher price bracket compared to standard compact solutions. It's crucial to communicate your budget early on to avoid planning in a price range that may later require adjustments.

Appliances, Warranty, and Service Considerations

What appliance decisions do homeowners often underestimate? Torsten Hörsch: The refrigerator is frequently a point of contention. Many homeowners opt for a freestanding model due to lower costs but later regret the visible gap and depth issues. Similarly, dishwashers are often selected too small; families cooking regularly for four should consider a 60cm model rather than a 45cm one that needs to run multiple times a day.

How important is warranty coverage? Torsten Hörsch: Warranty is extremely important, as kitchens are intended to last for many years. We offer a 10-year warranty on our furniture, as hinges, pull-outs, and fittings are common weak points. For appliances, the respective manufacturer warranties apply, which can often be extended for an additional fee.

Sustainability, Delivery Times, and Installation

What are the current delivery times? Torsten Hörsch: Typically, several weeks pass between order placement and installation, depending on the manufacturer and any special requests. For those planning in new builds, it's advisable to schedule the measurement appointment as soon as the flooring and interior plastering are complete. This ensures that measurements are finalized in time for the planned move-in date.

How significant is sustainability in kitchen planning? Torsten Hörsch: Sustainability is becoming increasingly important. We prioritize low-emission materials, regional manufacturers, and durable constructions. With our initiative "New Kitchen, New Tree," we plant a tree for every kitchen sold. While this does not replace a comprehensive ecological balance, it illustrates that a kitchen's impact extends beyond the installation week.

What sets your locally rooted studio apart from larger providers? Torsten Hörsch: We've been established in Welzheim since 1973, which means we have a deep understanding of our region. This leads to shorter distances, personal contacts, and consultation that continues beyond the purchase agreement. We provide furniture, appliances, and accessories all in one place, including installation and service.