Have you just bought your dream house or want to give your existing kitchen a complete overhaul? If the answer is yes, then you certainly have a few crucial decisions to make. Do you want to go on the traditional path with a civil kitchen (one that’s designed by a carpenter) or are you looking for something more upscale with one that’s built-in a factory, also known as a modular kitchen? Carpenters have been the first choice for Indian homeowners for decades when it comes to any home improvement project. However, the kitchen industry has seen marked developments with factory-made variants. Different elements such as cabinets, shutters, and panels are gathered and built together in a factory to make one cohesive kitchen unit.
Differences Between Modular Kitchen and Civil Kitchen
Modular Kitchens Move With You
The most significant difference between a modular and civil kitchen is the difference in functionalities of each. The biggest advantage of modular kitchens is that they can be assembled and reassembled. This means that every time you move home, your kitchen comes with you. In contrast, with civil kitchens, cabinets once built are permanent, making it impossible to dismantle them later. Therefore, when you shift, you will have no option but to leave everything behind.
The Perfect Finish
Modular kitchens are popular today because of their sleek and smooth finishes. They are light on the eyes as they are designed with fine and clean edges. Machine-made edge banding is brilliant because it is durable and lends an aesthetically pleasing look too. This is definitely not the case with civil kitchens. The quality and finish are always at stake as they are built manually. Even the most experienced carpenter will not be able to build you a kitchen with the perfectly seamless finish of modular kitchens.
Storage Options Galore
Since modular kitchens are built to suit your needs, you can design one with customized storage options. A designated corisan rack for spices, cabinets, cutlery organizers, S-carousel, oil pull-outs, tandem and skirting drawers, janitor units, pantry, magic corner units, vertical tray storage—absolutely anything and everything you want to cook in a clutter-free zone. Your neighborhood carpenter may not be able to give you a kitchen built with the latest technology or hardware that has become a basic requirement for modern homeowners.
A 3D Look Into Your Design
If you have opted for a modular kitchen, your design firm will give you a visual tour of your dream kitchen as well as a 3D presentation. And the biggest perk is that the end result will be just like the visual. Needless to say, visualization is next to impossible with carpenters. A carpenter cannot give you a sense of what your kitchen is going to look like with the latest 3D technology or virtual reality. At most, your carpenter will give you a rough sketch on paper. However, there is no guarantee that your kitchen will turn out exactly the same.
Modular Kitchens Are Easy To Clean
Kitchens are likely to get dirty frequently, and keeping them clean requires regular maintenance. A modular kitchen makes life simpler because its fittings can be detached, cleaned, and attached right back. With civil kitchens, cabinets are fixed to permanence. It is difficult to deep clean hidden corners and edges. For modern families with fast-paced lifestyles, a modular kitchen is a safer and simpler option.
Modular Kitchens Are Durable And Sustainable
Civil kitchens are often made with materials sourced at the discretion of your carpenter. This means there is no guarantee your kitchen will last for years to come. Second, with trends changing rapidly, you will find yourself in a spot when you want to replace old parts or accessories. On the other hand, modular kitchen setups are machine-fixed, ensuring long-lasting quality.
A Hassle-Free Experience
The process of designing and building a civil kitchen is lengthy and messy. It takes months to get a carpenter-made kitchen up and functional. Also, you will end up spending a lot of time finding a good carpenter as well as sourcing the right materials. However, modular kitchens save you time and energy. Your entire kitchen is built in a factory and then installed in your home, often within just a couple of days.
No Surprise Costs In A Modular Kitchen Design
Now for the best part—modular kitchens are designed to your budget. Once you sign off on a design, the price remains fixed. You will not be hit with surprise costs. As long as there is no change in your design or requirements, the price stays true to estimate. With civil kitchens, budgets fluctuate, and your carpenter may add costs for extra materials and fixtures, escalating your overall expenses.
Civil Kitchens: Advantages and Disadvantages
Basic in Design and Technology
An advantage of having a civil kitchen is that you can create a cooking space that is entirely unique. However, a downside is that quality and finish are beyond your control since everything is manually built with rudimentary tools and techniques.
Building A Civil Kitchen Is A Long And Lengthy Process
If you opt for a civil kitchen, you will have to manage the purchase of materials, finishes, and hardware. Beware of hidden charges that you may not have discussed with your carpenter. Another disadvantage is fluctuating costs, making budgeting difficult.
Carpenters Provide Only Hand Drawings
It is easier for a carpenter to accommodate small changes and customizations, but they cannot provide a 3D view of your entire design before construction begins. Working with an interior design company, however, ensures a digital preview of your kitchen’s interiors before work starts.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it—a complete breakdown of modular and civil kitchens. It is safe to say that modular kitchens are far superior in terms of design, finishes, cost efficiency, and quality. If you want to avoid the hassle of carpenters and fluctuating costs, consulting an interior design firm might be the best way to achieve your dream kitchen.
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