We Only Came to Fix the Heating…

How One Callout Turned Into a Complete Kitchen Transformation

TL;DR

• What started as a heating pump repair became a full kitchen refurbishment project.
• I coordinated the entire transformation from strip-out to final finish alongside trusted local trades.
• The project included a full kitchen rewire, new consumer unit, plumbing, heating, flooring, plastering and bespoke carpentry.
• Midway through the build, we added a roof lantern to flood the space with natural light.
• The finished result completely transformed the feel of the property and became a real team effort from everyone involved.

Although Jeelek Electrical Services is known primarily as a NICEIC Approved electrical contractor, projects like this also show the wider experience we bring to carefully managed refurbishment work.

From the very beginning, this project was just as much about organisation, communication and coordination as it was about installation work.

I worked closely with the client throughout the entire process, helping shape ideas, manage timelines and coordinate trusted local tradespeople to ensure every stage flowed smoothly from one phase to the next.

Rather than simply arriving to complete the electrical works and disappear, we project managed the refurbishment from start to finish.

That included:

• Coordinating quotations and scheduling
• Managing trusted trades on-site
• Working alongside the client on design decisions
• Adjusting plans as the project evolved
• Ensuring the final finish matched the client’s expectations
• Keeping communication clear throughout the build

It’s a hands-on, collaborative approach that helps refurbishment projects stay organised while still allowing flexibility and creativity along the way.

Before the transformation could begin, the existing kitchen had to be completely stripped out.

The first stage involved isolating and removing all electrical, gas and water services safely before removing the old commercial kitchen appliances and ventilation system.

Once everything was cleared and cleaned down, we took the room right back to a shell — creating a blank canvas to rebuild properly from the ground up.

To ensure the new kitchen would sit perfectly level and true throughout, we installed:

• New perimeter stud walls
• A new dropped ceiling
• A timber subfloor system



Only once the structure was correct could the first-fix electrical and plumbing works begin.

One of the standout features of this project actually wasn’t part of the original plan.

Midway through the build, Marie and I realised the room needed more natural light to really achieve the feel we wanted from the finished kitchen.

After discussing options with the carpentry team, we made the decision to introduce a roof lantern into the design.

The result completely changed the atmosphere of the space.

Flooded with natural light and paired with the calm finish seen in the final reveal reel, the kitchen became far more than just functional — it became warm, open and inviting.

It’s something I strongly believe in:

Design is part of the build process. Sometimes you need to let the project evolve naturally to achieve the best result.

That flexibility and collaboration is often what separates a good refurbishment from a truly memorable one.

While we coordinated the wider refurbishment, the electrical side of the project still remained a major part of the works.

The installation included:

• A full kitchen rewire
• A brand-new consumer unit
• New lighting installations
• Power circuits for the new kitchen layout
• Electrical works for the new heating and hot water system
• Modern, safe installations compliant with current regulations

As always, the goal was to combine practicality, safety and clean finishing details to support the overall design of the space.

Balancing technical electrical expertise with understanding the bigger picture of a refurbishment project is something we pride ourselves on at Jeelek Electrical Services.

Projects like this are never a one-person job.

A huge amount of credit goes to the trusted trades who worked alongside us throughout the refurbishment:

• Dave & Lorenne Schaffer Decorating
• Pat Walsh Plastering
• AB Plumbing & Heating
• Ayden and Reece from A R Carpentry
• And of course the owner, Marie, whose ideas and collaboration helped shape the final result!

From plastering and decorating through to carpentry, plumbing and all the finishing touches, every trade played an important role in bringing the kitchen together.



The final outcome is a reflection of what can happen when experienced local trades work collaboratively under clear project coordination.

The contrast between the original kitchen and the finished space is incredible.

What started as a dark, tired and highly unusual kitchen area has been transformed into a bright, modern and welcoming space filled with natural light and thoughtful finishing details.

The before-and-after reel captures that transformation perfectly — moving from the original “surprise behind the door” to the calm, light-filled kitchen now sitting in its place.

For me, it’s another reminder that some of the most rewarding projects begin with the simplest phone calls.

Even if they do occasionally come with a bit of a shock when you first open the door 😶.