Hiring a temporary kitchen is straightforward — but a little preparation goes a long way. These five checks will save you time, money, and stress, whether you're hiring a domestic driveway pod or a commercial modular kitchen.
1. Driveway and Access Dimensions
The single most common reason for delayed deliveries is access problems. Before you book, measure the following:
Your Driveway / Installation Space
- Length: Measure the longest usable dimension (not including gates, walls, or obstacles)
- Width: Measure at the narrowest point
- Surface: Note whether it's tarmac, concrete, gravel, block paving, or grass
- Slope: Pods need a reasonably level surface. A slight slope is usually fine; a steep gradient may need levelling boards.
Access Route
- Gate width: If you have side gates, measure the clear opening. Most pods need at least 2.5m clear width.
- Overhead clearance: Check for low tree branches, washing lines, or overhead cables. Delivery trucks with crane attachments need at least 4m overhead clearance.
- Turning space: The delivery truck needs to reach your driveway. Measure the road width and any tight corners.
Pro tip: Use our Driveway Fit Checker to see which units fit your measured dimensions.
What If Your Driveway Is Too Small?
If a standard pod won't fit, you still have options:
- Indoor capsule unit: Fits inside a garage or spare room, no driveway needed
- Compact pod: Some providers offer smaller units for tight spaces
- Garden placement: If you have a flat patio or hard-standing area in the garden, some providers can install there instead
2. Power and Water Supply
Your temporary kitchen needs utilities. Check what's available before you get quotes:
Electricity
- Where is your consumer unit (fuse box)? The closer it is to the driveway, the cheaper the electrical connection.
- Is there a spare circuit? Most pods need a dedicated 32-amp circuit. Your electrician will check if your consumer unit has capacity.
- Is there an outdoor socket? Not essential, but useful for the electrician to test before running the dedicated circuit.
Water
- Do you have an outside tap? This is the easiest way to connect a water supply to the pod.
- Where is your nearest water pipe? If there's no outside tap, the plumber will need to tee off an internal pipe — which takes longer.
Drainage
- Where is your nearest drain? The pod's waste water needs to drain somewhere. A drain within 5–10 metres of the pod location is ideal.
- Is it a foul drain (connected to sewage) or surface water drain? Kitchen waste should go to a foul drain.
Gas (If Applicable)
- Do you have a gas meter? If yes, a Gas Safe engineer can usually tap into the supply.
- Is the meter accessible? External meters are easier to work with than internal ones.
- Would you consider electric-only? Choosing electric-only eliminates gas connection costs (£100–£250) and speeds up installation.
3. Planning Permission Requirements
Most domestic temporary kitchens do not need planning permission. However, you should check if any of these apply:
When You Might Need Permission
- Conservation areas: If you live in a designated conservation area, temporary structures visible from a public road may need permission.
- Listed buildings: Properties near or within listed buildings have stricter rules.
- Long-term hire: If the pod will be in place for more than 28 days, some local authorities want to be notified. For hires over 6 months, formal temporary planning consent may be needed.
- Commercial premises: Temporary kitchens on business sites almost always need some form of planning or licensing notification.
How to Check
- Call your local council's planning department. They can tell you in one phone call whether your proposed temporary kitchen needs any permissions.
- Most councils respond within 1–2 working days to simple enquiries like this.
Neighbour Considerations
Even if you don't need planning permission, it's good practice to tell your immediate neighbours. A temporary kitchen on a driveway is visible and the delivery truck may briefly block the road. A quick heads-up avoids complaints.
4. Hire Duration and Break Clauses
Minimum Hire Periods
Most providers have a minimum hire period — typically 1–2 weeks for domestic pods. Some commercial providers require 4-week minimums. Always ask about minimums before signing.
What If Your Renovation Overruns?
Kitchen renovations frequently overrun. Check the provider's policy on:
- Extensions: Can you extend week by week without penalty?
- Notice period: How much notice do you need to give for collection? (Usually 3–7 days)
- Rate changes: Does the weekly rate change if you extend beyond the original period?
What If You Finish Early?
- Early termination: Can you return the pod early? Some providers offer partial refunds; others don't.
- Collection scheduling: How quickly can the provider collect once you're done? Most collect within 3–5 working days of notification.
Get It in Writing
Before signing any hire agreement, make sure the following are clearly stated:
- Start date and expected end date
- Weekly/monthly rate
- Extension policy and rate
- Early termination terms
- Delivery and collection charges
- What's included (appliances, crockery, connection fees)
- Insurance / damage waiver terms
5. Provider Certifications and Insurance
What to Check
- Public liability insurance: Does the provider carry adequate public liability cover? This protects you if the pod or its installation causes damage to your property.
- Gas Safe registration: If the pod uses gas, the connection must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Ask the provider for their Gas Safe registration number.
- Electrical certifications: The electrician should provide a Part P certificate or Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) for the connection.
- Professional memberships: Some providers are members of trade bodies like the Catering Equipment Suppliers Association (CESA) or the Builders Merchants Federation.
- Trustpilot or Google reviews: Check recent reviews from other customers. Look for patterns — consistent praise or recurring complaints.
Why This Matters
A reputable provider will have all certifications readily available and will share them without hesitation. If a provider is vague about their insurance or certifications, consider it a red flag and look elsewhere.
Quick Pre-Hire Checklist
Use this checklist before confirming your booking:
- Driveway measured (length, width, surface type)
- Access route checked (gate width, overhead clearance, turning space)
- Consumer unit location identified and spare capacity confirmed
- Water supply point identified (outside tap or nearest pipe)
- Nearest drain located and type confirmed (foul or surface)
- Planning permission checked (if conservation area or long hire)
- Neighbours informed
- At least 2–3 quotes obtained
- Hire terms reviewed (minimums, extensions, early termination)
- Provider certifications verified (insurance, Gas Safe, electrical)
- Fully itemised quote received (no hidden extras)
Next Steps
Ready to start? Browse providers near you on FindAKitchen, compare options, and request quotes. Most providers respond within 24 hours and can deliver within a few days.
Related: Does Home Insurance Cover Temporary Kitchen Hire? | Trade Partner Programme