Have you fallen in love with a fantastic kitchen design idea, but aren’t sure whether you’ll be able to afford it or not? It’s a common predicament for people interested in upgrading their old kitchens, so don’t worry – you’re not alone in your kitchen makeover musings.

While an up-to-date kitchen is definitely a worthwhile investment, it’s important to weigh up the costs of new fittings and fixtures against the potential added value of your property. If you end up spending too much, you’ll make a loss as a result.

It’s true that if you want to replace absolutely everything – we’re talking units, doors, appliances, flooring, and all – then this will easily run up a bill of several thousand pounds. And that’s before you have to pay the professionals to remove your old kitchen and install the new one for you.

You may end up paying less than this figure based on a number of factors, such as how big your kitchen is, which style you choose, and how many new elements you require. It’s important to remember that it is possible to buy a new kitchen on every kind of budget.

Still wondering about the average costs of installing a new kitchen in the UK? This blog provides a breakdown of all the aspects that can affect your budget, letting you know what to watch out for and where you can make some savings. Hopefully, this guide will help you to successfully plan for a stunning new kitchen without overspending!

 

How much does it cost to make kitchen ideas a reality?

It’s common knowledge that kitchens and bathrooms are some of the most expensive home renovations. The eye-watering cost of an entirely new kitchen can put people off the idea of an overdue upgrade, but it’s definitely possible to achieve the kitchen of your dreams without a daunting price tag attached.

According to Rated People, the average cost of fitting a brand new kitchen can range from £3,000 to £12,000, with an average expenditure of £6,000. This means that the median price between the low end and high end is £7,500. If these costs come as a shock, bear in mind that they cover an entire kitchen refit – although they don’t always include fees for installation or other extra work.

However, there are many ways to create a shiny new kitchen without shelling out for a complete overhaul. As long as you carefully assess which areas you can afford to renovate, and stick to a pre-determined plan, you could soon be enjoying a transformed kitchen without excessive costs.

Here are three tips to help you get started with saving money on your new kitchen:

Establish your new kitchen budget

Before you even start looking at new kitchen designs, you should calculate how much you’re able and willing to spend in total. Without setting a maximum amount and sticking to it, the costs can quickly spiral out of control and turn what should be an exciting experience into a nightmare.

You’ll need to consider not just the materials but also any services you’ll need to hire, such as plumbing and electrics. It’s important to be realistic about what you can afford and only look at options within your budget. Of course, if you find that you can’t live without an aspect that’s a little more expensive, you can compromise by shaving off some of the costs in other areas.

Once you’ve established your budget, you’ll find it much easier to select materials, appliances, gadgets, and accessories that you can actually afford. This takes some of the stress out of planning, because you’ll know immediately whether a particular selection is possible or not. Don’t forget to allow a small percentage over your final figure to cover any unforeseen expenses, too.

Know what you want and what you need

Once you know how much money you have to spare for this project, you can begin thinking about what you want your kitchen to look like and how you want to use it. Do you need more storage than you currently have? Is the layout fine as it is, or could you move things around to improve the flow? Though practicality is important, the biggest question is: which aesthetic do you prefer?

It’s easy to be seduced by appearances when kitchen shopping, but you should always think about whether something you want is actually what you need. For example, top-of-the-range appliances aren’t necessary if you won’t use them that often, and you might not need new units if they’re still structurally sound enough to simply replace the doors.

Bear in mind that even if you long for luxury materials, you could still achieve a similar aesthetic using cheaper alternatives. Vinyl and laminate are cost-effective substitutes to make floors, walls, or work surfaces look like wood or tile. Stay somewhat flexible with your choices and you’re sure to find what you need in a style that suits your tastes.

Look for the best value on the market

If you’re serious about keeping the cost of a new kitchen down, research is absolutely essential. Generally, the more straightforward and basic a product is, the cheaper it will be. There are so many different options and finishes out there that you really need to investigate further before settling on the first thing that catches your eye.

Shop around and compare cabinets, doors, worktops, and appliances for quality and price. Are you paying more for extra features, or can you get the same thing cheaper elsewhere? Prices vary considerably, so it always pays to take your time and conduct thorough research before wrapping up your plan and finalising the purchases.

The key to carrying off your kitchen redesign without a financial hitch is to find the best value on the market. At Kitchen Warehouse, we’re pleased to offer excellent quality kitchens at competitive prices, saving you money on a variety of styles, colours, and finishes. We specialise in producing affordable kitchen units and kitchen doors, helping you to make the most of your budget.

 

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How much does a new kitchen cost in the UK?

As we stated earlier, you can expect to pay an average of £7,500 for a full kitchen, including VAT and basic installation costs. Of course, prices depend on varying factors, such as the size of the room, the materials and style, and appliance brands. If refitting your kitchen will involve moving the plumbing or electrical wiring, or plastering and repainting walls, these costs will add up.

Similarly, HomeHow also estimates that fitting a medium-sized kitchen will cost between £6,000 and £9,000. A smaller kitchen, with up to 7 units, might clock in at around £4,000 to £6,000. Larger kitchens, with between 10 and 15 units, would be looking at £8,000 at least. The number of units will be one of the biggest factors determining the cost of a kitchen refit.

The other major factor is not just how many items you need, but the materials and designs you choose. For example, premium kitchens with large smart appliances and real wood and stone can cost up to £20,000 or more. Before you start sweating over how expensive this sounds, remember that there are plenty of budget-friendly kitchens available that are much cheaper.

To help you get a handle on exactly where your money will be going, here’s a run-down of the expenses involved in refurbishing a kitchen. Read on to learn how much you can expect to spend on each element and ways to keep kitchen costs down.

1) Kitchen design visits

Some retailers provide free design visits as part of their package, while others offer it as an add-on service and charge around £50 extra. If you’re clueless about interior design and don’t know what would be best for you and your family, you might consider hiring a specialist. A kitchen designer can help you measure and plan every detail, taking care of both the practicalities and aesthetics.

The downside is that private services like these can be very expensive. Some charge an hourly fee, while some may charge a flat rate depending on your project’s budget – according to Design for Me, this is usually at least 5% of the project cost. Though it will take more time and effort on your part, you can save money by researching design ideas online and replicating them yourself.

2) Counters, cupboards, and worktops

The kitchen cabinets you choose will be the bones of your kitchen, while the cupboard doors and counters provide a pretty face. You want your worktops to have the ‘wow factor’ as well as being functional. You could kit out your kitchen with laminate worktops for less than £1,000, at an average cost of £20-£50 per square metre. By contrast, natural marble or solid wood can cost anywhere from £150 per square metre to a whopping £500.

When it comes to kitchen units, you need something sturdy but not necessarily flashy. A standard base unit or wall unit is likely to come in at £20-£70 per cabinet. Drawer units can cost around £50 each, while fancier storage options like tall larders or carousel mechanisms will obviously cost more. If you’re on a tight budget, there’s always the affordable option of replacement kitchen doors instead of refitting the entire unit.

3) What about appliances?

Without the proper equipment for cooking and cleaning, what use is a kitchen? Your appliances are some of the most important additions. Of course, you don’t necessarily have to replace everything when updating your kitchen – but you do need to be wary of mismatched styles if that’s not the look you’re going for. Buying new gives you the opportunity to invest in a co-ordinated collection from the same brand, whether this is a high-end label or not.

The fridge, freezer, oven, hob, and sink are most important, followed by the microwave, kettle, and maybe a dishwasher. You can expect to pay from a few hundred to a few thousand pounds per item for the former group, while the latter is likely to cost between a few dozen to a few hundred. Rated People puts the average cost for a basic set of kitchen appliances at £1,900, not including electrical wiring and plumbing costs or extra equipment.

4) Don’t forget your flooring

Unless you’ve already redone your kitchen floor in recent years, you don’t want shabby old flooring to dull your new kitchen’s shine. The cost of flooring again depends on the size of the space you need to cover and the materials you choose. HomeHow estimates that the average cost of new kitchen tiles is £60-£75 per square metre, including professional fitting. The price is around the same for wood flooring at up to £80 per square metre.

If you opt for vinyl or laminate instead, you’re looking at a lower cost of £20-£30 per square metre. Durable and easy to clean, it does the job just fine while being relatively inexpensive. You can imitate the appearance of wood or tiles on the floor or walls if you really want that look, and even create a chic fake backsplash without splashing the cash. You might want to consider painting the walls or adding new wallpaper, too, which of course comes at a further cost.

5) Old kitchen removal costs

Before you can install your new kitchen, someone will have to tear out the old fittings and dispose of them responsibly. If this isn’t included as part of an installation service from the retailer, you might prefer to hire a professional fitter to do this for you. This is likely to cost £150-£200 for the whole kitchen. There may be an additional fee if you need tiles or flooring to be pulled up, too.

If you’re removing the sink or dishwasher, this will require a plumber to ensure the water connections aren’t messed up, just as removing lighting will require an electrician. Other than this, if you’re simply ripping out cupboards and sideboards, it could be easier to DIY it and save money by giving the parts away, then taking whatever’s left to the tip for recycling. It may also be cheaper and more efficient to contact a local tradesperson just to collect the waste.

6) Installation and wiring

Though there are several places where you can cut corners to save money, one thing that you should never scrimp on is safety. Anything involving gas, electricity, or water should be left to a qualified expert who can safely disconnect and reconnect your systems. If your new kitchen installation requires plumbing or wiring, that means you’ll need to hire an appropriate professional to complete the work for you.

The labour costs for fitting a kitchen are usually included in the overall price of the purchase, but when they aren’t you’ll need to pay someone separately. Similarly, when large appliances include set-up with delivery, you can expect them to get things in working order. When fitters don’t include plumbing or electrics, their services can cost £30-£60 per hour. The less they have to do, the less it will cost, so think carefully about what exactly you need to replace and relocate.

 

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5 ways to reduce the cost of a new kitchen

While it’s true that a brand-new kitchen is always going to be a big investment, regardless of how much you budget and shop around for sales, it doesn’t always have to cost the Earth. The most cost-effective option is to just upgrade your existing kitchen, rather than replacing the whole thing.

Sure, you won’t have the opportunity to change the current layout – but if you’re happy with it and it’s been working for you so far, why reinvent the wheel? You can save yourself the hassle and disruption of a full-blown kitchen renovation and still achieve the look and feel of a completely new kitchen, refreshing your home with minimal disruption and less damage to your bank account.

Aside from adding a fresh coat of paint to the walls, ceiling, or the cupboards themselves, here are five things you can do to create the look of a new kitchen, minus the expensive bill of a renovation:

1) Change your lighting

You don’t have to rewire your kitchen and replace every lighting fixture to change the ambience of your kitchen. Simply changing the bulbs and/or the light shades in your existing fixtures can make the room feel completely different. Whether it’s changing the warmth or colour of the light bulbs or adding new decorative lampshades, the room can quickly feel cosier or cooler.

It’s also better to try to amplify natural light, so change your blinds or curtains to something lighter and more translucent if you can. If your kitchen isn’t blessed with much natural light, you can bring up the brightness by installing under-cabinet lighting. This is easier and cheaper than you might think, as you can buy stick-on LED spotlights or strips of stick-on LED tape.

2) Install a new backsplash

As any homeowner will know – especially if you have kids – certain parts of the kitchen wall bear the brunt of cooking and food preparation. The walls behind your counters, and above the cooker and sink, probably take a battering on a daily basis. This is why having a wipe-clean backsplash is key to keeping your kitchen hygienic and looking good for longer.

A backsplash doesn’t have to be expensive tiles or stone. Shopping around should reveal a range of alternatives that imitate the look for a fraction of the price tag, with imitation tile backsplashes being a popular solution to the problem of drab and dirty kitchen walls. You could even use vinyl decal stickers that can be peeled off later, which is ideal for renters.

3) Work wonders with your worktops

Like traditional backsplashes, you might think that worktops are too expensive to replace on a budget. There are laminate worktops, ceramic, and composites that are far more affordable than solid wood, granite, or quartz, but refitting whole new worktops can still be costly. A cheaper alternative is to create a kind of veneer with ‘countertop covers’ or overlays.

This can be done by purchasing a thin layer of a material instead of an entire thick worktop and securing it over your existing worktop. Common materials to use this way include wood or MDF, stainless steel or copper, or even more imitation tiles. There are also ‘sticker-style’ cover materials like vinyl or contact paper – or you could just give your counters a deep clean and paint them.

4) Swap your kitchen sink

It’s one of the elements you use the most every single day, but you’ve probably never even thought about getting a new kitchen sink without replacing your units at the same time. If your sink has seen better days or it just doesn’t go well with the style of your cabinet and counter makeover, it could be time to buy a replacement kitchen sink.

White ceramic, dark granite, silver stainless steel, shiny copper or gold – there’s a modern kitchen sink to suit every kitchen design. If you’re getting a new sink, of course you’ll need new kitchen taps as well. Even if you don’t replace the whole sink, fitting new kitchen mixer taps could freshen up the area while adding more functionality to it.

5) Replace your kitchen unit handles

We’ve talked about replacement kitchen doors being a great way to freshen up your cabinet faces on a budget, but you might be fine with your current doors or decide to just paint them a new colour instead. In either case, it’s a great idea to look into replacement kitchen unit door handles.

The style, colour, and material of a kitchen cupboard handle can have a huge effect on the overall visuals of your kitchen. Modern brushed steel vs traditional aged iron, slim profile vs protruding knobs, smooth vs textured – you can use this relatively small component to complement or contrast the rest of your kitchen, or even match them to your sink or appliances.

 

Contact Kitchen Warehouse for affordable kitchens

Now you have a better idea of the average costs associated with installing a new kitchen, you can hopefully work out a comprehensive plan to get the most value out of your kitchen design. When you know what you can compromise on and what you can’t, it makes a huge difference in sticking to your budget instead of going overboard.

Whichever style you’re thinking of for your new kitchen, remember that Kitchen Warehouse offers an impressive selection of affordable kitchen units, doors, sinks, and accessories, all available in a wide range of quality finishes. If you’d like more information about our products, please get in touch with our team and we’ll gladly discuss your requirements.

For more clever kitchen design ideas and informative advice about kitchen renovations, be sure to browse through the Kitchen Warehouse blog today.