Average cost of a new kitchen

Summary: How much does it cost to remodel a kitchen, cost to fit a kitchen and average cost of new kitchen.

The cost of fitting a kitchen is hugely variable, being dependent on so many different factors. In short, a new kitchen can be found for anything from a few hundred pounds right up to many tens of thousands of pounds. So it may be a case of establishing a budget and then seeing what can be achieved within that budget. At the lower end of the budgetary scale, kitchens can be bought from DIY stores such as B&Q and from Swedish furniture retailer IKEA. Rather more expensive kitchens can be found at local individual specialist shops. With these retailers you are more likely to get a bespoke service and design but it will come at a price.

Average Cost

Factors to consider

There are a number of factors to consider when trying to cost out the work. First and foremost will depend on what is currently in situ and how much work will be required to put the new kitchen in place. A new look can be achieved by simply replacing cupboard doors and worktops and even painting existing units and replacing handles. However you may need to completely gut the area, knock down walls or put in patio doors, for example, to create the right result.

For a completely new kitchen, you are likely to have to remove the existing units and make good any surfaces such as flooring and walls prior to the installation of the new units. If you can do the preparatory work and provide the kitchen fitters with a blank canvas, the costs will be kept down. Some companies provide fitting and associated decorating work free of charge, some will fit the units only or you can choose to both install and fit out your new kitchen yourself. In all cases, you really need to know what you are paying for. A more expensive kitchen may possibly come with some of the installation work included in the price. It is worth checking what you are getting for your money as the cheapest units do not always make for the overall lowest cost.

Costs to consider

Calculating the cost of a kitchen can be quite complex. Companies will often quote an attractive price for a standard sized cupboard but by the time you have added on worktops, trims, kick boards, splash backs and the like, costs can start to mount. The fancy units in kitchen adverts which incorporate hidden gadgets or features may add more cost that the value they really provide so don’t be lured by fancy features if your budget is tight. Use a kitchen planner to help you get the best use of your space but make sure you understand how much each unit costs so you know where to adjust your budget if necessary. Most kitchen companies in all price brackets will provide some element of planning free of charge. The cheapest kitchens usually only provide a limited range when it comes to the size of components, for example 1000 mm base unit, 500mm unit and so forth, meaning that your space will be forced to accommodate these. More expensive bespoke kitchens will size units to fit the space you have available although, even here, standard sizes are generally the cheaper units.

The cost of a new kitchen is not just the kitchen itself but will include the appliances such as fridges, ovens and microwaves. It is not always necessary to replace these but it is often a good time to update them to ensure they fit well in the new scheme. Buying the units via the kitchen company may not be best value so it is wise to shop around to get what you really want at the best price. Buying a number of appliances together can often additional discounts. Don’t forget sinks and taps in your budget for the new kitchen too as these can make a real style statement and greatly enhance the look and feel of the overall project.

Even if the cost of fitting the kitchen is included in the price, you will usually be looking at extra cost for new tiling, flooring and other decorating. The cost of new tiles, paint, wallpaper, fabrics, lighting, soft furnishings and other materials should be added in. Although some of this can be completed by yourself, any work involving electrical or gas installation will need to be handled by a suitably qualified professional so this cost should be budgeted for. Many of the products such as tiles can be bought cheaply from a DIY store or for those with a more generous budget, bespoke specialist shops can provide more luxurious options. It really does depend on how much you want to spend in order to achieve the right look. Investing money on a good quality kitchen makes greater sense than selecting a cheap kitchen and adding expensive finishes. Finishing touches can always be added later when the money is available.