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Kitchen Renovation Costs: A Realistic Budget Guide

📅31 January 2025
⏱️9 min read
Kitchen Renovation Costs: A Realistic Budget Guide

A kitchen renovation is one of the most significant home improvements you can undertake. Understanding the costs involved helps you plan effectively and avoid budget overruns.

Average Kitchen Renovation Costs

Kitchen renovation costs in the UK typically range from:

  • Budget renovation: £5,000-£8,000
  • Mid-range renovation: £8,000-£15,000
  • High-end renovation: £15,000-£30,000+

Cost Breakdown

Kitchen Units and Worktops (40-50% of budget)

  • Budget: Flat-pack units, laminate worktops (£2,000-£4,000)
  • Mid-range: Semi-custom units, quartz or solid wood worktops (£4,000-£8,000)
  • High-end: Bespoke units, granite or Corian worktops (£8,000-£15,000+)

Appliances (15-20% of budget)

  • Budget: Basic integrated appliances (£1,000-£2,000)
  • Mid-range: Quality branded appliances (£2,000-£4,000)
  • High-end: Premium brands like Miele or Gaggenau (£4,000-£10,000+)

Labour (20-30% of budget)

  • Kitchen fitter: £150-£200 per day
  • Electrician: £150-£250 per day
  • Plumber: £150-£250 per day
  • Plasterer: £150-£200 per day
  • Tiler: £150-£200 per day

Additional Costs

  • Flooring: £500-£2,000
  • Lighting: £300-£1,500
  • Tiling: £500-£2,000
  • Decoration: £300-£800
  • Waste removal: £200-£400

Where to Invest Your Budget

Worth Spending More On:

  • Worktops: They take daily wear and tear
  • Appliances: Quality appliances last longer and perform better
  • Taps and sinks: Used constantly, cheap ones fail quickly
  • Soft-close hinges: Small cost, big quality-of-life improvement

Where You Can Save:

  • Cabinet doors: Can be replaced later if you want to update
  • Handles: Easy to change and inexpensive
  • Splashbacks: Tiles can be budget-friendly and still look great
  • Flooring: Good quality vinyl can look like wood or stone

Hidden Costs to Consider

  • Structural work if removing walls (£1,000-£3,000)
  • Upgrading electrics to current regulations (£500-£1,500)
  • Plumbing modifications (£300-£1,000)
  • Plastering and making good (£500-£1,500)
  • Temporary kitchen setup (£200-£500)
  • Eating out during renovation (budget £20-£40 per day)

Money-Saving Tips

  • Keep the existing layout to avoid moving plumbing and electrics
  • Consider refacing cabinets instead of replacing
  • Shop sales for appliances
  • Mix high and low - splurge on key items, save on others
  • Do some tasks yourself (painting, removing old kitchen)
  • Get multiple quotes from tradespeople

Return on Investment

A well-executed kitchen renovation typically returns 50-80% of its cost when you sell. Mid-range renovations often offer the best ROI - over-personalised high-end kitchens may not appeal to all buyers.

Timeline

Typical kitchen renovation timeline:

  • Planning and design: 2-4 weeks
  • Ordering materials: 4-8 weeks
  • Installation: 2-4 weeks
  • Total: 8-16 weeks from start to finish

Planning a kitchen renovation? Peak Projects can help you maximise your budget and create the kitchen of your dreams. We provide detailed quotes, manage all trades, and ensure your project stays on schedule and budget. Contact us for a free consultation.

Ready to Start Your Project?

At Peak Projects, we pride ourselves on transparency, quality workmanship, and clear communication throughout every project.