There’s no doubt that a kitchen is one of the most essential rooms in a house.
A new kitchen can cost a lot, so you should do careful research before making a decision.
For example, are you doing an extension as part of the renovations? What new features will you introduce? And precisely how much will it cost?
In the article below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions on this subject. Keep reading for everything you need to know.
What might a new kitchen include?
A new kitchen may involve getting new appliances you don’t currently own, or it could simply be updating the things already there.
Some of the main features of a kitchen are the fridge, table, sink, dishwasher, worktop (counter), and oven.
You may be buying a brand-new item, or you are simply getting an older version fixed.
Not only will a new kitchen involve updating your appliances, but it may also impact the room’s layout.
Perhaps you are getting an extension to increase the square footage or adding a skylight or windows to provide natural lighting.
Other basic design features can significantly impact a room’s appearance. Examples include the paint colour on the walls, the flooring used throughout the room, the lightbulbs implemented into the ceiling, and more.
The route you opt for will impact the number (and cost) of raw materials and the expertise required to make it happen.
It will also alter the timeframe by which you can expect the work to be completed.
How much does a new kitchen cost?
As you would expect, the company you use, along with the type of changes you are making, as well as your kitchen’s previous condition, will all make a difference.
According to Checkatrade, a typical kitchen update will cost £35,000. If an extension is involved, it will rise even higher, and you may need to get planning permission for this.
A cheaper update to your kitchen will cost approximately £5,000.
The total fee can rise much higher than this, and the materials alone (notwithstanding the professional expertise) can increase to over £10,000 if you’re looking for a major update.
How much does a new kitchen add to house value?
Just like with any major investment in your house, you want a high return for home improvements. This is a conversation you should have with the professional you partner with, before you sign off on any work.
According to Magnet Kitchens, renovated kitchens can increase the selling price of your property by 5-6%.
Checkatrade, meanwhile, anticipates that they will increase your house value noticeably, at around 10-12%.
You can use these figures as a benchmark for calculating how much you should spend on the renovation, depending on the profit margin you’re looking to make.
Getting an extension as part of the work could increase your house value even more because your square footage may also increase significantly.
How long will it take to get a new kitchen installed?
According to More Kitchens, the average time it takes for a new kitchen to be implemented is three weeks.
The timeframe may be significantly shorter than this if there is not much work being done – or it could stretch to longer, if an extension is part of the upgrade.
When you first get a quotation for the work, your expert should give you an estimation of how long it will take. You can decide whether you are happy with this or want to get another quote from other experts to see how this compares.
You will then need to arrange another place for your family to eat while the work is completed if the room is out of bounds.
Ways to improve my kitchen without paying for a new one
You can update your kitchen without paying for a new one. If you don’t have at least £5,000 at your disposal, for example, then being more creative with your solution can be essential.
Firstly, repainting the walls and/or cabinets is something that you could technically do yourself, once you have the supplies.
If you think that a new colour could ‘brighten up’ the room and make it appear more attractive, this is a job that could stretch over a weekend or two.
Putting in new lightbulbs, so that any flickering ones are removed, can make a small difference.
Likewise, if you buy updated appliances (for example, a new fridge or oven) then this could do wonders to the functionality and appearance of the room.
Changing the handles on cabinets can make the room look brand-new, and you may be able to do this yourself.
Other aesthetic additions, such as adding attractive plants or putting new art on the wall, can also make your kitchen seem fresh and modern.
It is worth consulting with an interior design expert for more guidance on ways to modernise your kitchen at a low cost.
Can I build a new kitchen myself?
There are lots of skills, materials, and planning required to remake your kitchen successfully.
If you have experience in construction or completing interior design yourself, it is perhaps worth considering.
Otherwise, you may want to think again if you don’t have experience in this area.
If you make a mistake when building a new kitchen yourself, it could cost you an enormous amount, and may do serious damage to the value of your property.
Should I get a new kitchen or a new bathroom?
Alongside paying for a new kitchen, a second very popular option is to pay for a new bathroom.
According to several online sources, getting a new bathroom will cost you less up-front than paying for a new kitchen. The room tends to be smaller, and there are usually fewer appliances in the room itself, which means that the costs are lower.
On the other hand, not all bathrooms are used by all members of the family. En-suite bathrooms will only typically be used by the person in the adjoining bedroom – and many families like to assign specific bathrooms to different people.
The current condition of both rooms will also be a factor. If one of these areas is noticeably more run down than the other, damaging your house’s value, this may become the higher priority.
Considering current property market trends is essential, and speaking to an expert may help, who can look at your house and guide you on where your money is best spent.
