Cost of remodeling a kitchen

How Much Does it Cost to Remodel a Kitchen?

If you’re thinking of getting your kitchen remodelled, you’re probably in the process of learning about the potential expense for installation, appliances, flat pack kitchen units, kitchen doors and other miscellaneous items. There are many factors which can affect the overall cost of a new installation. These include expenses for materials, your location, the costs of distribution and labour, as well as the size and shape of your current kitchen, combined with your dream layout.

New kitchen doors

Average spend for a new kitchen

The average spend for kitchen renovations in UK homes for a bespoke kitchen is between £10,001 and £25,000, including labour. Installation costs are always depending on the size of your kitchen and how easy it is to complete the project. Those with a small kitchen will expect to pay less than someone with a large kitchen.

Kitchen installation is a difficult and tricky task – due to this, it’s always best left in the hands of a professional fitter. The renovation cost takes into account the sum of new kitchen appliances and any other preparation work that may be needed, such as ripping out the old kitchen cabinets, kitchen units and worktops and plastering walls or removing any wallpaper. Not taking this into account, you would be looking at an average cost of £8,000 for a medium sized kitchen.

Factors that determine pricing

As stated previously, there are many factors that can determine the pricing of a new kitchen. Factors that affect the cost of a kitchen remodel all depend on the existing units or walls you have and how much you are prepared to do yourself.

Doing your own demolition is a good way to save money when remodeling a kitchen. However, it’s crucial that you take care to avoid any potential breaks in pipes or electrical wiring as this can be dangerous and, in some cases, cause even more unnecessary costs to put right. The costs for both labour and materials can vary depending on where you live and the scale of your project.

Cost of hiring an architect

If you’re thinking of expanding the size of your kitchen or moving any walls or units, you’ll probably need to consult an architect beforehand. The cost of hiring an architect will typically set you back an additional 8-15% on top of your existing project cost.

Cost of hiring a contractor

A contractor will usually charge you between 10 and 20 percent of the total cost of the job. Although some may charge a flat fee, general contractors will pay themselves by taking a percentage of the overall cost of the completed project.

Cost of hiring a kitchen designer

A kitchen designer can be a profitable and knowledgeable asset to your new kitchen remodel. Not only do they have experience with kitchen designs and tricky issues, but they can provide options and ideas that you may not have thought of. The cost of hiring a certified kitchen designer can cost from £30 to £60 an hour, or 10% of your total project cost.

Setting a budget for your new kitchen

When it comes to remodeling your kitchen, it is important to set a budget. While most will try to stick to this, it’s always important to give yourself a bit of leeway in case any unexpected issues and costs appear that you did not plan for.

Tips to make your kitchen remodel more affordable

1. Keep the same layout

One of the biggest savers you can make when remodeling your kitchen is to retain the same layout. By doing this, you can avoid having to spend money moving around any plumbing or wiring. Often, if this is the case you can expect to add another full day’s labour.

2. Keep it simple

When designing a new kitchen, materials account for about 80% of your budget so a good way to cut costs is to focus your efforts on making concessions within this area. For example, rather than choosing high gloss kitchen cupboard doors or handleless kitchen units, pick a less expensive acrylic or shaker kitchen door. Or, choose opt for rod or t-bar handles instead of contemporary handles.

3. Do a little yourself 

Another way to limit your spending is to also add in some manual labor that you do yourself. For example:

  • Remove any old cabinets, countertops or appliances yourself
  • Pick up any materials instead of having them delivered to avoid any delivery fees
  • Paint walls or door and window frames on your own rather than paying someone else

Kitchen remodel cost breakdown

A good way to calculate your budget for your new kitchen is to allocate your funds. The only way to build a good cost estimator is to understand how much each element will cost. The following breakdown of kitchen remodelling costs by percentage of total budget was put forward by the National Kitchen and Bathroom Association:

Design fees 4%
Installation 17%
Appliances and ventilation 14%
Cabinetry and hardware 29%
Counters 10%
Lights 5%
Floors 7%
Doors and windows 4%
Walls and ceilings 5%
Plumbing 4%
Miscellaneous 1%

Remodelling your kitchen can be a real return on investment. Now you know how much to remodel a kitchen, it’s time to get started. We can help assist you in the redesign of your new kitchen; for more information, feel free to contact us today.