Improving your kitchen

Part updates of kitchens, such as replacing cupboard doors or even simply painting them, have become popular as cost-of-living increases make total kitchen refits pricier than ever. We check out how much a brand-new kitchen might cost you and look at ways to bring the price down, as well as techniques to give your kitchen a DIY refresh on a lower budget. 

The cost of a new kitchen    

Any new kitchen, even a basic one, isn’t cheap. In October 2022 the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors calculated the following average outlays for both standard off-the-shelf kitchens and made-to-measure, bespoke kitchens.

The costs cover removing existing units, installing new units, fittings, flooring, wall tiles, plumbing and decorating, as well as supplying a hob, oven, extractor, plus sink and taps.

New kitchen cost by average floor size

 

Saving money on a new kitchen

In March 2021, we asked 3,848 kitchen owners what they did to cut the cost of their fitted kitchen. If the figures above haven’t put you off completely, take a look at the list below to see whether you could shave some money off your project cost.

• 26% Reuse large appliances
• 21% Negotiate the cost
• 19% Use a fitter you find yourself 
• 13% Negotiate a package with other units and elements
• 9% Source parts yourself online
• 6% Fit the kitchen yourself.

Other ways to cut the cost of a new kitchen could include choosing less expensive materials, using expensive materials in small but visible ways and reusing parts from your old kitchen. Read more about costing up a new kitchen. 

Best and worst kitchen brands

Our 2023 kitchen brands survey has just been published. We assessed 19 fitted kitchen brands in our labs and also had information from 4,378 kitchen owners. Only four brands were named a Best Buy, so be sure to read our reviews before deciding which company to give your business to.

Give your kitchen a DIY refresh

If a total or even partial refit of your kitchen isn’t on the cards for now, you can still make small changes to give the space a lift. 

• Paint cabinet doors and drawers Sand, wash and add a layer of primer. Next, choose your paint colour. Make sure it’s suitable for kitchens and the correct paint for your material – whether MDF, wood or wood veneer. Greens and blues are popular choices this year.

• Replace doors and drawers If they’re not in good enough shape to keep, but the rest of the cabinet is still in good condition, just replace the doors themselves.
• Change handles A simple swap of colour or style can enhance a plain kitchen. Cup handles have recently become popular, but there are still plenty of classic T-bar and D-shape handles to choose from.
• Replace or wrap your worktop A new worktop will change the look and feel of a kitchen. Keep in mind that installation prices vary according to the material, so a granite worktop is pricier to fit than laminate. Vinyl wraps are a cheaper option, and you can try a sample before you decide to cover your whole worktop.
• Open shelving This adds storage space and options to personalise your kitchen.
• Add a backsplash It protects your walls, but can also create a striking look. Self-adhesive tiles and vinyl coverings are kinder to the budget than traditional tiles.
• Lighting This can create a new mood, whether you go for integrated lighting or something flashier.
• New floor If your floor is scuffed or ingrained with cooking stains, a relatively cheap material such as laminate or vinyl can make a big impact. For inspiration, check out the five top kitchen trends for 2023. 

Tips for keeping kitchen makeover prices down

• Keep to your current layout, as rerouting of electrics, gas and waste pipes is costly.

• Consider ex-display units – these can be very cheap and are hardly used.
• Buy second hand – though check for wear and tear and if anything is missing.