A fully fitted kitchen is undoubtedly the most used place in the house. Kitchens are an inspirational place where food is made, where we entertain guests and make memories while providing a place that is resilient to daily wear and tear. A fitted kitchen can be customized to create a unique ambiance and well-designed functional spaces to suit your lifestyle and needs.
When it’s time to create the perfect fitted kitchen one question that matters to most homeowners is, how much will a new kitchen cost? Most homeowners assume that the budget for a new fitted kitchen is a significant investment, while others are unsure of how much it will cost.
New Kitchen Units are expensive because there are so many elements that need to come together in one space to make it functional as well as aesthetically pleasing. From appliances to the kitchen style, worktops, and layout/design to name a few.
It is advisable to set an accurate budget before venturing on your kitchen dream to avoid stress later on and to not over-stretch your finances.
Setting a budget can be a bit tricky. Most people predict that the majority of the costs will go to buying appliances and cabinets. But the reality is that a fitted kitchen is a bit more extensive than just buying a cabinet.
Dreaming of the perfect kitchen you always wanted?
Here are the five major factors that will determine the overall cost.
Kitchen Size and Shape
The size and shape of your space is a big factor that will affect the cost of setting up a fitted kitchen. Most people love a bigger kitchen which can accommodate and store all their kitchen equipment and food. Some people love unique and trendy kitchen shapes and designs ranging from a galley, L-shaped, U-shaped, open plan layout with or without an island, and more. The bigger the size and more dynamic the shape will result in a higher cost of a new kitchen.
Location
The location of your property will determine how much your new kitchen will cost. Some locations have a higher cost of living than others. Expenses in some countries, regions, cities, or neighborhoods are high which will influence the cost of the kitchen.
A study done by tkckitchens.co.uk revealed that creating a fully fitted kitchen in the UK can go into the hundreds of thousands of pounds depending on the area. The study found that the minimum spent on a kitchen in the UK was £1500, with the average higher end of the scale being £250,000. However in general the UK National Average Cost at £12,000.
To create the kitchen space you love, set an affordable budget, the ideal budget will be between 5% to 10% of your current property value. If you want to get a sense of the budget you need, start by giving a kitchen company your measurements and pictures of the current room. You can also check price guides and cost calculators online.
Kitchen Appliances
The kitchen needs all the important appliances to be functional and equipment to carry out the daily cooking activities. Smart kitchen appliances will reduce stress and help with every step of the cooking process. Appliances such as a coffee maker, induction hob, combi microwave, extractor hood, fridge freezers, dishwasher etc will affect the cost of a new kitchen. They need to be fitted into the budget of the kitchen as they can significantly bump up the final kitchen price. Budget an average of £1,500- £2,000 for a new range of appliances.
Getting durable appliances from established brands is a safer option because it will save you from the stress of spending extra money on regular repairs. Most also come with a 2-year warranty. You can window shop or check online to get a feel of the cost of kitchen appliances. Before buying make sure you compare the prices, sales, features, and warranties of each appliance. Purchasing appliance packages can offer huge savings, they tend to include essential items such as oven, hob, and fridge freezer.
Floor and Wall Tiles
Floor and wall tiles can hugely impact the cost of the kitchen. Tiles are versatile; they come in different shapes, designs, and colors to contrast or coordinate with existing doors, worktops and units.
New kitchen walls, floors, or splashbacks need the right type of tiles. One of the best properties of tiles is that they are easy to clean. Getting the right type of tiles will prevent mess and make cleaning easier and quicker while protecting the kitchen surfaces. The average cost of tiling the kitchen is between £5 and £50 per square meter. The size of the kitchen and material will affect the cost.
Installation and Wiring Costs
A newly fitted kitchen requires installation and wiring of electric appliances, plumbing, and other essentials. Electrical wiring for kitchens must now follow strict regulations and enhance energy efficiency so that you can enjoy lower energy bills. The right electrical wiring adds value to the home. Set a budget to get a professional accredited electrician to install electrics. This is something worth spending on not just for energy efficacy but for your safety.
Cabinets
What is a kitchen without a cabinet? Cabinets are a necessary part of the kitchen not only for function but also for the whole look of the kitchen. They are typically the basic storage for all cooking utensils, equipment, and food items. Cabinets improve the overall look and feel of a kitchen. There are a few evolutions that have happened to kitchen cabinets over time.
Homeowners have many options to choose from open shelving, color customization, clean aesthetics, increased use of oak wood, gloss, matt, and more. Kitchen cabinetry is an art and it does not come cheap. To get the perfect new kitchen it is important to set 50%of your budget for cabinetry. It cost between £800 and £50000, or about £6000 on average.
Labour Cost
Fitting a new kitchen is not an easy task and should be handled by a professional. A poorly fitted kitchen can ruin the look of even the most expensive cabinets and worktops whereas a cheap kitchen fitted by an expert can look a million dollars. Do not forget to include labor fees in your budget. Labor cost can be about 30% of your budget and it is different from design fees which can be 1-2% of your budget. Some companies offer a free kitchen design service which is a great way to get some professional input into your ideas, they will also work with you to stick to your budget and be realistic about what the overall cost will be.
You can save money, time, and energy by getting the design, kitchen, and fitting all from one company.
A kitchen is the hub of the home. A big or small space where families can bond, eat and get together. Getting an accurate cost for your dream kitchen depends on what you want and the information you have. So research well and use the professionals where you can.
