How Much Does a Kitchen Renovation Cost?

Renovating a kitchen is a significant investment for almost any homeowner. After all, it's a project that requires careful planning, budgeting, and execution, and along the way many decisions have to be made. One of the most common questions we get asked when planning a kitchen renovation is, "How much does a kitchen renovation cost?". In truth, the answer to this question depends on several factors, including the size of your kitchen, the type of materials you wish to use, and the extent of the renovation. In addition, the installers you choose to fit your new kitchen will have the cost of materials and labour to account for, meaning the cost of a kitchen can rise and fall depending on the supply and demand of materials, especially when it comes to things like stone worktops.

According to CheckaTrade, the average budget kitchen renovation cost is usually around £11,500, whilst a fully bespoke kitchen renovation can cost £50,000 and upwards. However, regardless of whether you're looking for a cool, modern kitchen or a more traditional shaker-style kitchen, these figures can rise and fall depending on many factors. Whilst you may be tempted to try and save on certain parts of your kitchen (and you absolutely can do this), there are particular elements where cutting corners can come back to haunt you in the long run, and we'll also cover these below.

There are many factors that can influence the cost of a kitchen renovation, including:

The size of your kitchen is a fairly obvious factor, but one that can significantly impact the cost of your kitchen renovation. A larger kitchen will usually require more materials, including worktops, units and flooring, and will often incorporate an island, which can increase the overall cost of the project.

You'll want your kitchen to not just look good, but feel good. However, opting for stone worktops (for example) over laminate or wood countertops will usually increase your kitchen renovation cost, as these material usually have to imported.

A minor or partial renovation, like replacing worktops and cabinets will cost less than a full renovation, which includes ripping out the entire kitchen, and often includes electrical and/or plumbing work.

Following on from this, the bigger your kitchen renovation project, the more labour it will entail, thereby increasing the cost of your kitchen renovation. 

Having said all this, you'll probably want to examine your kitchen renovation plans and see where you can potentially make cost savings. However, when it comes to renovating your kitchen or utility room, it's important to not cut corners on certain things. By cutting costs on these factors, you run a high risk of your new kitchen feeling "cheap" and often costing you more in the long run.

Cabinets are one of the most crucial visual elements of your kitchen. They don't just provide storage for all your kitchen essentials like pots, pans, and cutlery, they also play a huge role in the overall aesthetic of your kitchen. Your cabinets are one of the key areas to invest in - opting for cheap cabinets will undoubtedly save you money in the short-term, but will invariably cost you more in the long-run as they will not last as long and will need to be replaced sooner. Investing in higher-quality or bespoke cabinets using solid wood will also help your kitchen workflow, with added functionality and storage that suits your specific needs. 

Worktops are the next big visual element of your kitchen, and along with cabinets are one of the first things you notice walking into the kitchen. They're also usually the first thing to degrade in a kitchen - after all they come into contact with everything from plates and chopping boards to knives, hot pans, and more. 

When it comes to your worktops, it's crucial to invest in high-quality materials that will last for years to come. Marble, quartz and granite are popular choices, as are solid wood worktops like Walnut. Laminate worktops may conjure up memories of not-so-nice worktops, but modern laminate countertops have come a long way - and can now provide a very similar look and feel to natural stone, but for a lot less.

Hardware like taps, handles and drawer pulls are a relatively small part of your kitchen, but are one of the most touched surfaces in the kitchen. Choose drawer pulls and handles that are durable and suit your kitchen aesthetic, and opt for soft-close functionality to ensure your drawers and cupboards last.

Likewise, appliances (refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines) and white goods like sinks are another important factor in any kitchen renovation. When choosing white goods, it's important to invest in a quality brand products that will last for years to come. Cheap sinks, for example, can scratch, fade, discolour easily, and will detract from the overall aesthetic. Similarly, choose appliances where you trust the manufacturer. Even if your dishwasher doesn't fit the style of your kitchen, these can always be hidden behind cupboard doors.