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Whether you’re a landlord looking to replace the kitchen in a rental property or a homeowner ready to create a showstopper heart of the home, it can be difficult to know what a new kitchen costs. Of course it varies, but being able to understand what contributes to the price, and how this differs, can help you feel confident choosing the right kitchen design, supply and fitting service.
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The average cost of a new kitchen
Average kitchen prices in the UK are around the £8,000 price mark. However, in reality this figure is meaningless to you as an individual. This is because that average is achieved by lumping enormously different kitchens together. It’s like comparing apples and oranges.
The two primary factors that will affect the likely price of your new kitchen are kitchen size and kitchen specification. It’s then important to consider the kitchen designers and installation as this is an area where prices can vary enormously. Local companies will usually be able to offer you more competitive pricing than large nationwide chains, especially if you live in areas such as the South-West.
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Factors that affect the cost of a new kitchen
Another reason why prices for new kitchens vary so much is that each different element may or may not be needed, and each of these can vary in cost. Let’s take you through each of the elements you need to consider:
Electrics and plumbing: If your kitchen is being created from scratch, with a different layout to any previous kitchen, electric and plumbing work will need to be factored into the cost. If radiators are being added or moved, this too affects the cost.
Sinks and taps: The costs of sinks and taps vary. Taps can range from a basic mixer to complex boiling water taps.
Appliances: Not everyone wants to replace appliances, but if you do, these can change the cost enormously. For example, a fridge can range in cost from £150 to well over £1000 depending on the features and brand you choose.
Worktops: Worktops range from more affordable laminates through to solid wood and stone.
Cabinets and unit: Cabinets and units vary enormously in price from affordable basic options through to high-end Italian designer kitchens.
Flooring and tiling: Labour costs for these will be similar, but you do need to factor in different choices. For example, basic white tiling is considerably cheaper, but it won’t look as stylish or effective as high-quality Italian designer tiles.
Painting and decorating: Remember to factor in decorating costs which will largely be determined by the size of the kitchen, as well as the quality of the materials you choose.
Removal of existing kitchen: Most installers will offer to remove the existing kitchen and this price will be factored in.
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Will there be building regulation costs?
Typically, you won’t normally need to worry about building regulations when you fit a new or replacement kitchen. However, if the kitchen is part of a house extension, as is regularly the case, building regulations and planning permission will need to be considered. Your chosen local builder can help with this, and it is worth choosing the same company for the build, kitchen design and installation.
If you are having new plumbing and drainage work, and electrical installations, you will need to abide by the relevant building regulations. Again, by choosing a professional kitchen installer, like Ecosafe, you can ensure this is factored in, along with any associated costs.
What to consider when choosing your kitchen company
Not all companies include design through to installation. However, by choosing a complete kitchen design, supply and installation service, you will get the best price as well as best service.
Designing a kitchen involves working with the heart of the home to balance style and functionality. Experience can really help here. You don’t just want a kitchen that looks good, you want it to flow and function well too. That takes expertise.
When you choose your kitchen company, look for:
A complete service: Choose a kitchen company that do more than kitchens! By choosing a company that does kitchen design through to installation, but also offers additional services such as plumbing and electrics, you can be sure that the whole job will be completed to the same high standard on an effective timeline.
A local service: By choosing a local company, you get someone who really cares about the job. Their local reputation matters and they are able to price based on local variations, rather than at a set national rate. Chances are that you will feel more comfortable having local tradespeople in your home too.
Experience: Ask about the experience of the designers and installers, and ask how the two elements work together. You need experienced designers who understand the needs of the installers, so that the design really works in practice.
Time: It’s important that you can take your time over a kitchen design and discuss all of the different options. You shouldn’t feel rushed and your designer should be able to suggest alternatives and ideas that you hadn’t considered. There should be no ‘hard sell’ and you should be able to go away with printouts of the design with clear pricing, so that you can compare your different options and have clarity over the final price.
After sales: You can tell a lot about the quality and trustworthiness of a kitchen company by asking about their after sales service. They should be willing to rectify any snags quickly. You can also request references from other clients in the local area.
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Remember VAT
One way that customers can encounter surprises when it comes to kitchen costs is through VAT. When you are getting quotes, ensure you are looking at prices which include VAT. Given that kitchens are a ‘large purchase’ VAT can make a huge difference to the overall price. It should be displayed clearly on quotes.
How to work out the costs for your new kitchen
Whilst you may be able to work out a very rough ballpark cost for your new kitchen using catalogues and websites, it will be impossible to get an accurate idea.
We suggest you choose a local company with good reviews and begin to discuss your kitchen design ideas with them. At Ecosafe you can call us on 0333 939 0161 to make an appointment for new kitchens in the South West. We can take you through all of your different options, helping you to see exactly how much your kitchen will cost.
There are some tips to getting the best out of getting a kitchen quote:
Set your own budget: As we say, a UK average of £8000 is actually fairly meaningless. Before you get a quote, consider what your own budget is. Going to the design session with clear ideas of your budget will ensure a realistic approach from the start. It doesn’t mean that you’ll have to forgo that lusted after appliance, it just means that the designer will be better able to help you see where other savings could be made to make it possible.
Have some ideas in mind: Are you looking for a classic country style or a striking contemporary high gloss affair? Browse through some different magazines and online images and get an idea of what you like. In this process you may discover that you love the idea of a breakfast bar, or are just desperate to have a bespoke dresser.
Be honest: Whilst you’re expecting the kitchen company to be honest with you, you need to be honest with them. Don’t try to slip in extra things part way through the installation, or hide from the designer that part of the walls need rebuilding. This will only result in nasty surprises for you and potential delays to the work.
Get the basics right: Really think about core things like wiring and functionality. These are very difficult to add later on. So sit in your existing kitchen and have a think about what appliances you regularly use and how, and what storage you need. This will help ensure that the new kitchen really works for you.
Compare and contrast: Use the kitchen designer to help you compare and contrast different options. Their expertise will be invaluable for helping you to compare one appliance with another or one worktop with another, helping you to see why costs differ. Listen to their advice – they have the knowledge!
Timing: Always ask for clear advice about timings. Don’t just ask when the work can start but also ask how long it will take. Whilst some degree of disruption is to be expected, you want to be sure that the fitters will have everything ready to go before they start, so that they can work quickly and effectively.
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Local kitchen professionals in Dorset and the South West
At Ecosafe, we provide a complete kitchen service from design to installation. Our bespoke kitchens will ensure you get value for money with an exceptional standard of service. We are proud of our reputation and look forward to helping you create the kitchen you desire. Call now on 0333 939 0161.