A new kitchen is one of those home improvements that can sit on your wish list for years, it’s not a cheap or easy thing to have done! If you’re struggling with your current setup it’s easy to imagine smooth drawers that close properly, enough worktop space to prep without having to move things around and cupboards that actually fit everything you need. But the cost for most of us is the thing that holds us back, even if you’re a keen cook and know the kitchen would be a great investment. Thankfully there are some ways that you might be make it happen- read on to find out more.
Start with a realistic budget
Before you start looking at designs or visiting showrooms, work out how much you can genuinely afford to spend. Look at what you have available now and what you can save over the next few months. If you need to borrow, check the repayments fit comfortably into your monthly budget. Having a clear figure in mind will stop you falling for expensive extras you cannot really justify. If your kitchen project is part of a bigger move, think about the way you finance the property itself. For example, if you’re buying overseas or relocating, choosing the right type of mortgage can make all the difference to how much you have left for renovations. Services like foreign national mortgages can help secure a property while keeping enough of your budget free to create the kitchen you want from day one.
Be open to different layouts
You might have a vision in your head of a completely reconfigured space, but moving sinks, ovens and gas lines around can quickly push the price up. Sometimes keeping the existing layout but upgrading everything else can save thousands while still giving you a kitchen that feels brand new. A kitchen designer or even a free kitchen layout planning tool can help you make the most of what you already have while still improving the look and function.
Source parts yourself
Check if you can source parts yourself, you might get appliances cheaper online or pick up ex display items from local showrooms. Even buying your own tiles or flooring separately can bring the overall cost down. If you do this, make sure you have exact measurements and know the delivery timings so nothing delays the fitting. You can sometimes find second hand or surplus building materials through local community groups, and some large DIY chains sell end of line stock at a big discount if you are willing to collect it yourself. Friends or family who have recently renovated might even have leftover materials like tiles, flooring or paint that they are happy to give away. It is worth being a little patient here as these bargains are often about timing- you may need to grab things when they become available and store them until the fitting date.
Mix and match
Not everything in your kitchen needs to come from the same place. Big kitchen retailers often offer package deals, but it is worth pricing up each element separately. You could get cabinets from one supplier, handles from another and lighting from somewhere completely different. Sometimes the cheapest cabinet range with upgraded handles and worktops can look as good as a high end showroom kitchen.
Think long term
A cheaper option is not always better if it means replacing things sooner. Solid wood doors or good quality hinges cost more up front but often last far longer. Worktops, sinks and taps get daily use so these are worth stretching the budget for. Saving on items that are mostly decorative can help you put more money into the parts that matter most.
Do some of the work yourself
If you are confident with basic DIY, you can cut costs by doing parts of the job yourself. Removing the old kitchen before the fitters arrive, painting walls and fitting simple shelving are all things you might be able to manage. Even doing the final decorating yourself can save on labour costs. Just be realistic about your skills so you do not risk damaging anything.