WOOD WORK KITCHEN : BUDGET PLANNER ( DIY )

THE cost of a new kitchen will depend on many variables; individual needs, style of life, priorities and budget.  The size of the room is another factor, but do bear in mind the smallest kitchen can cost twice as much as a huge one – it all depends on the quality and cost of fixtures and fittings.  Ask yourself how important the kitchen is to you and your family – is it a well used room, the real hub of family life, or is it somewhere just to reheat the occasional meal.  How you use your kitchen will translate into how much you wish to spend on it.  The amount you spend must also relate to the value of  the property in which the kitchen will live.

However large or small your budget, the most important thing is to stick to it.  The best way to keep of what you’ve spent and to avoid potential hidden costs is to break down every single element of your project.

What it can cost:

Initial consultation and kitchen plan

Structural work

Rewiring and relocating utilities

Lighting

Heating

Flooring

Kitchen units

Handles/knobs

Worktops

Splashback

Sinks and taps

Appliances

Decoration – material and labour

Delivery of kitchen

Installation of kitchen…

By budgeting for these elements, you should be able to avoid hidden costs and stick within budget.  If you do go over budget, you can easily rethink certain elements if necessary for example, you could substitute a very expensive stone floor with a poured and painted concrete one or tackle the decoration yourself rather than hiring a professional.  However, never skimp on important costs such as electrician and plumbers fees and the installation of your kitchen.

            Before you start, priorities your needs according to what you will value in a kitchen, don’t splash out on a terrazzo worktop if you cant afford to buy a refrigerator.  Everyone will have different priorities.  A keen cook may sacrifice the luxury of a tumble dryer and chic designer door knobs in favour of a robust, powerful range cooker, whereas large capacity laundry appliances may be top of the list for big families.  Make a list of your priorities and an inventory of what you have in your existing kitchen.  You may be able to reuse certain elements or sell on others to raise extra cash for your new purchase and be realistic, if you haven’t got a huge budget, glass surfaces and a built in steam oven may be out of the question.

(source: book - CONRANS KITCHEN)