Investing in a new kitchen is a big step, and one usually worth investing in. But we all have budgets. How can you cut the kitchen cost without losing some of the most important elements? Here are five smart ways
Image: Linda's €10,500 kitchen renovationHow much does a kitchen cost? We have a complete guide to what you can expect to get for a kitchen renovation at a wide range of budgets. However, if the quote you've received is a little higher than you'd hoped or budgeted for, there are some clever ways to reduce the cost without sacrificing on your priorities.
It's all about smart planning, and understanding that reducing the cost shouldn't necessarily mean opting for cheap fixes. It's all about spending wisely, so take these five smart-spending tips into account.
1. Reuse materials where possible
Before you assume your old kitchen has to go in a skip, think about what you can salvage. In a lot of cases, the carcasses can be reused, and with new doors, it will look as good as a new kitchen. Perhaps if you're creating a utility space, your old units can be used there and you can update just your kitchen units, then. If you've solid stone worktops, like solid granite and quartz, they can often be recut, so don't rule anything out if it's still in good nick.
Image: Saara's kitchen paint makeover2. Choose expensive fittings selectively
Maybe your budget isn't going to extend to a whole new bespoke kitchen, but can you get the look you're hoping to achieve by commissioning just a statement feature, like a kitchen island, and then use more basic units on your walls or paint your existing ones to match, to balance the costs. It works for worktops as well - maybe just get the most beautiful stone for your island, and then go for something a little more basic for the rest.
3. Consider structural alterations carefully
A little value engineering goes a long way. If you can retain your existing walls, or introduce a steel column to shorten spans, and reduce the size and cost of the steel beams you need, you'll be onto a winner. Obviously this won't work if you're extending the space as you'll need to link the old and new spaces to create a flow, but where you're working within the space you have, try to reduce any structural changes.
Image: Lynn's €8,000 kitchen makeover4. Avoid moving plumbing and utilities
In a similar vein, unless you absolutely have to move things like the sink, dishwasher and cooker, don't, unless you can handle the bill that comes with it. If you can avoid moving them, you're minimising the amount of additional electrical, gas and plumbing work you'll need to get done, saying you a huge chunk of change. This goes for moving gas and electricity meters too - those bad boys are not cheap to relocate.
5. Choose an end of line kitchen
This is one that totally depends on the shape and size of your kitchen matching up, but if you love a kitchen that a company are discontinuing, they may be able to offer you a bargain ex-display price, a significantly reduced kitchen cost. They can usually add or remove a few units to make it work, but you'll have to keep the plumbing and appliances in the same position as much as possible so it may come with additional plumbing costs - you'll have to weigh up the difference before deciding!
