How much does a kitchen remodel cost? Whether you’ve got €500 or €50,000, we’ve got the kitchen renovation ideas to suit
So, you’d like to revamp your current kitchen, but the very thought of the potential expense has your head hurting. You’re not alone. When it comes to kitchens, there’s often a huge gulf between budget and expectations.
A new kitchen, with all the appliances that come with it, is not cheap. However, the good news is that it is possible to make significant changes, even on the smallest of budgets.
Whether you’ve got €500 or €50,000 to spend, use this guide to see what improvements you can do that will make a difference. From updating cabinets and replacing worktops, to a budget, flat-pack fit-out and bespoke, handcrafted investment - we’ve got all price points covered.
If your kitchen remodel budget is about €500
Image: Perrin and RoweReplace your existing worktops. Laminate is the most cost effective to buy and never fails to please. If you’re a handy homeowner you can even install it yourself and save on labour costs.
The Panelling Centre has just recently introduced two new laminates to its worktop collection. Square Edge, a 39mm thick, moisture-resistant, light-weight chip board in four grey/black colours and Fenix, a higher grade, moisture-resistant, anti-bacterial and anti-fingerprint laminate that’s highly resistant to typical household cleaning agents.
“You can get a 600mm wide, classic profile Square Edge worktop for around €140 per 4.1metre length. A Fenix worktop will cost around €220 per 4.1 metre length,” says Carmel O’Flaherty, branch manager at The Panelling Centre, Bray.
For around €565, Perrin & Rowe’s Juliet Sink Mixer with Pull Down Rinse in Chrome, looks great and works brilliantly too thanks to an easy-to-use single lever for control in one fluid motion. Particularly useful if you’ve got limited worktop space, as it does away with the need for a second basin or side rinse. Smart!
Handles can cost from as little as €5 to €100-plus each for something custom-made. Try Buster + Punch for off-beat offerings.
If your kitchen remodel budget is around €1,000
Image: Panelling CentreReplace drawers, door fronts and add new handles. It’s the perfect low budget upgrade provided the basic structure of your kitchen is in good condition. Most kitchens have carcasses that are the same standard sizes and there are plenty of companies out there, from DIY superstores to online retailers, who offer off-the-shelf designs.
For non-standard units you could get something made-to-measure, although this will increase the cost. If you have a little extra wiggle room in your budget, a new worktop would finish off the job nicely. Foil-wrapped MDF door fronts from The Panelling Centre’s Alderley range start from just €30, including VAT, with drawer fronts from €20. They’re available in four colour options with woodgrain finishes: light grey, dark grey, new blue and cosy cashmere.
“Replacing door fronts is pretty straightforward and you can even mix and match colours to create a unique look,” says Carmel. “Problems can arise however if the end panels are part of the carcass and not separate.”
If your kitchen remodel budget is around €5,000
Image: IkeaYou could get an entry level flat-pack kitchen complete with new appliances, splashback, under-counter lighting and worktops. “It would require some clever budgeting, but it is possible,” says Leandro Gody, kitchen manager at Ikea Ireland.
“If something needs to give so you can stay within your budget we would always recommend lower cost appliances and worktops. If this still doesn’t do the trick, you could look at your cabinetry interiors and consider fitting them out at a later date.”
You could save on labour costs – an added extra €1,500 – and fit the kitchen yourself but Leandro doesn’t advise it. “It’s incredibly important that you find someone experienced in installing kitchens that offer a warranty with their service. At Ikea we offer a five-year workmanship guarantee. Make sure too that any installation quote includes plumbing, electrical work and fitting of worktops.”
Any preparation work, such as ripping out the old kitchen and plastering walls will cost extra as will new flooring and tiling.
If your kitchen remodel budget is €10,000
Image: BurbidgeGet a foil-wrapped MDF kitchen complete with entry level appliances and good quality laminate worktops. You won’t get an island for this price, but installation will be included in the cost.
“You could get a branded Burbidge kitchen with laminate units and Formica worktop, depending on size and what you want,” says The Panelling Centre’s Carmel O’Flaherty. “It’s all about spending wisely. You can make your kitchen look expensive by integrating the appliances, so no-one knows how much you’ve actually spent, and opting for two tone units in complementary colours,” she advises.
“Spend money on the things that you can see and touch. Consider pewter handles and a Quooker tap. It might even be possible to get a lower grade stone worktop depending on the size of your kitchen.”
If your kitchen remodel budget is €25,000
Image: KubeThis will buy you a higher spec L-shaped kitchen complete with an island, larder, branded, top spec appliances and stone worktops, lighting, splashback, including installation.
Neil Dunne, manager at Kube Interiors, Balbriggan recommends budgeting €13,000 for kitchen cabinetry and interior fit-outs, €4,000 for worktops and €8,000 for appliances, although this can be rejigged depending on your cooking preferences and how you want your kitchen to look and function.
“For this price you can afford more detailed cabinetry, doors that look like concrete or stone, and better interior fit outs. Think carousels for corner units, drawer inserts, larder units with pull out drawers, soft close hinges and wall units with flip up or bi-fold doors,” says Dunne.
“You’ll get a better grade of stone worktop too with a more detailed finish and have a wider selection to choose from. A sharp nose edge profile and ramped drainer rather than the standard drainage grooves will cost extra.”
As for appliances, Dunne suggests a Siemens package that includes two same size, side-by-side ovens, a main fan oven and one with built in microwave; a side-by-side, full length, integrated fridge and separate freezer; and wifi-enabled dishwasher. “You could also get the new Bora Pure cooktop extractor (around €2,000) which could be installed on the hob.”
If your kitchen remodel budget is around €40,000
Image: Noel DempseyA bespoke kitchen can be individually made to suit your tastes and storage needs, complete with island, appliances and good category stone worktops with veining. You might even be able to squeeze in this year’s kitchen must-have – a mini bar.
“Your budget could be broken down into €6,000 for worktops, €8,000 for appliances and €26,000 for cabinets,” suggests David Dempsey, kitchen designer at award-winning Noel Dempsey Kitchens & Interiors (Noeldempsey.com) which specialises in bespoke fitted kitchens and furniture.
“For this price point we could create a handcrafted, hand-painted kitchen featuring taller than standard cabinets and deep drawers with traditional dovetail joints, wood interiors and custom-made handles. You could further enhance the look with coloured taps to match the handles and have the worktops mitred to a depth of 60mm for an extra luxury feel. For an extra €4,000 you could get marble worktops.”
5 ways to achieve a more budget kitchen remodel
Image: IkeaThese top tips will give you best value for money...
- Consider reusing elements from your old kitchen, such as the sink and any appliances, in the new design.
- Buy an ex-display or end-of-line kitchen. It could potentially save you a few thousand euro.
- Keep the sink, dishwasher and oven in the same position, unless moving them will enhance the usability of your new kitchen. You’ll minimise the amount of additional electrical, plumbing and gas work needed to realise your new design.
- If you can wait until the sales you could make huge savings on the cost of kitchen cabinets, not to mention appliances.
- Mix and match cabinetry. If your budget won’t stretch to a complete bespoke fit-out consider a bespoke island and standard cabinetry for the rest of the units.
