Kitchen renovation - basic budget

4 years ago

Hi all!

We have a lovely kitchen design and I thought we had a good idea of the relevant costs. This is were it became funny, so I am seeking some advice about costing a kitchen renovation, please.

We are planning to knock down a load bearing wall between our small dining room and relatively large, but not very well planned, existing kitchen. Replace the flooring and ceilings in both, close of a side door and install a new, smaller, kitchen.

Firstly, we had the kitchen designed by Karen, and were very happy with it.

After that we went to DIYKITCHENS showroom and had a detailed shopping list done for the kitchen itself. As we didn’t want an expensive worktop, our kitchen was costed at £6K with a laminated worktop, but without the installation costs.

Now, we had an experienced local carpenter around, who gave us a £4.4K quote for the kitchen installation, including the worktop and upstand. I didn’t expect the installation to cost app 70% of the kitchen itself, but it was not the best bit yet.

After that we had a builder around, who, after some chasing after, provided us with £24.5K quote (his quote) for the kitchen project including kitchen installation. Now, my thoughts are:
assuming the worst cost of £4K for kitchen installation, basic materials (£1k), knocking down one load bearing internal wall with structural engineer&beam included (500+250+300?), closing off a side door (500?), £1K for laying laminated floor and £1K for redoing the ceiling in the dining and kitchen to create an open plan space.
It totals to £8550,+ £2k continuity = app £10K. Ok, even £12k, we will need to add a few sockets etc.

Our potential generous builder wanted £24.5K for a month of work, £1K per day.

I am just wondering wherever a relatively basic kitchen reno should cost £24K, excluding kitchen costs? We live not far from London, just outside M25.

Any thoughts?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

Lena
Original Author
4 years ago
A picture of the kitchen, with our small dining room behind.
Lena
Original Author
4 years ago
A plan of both the kitchen and dining room my husband did a while ago.
Related Discussions
What ballpark budget for our renovation? Please help!
Q
Comments (10)
Thanks both. central heating doesn't work properly so has to be replaced, the boiler would probably keep going but the system simply isnt heating the house and there is nothing but a gas fire for the existing dining and kitchen with no heat whatsoever in the utility and loo, bbrrrrrr! not sure i can compromise on the patio doors - will have to think on that. We could save by re-using some of our existing kitchen units and getting them re-sprayed. Also would having coated black steels be cheaper than boarding/plastering over them, I'm liking the whole industrial look at the moment? I've scribbled a couple of other ideas, would either be any cheaper?
...See More
Stretching the kitchen budget – how to get more for your money
Q
Comments (0)
In terms of cabinetry there are many different finishes to cabinets at different price points. For example LEICHT manufacture two types of concrete doors – (one, the more expensive is sprayed onto MDF and creates a hard outer coat, whereas there is also a less expensive concrete finish which is not so thick.) Cabinets come in a wide variety of price points but many good quality – it often depends on your taste and budget. With appliances there are top of the range appliances that can look the same, and be the same size as ones at the bottom of the range and the only difference is the specification and function so there’s no point buying the most expensive if you only use the basic mode of working. It is key to work out how you will use the kitchen and appliances as you can change the spec without detracting from the function. You must use space as a luxury item and keep as much free as possible. Don’t cram in cabinets just for the sake of filling a space as empty space has as much use and style as too many cabinets.
...See More
kitchen makeover on a budget advice!
Q
Comments (1)
Hi there, if you still need some advice on renovating your kitchen on a budget, please give my article a read! I wrote it for a client and hopefully can provide you with some easy and cheap ways on how to update your kitchen. https://www.davisandmac.co.uk/news/7-diy-kitchen-renovation-ideas I would love to know what you think and really hope it comes in handy. Many thanks.
...See More
renovation budget dilemma
Q
Comments (4)
Hi Linzi, I would highly recommend getting a project manager to at least come up with a project plan. Unless you've got experience in renovating a whole house you could be headed for some very very costly mistakes. As Sonia has mentioned a reputable builder (take your time in finding one) should be able to manage the project for you. You have mentioned some structural work. If you are modifying your house in a major way sometimes its worth having a space designer go over your ideas. They might show you that you don't need as much work done as you thought and instead show you how to best use your existing space.
...See More
Gabby Wong
4 years ago
I’d definitely look to get at least 3 quotes from different builders as it will give you a better idea of going rates... also do you know anyone in the area who has had work done extensions etc who could recommend people or at least see how much they paid for how much work?
Lena
Original Author
4 years ago
Thanks, Gabby. Yes, our neighbors are having their house Extention being built at the moment.

My husband invited their project manager, and he suggested that £5K would cover building works without kitchen installation. Nowhere near £24k, even if an expensive installation for £4K is added to £5K.
Gabby Wong
4 years ago
If your neighbours are happy with their work it sounds like it would be worth getting them to formally quote! That is definitely a massive difference

Kitchen renovation - basic budget

Comments (5)

Lena
Original Author

Lena
Original Author

Related Discussions

Gabby Wong

Lena
Original Author

Gabby Wong

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Kitchen renovation - basic budget

Comments (5)

LenaOriginal Author

LenaOriginal Author

Related Discussions

Gabby Wong

LenaOriginal Author

Gabby Wong

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Lena
Original Author

Lena
Original Author

Lena
Original Author