Refurbish or Replace Kitchen?

4 years ago

Hi there, I'd be really grateful for some help and advice!

I am trying to get my kitchen updated but seemed to have hit a stalemate. Keeping the existing lay out, I would like to keep the existing cabinetry (just repaint it) along with the oven and extractor fan but virtually everything else would be changed (see list below). I am also hoping to enlarge the kitchen window so the sill is the same level as the work top or just above and the view to the garden is improved.

Create bespoke ‘utility cupboard’ in corner of kitchen (replacing existing white dresser) to house the washing machine and dryer with space for ironing boarder/hoover etc next to it. We would like replace the current kitchen door to a sliding door which slots in-between the cupboard and wall so it doesn’t obstruct the cupboard.
A new tall larder unit to be built where the dryer currently sits with shelving inside and space for a microwave (front to match existing cabinetry).
A new cabinet to be fitted where existing washing machine is (front to match existing cabinetry).
New fitted dishwasher to be fitted (to replace old one) with matching cabinet door on the front.
Remove all head height cabinets and replace with 2 shelves – 1 running along each side of wall with 2x lights on each side.
New buried sink to be fitted with new combi/boiling water tap.
Work tops to be replaced with light coloured acrylic.
Tiles to be removed and replaced with either new tiles or similar material to worktop (tbc)
Walls to be repainted
All cabinets to be repainted

The reason I am doing it this way is partly cost and partly it seems silly to change units which are in perfect working order otherwise. My issue is that many kitchen designers don't seem interested in working with existing cabinetry and 'bespoke' stuff seems hideously expensive - one designer has said that I would also find it difficult to match up the cabinets so it will look mis-matched (not ideal!)?! Given all the changes I am suggesting, am I better to just change the cabinets too, opening up the options for more mainstream kitchen suppliers like Wren etc?

I also have the issue that the changes I have suggested involve several different trades (plumbing, glazing, carpentry etc) and kitchen designers (even main stream ones) only seem to be able to do part of this. is this normal? I've contacted a few builders but have had a luke warm response (or no response at all!) How did others approach this?

Advice on how I move this forward would be amazing! Pictures attached...

Thank you!

Comments (6)

Daisy England
4 years ago
What is a buried sink? I’ve not heard that expression before.

You will need to see if you can match the exiting fascias to add to them.

In the area where I live we do have companies who do what you’re trying to do. One company who will do all that, so these people do exist but it depends where you live as to who is available. On the other hand I’m aware of kitchen companies that will not undertake such a task as it‘s what they’d describe as messy (meaning lots of bits).

Regarding mainstream suppliers, IMO, no, don’t go there. There are many small individual companies who will offer you a much better customer service and they will be no more expensive. Wren have a FB site full of complaints.

Have you got plumbing and ventilation facilities where you intend to move the WM and TD to?

if it were me I’d be tempted to rip it all out and start afresh but I guess it’s all down to budget, but having said that it might not work out much difference in the labour price when they are simply constructing new carcases as opposed to chipping and chopping.
Jonathan
4 years ago
I think you will have to project management all the trades yourself- an independent kitchen showroom would do it if you were spending £30,000 on a whole new kitchen but you are talking about just buying a couple of doors and shelves so there is not enough profit to justify their time. If you can find out where the original kitchen came from they might be more willing to help.
I agree that independent kitchen showrooms are a great resource and they can cater for every budget including the prices found at the big sheds. In my pinion the advice is much more professional too.
Don’t forget if you do decide to start again your kitchen may well have a resale value.
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obobble
4 years ago
Those are in frame units and look very sturdy. You have plenty of drawer units which are more expensive than other cupboards. Do you know whether the units are made of solid wood? Given the bespoke dresser it may be an entirely bespoke kitchen. If so and you can find out who made it, they may be prepared to supply and fit extra units. It’s what we did when we moved kitchen into a new extension, though ours involved complete removal and re-install of the existing units as well.
Rachel McCollin
4 years ago
Where are you? I'm in Birmingham and my kitchen fitter does all this, he'll do anything from a full kitchen refit to just painting cabinets, and manages all the trades.
Andy King
4 years ago
For bespoke or standard units you could try Pineland.co.uk. They supplied us similar kitchen units a few years ago and were able to manufacture bespoke sizes at little extra cost. Based in Shropshire but deliver. I have no links with the company apart from being a satisfied customer. Project managing something like this isn't too difficult if you do research and seek impartial advice. Your old units, worktop and sink etc are worth selling on.
Lisa D
4 years ago
I think a local carpenter could do most of your desired cupboard work... your kitchen does look really nice, if it was just adding cabinets I would keep it, but by the time youve changed sink and worktop I think you might as well just get the kitchen you desire.

Refurbish or Replace Kitchen?

Comments (6)

Daisy England

Jonathan

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