There are many good reasons for considering a kitchen renovation. Perhaps your kitchen is dated or has an impractical layout. Kitchens often need an upgrade to meet the current needs of a growing family. Maybe you are considering selling your house and want to boost its value, or you are keen to increase energy and water savings.
If you feel that your kitchen is workable but just looks tired, you will be amazed and delighted at how quickly you can transform it on a small budget. Painting the cupboards and changing the handles and taps can make an amazing difference and adding a smart new counter can really upgrade your kitchen. A smart splashback behind the hob and kitchen sink isn’t only for practical reasons, it can add real style too. Lighting is one aspect that many people forget but can make all the difference. Pendant lighting over the table or several goose-neck lights fitted over the kitchen sink not only look modern, but they are also really practical. To add ambience to the room, a string of small fairy lights can be strung along the underside of wall cupboards.
If you feel that it is time to have a major renovation of your kitchen, you will need to consider what will need to be done. In older houses, kitchens were small and functional as they were used only for preparing and cooking food. In modern homes, kitchens are welcoming, multi-functional spaces that all the family uses. You may decide to make some structural alternations or add an extension, as both of these will add valuable space.
If you feel that your kitchen is an adequate size but the space could be better used, investing in new kitchen units that incorporate all sorts of clever space-saving ideas could be perfect.
Should I do it myself or hire a professional builder?
If you are planning a major kitchen renovation, you will need to decide whether to tackle some of the work yourself or use a professional builder or kitchen company. This is a very subjective decision as it depends on your DIY skills and the amount of free time you have to complete the project. Bearing in mind, that the kitchen is usually the hub of the family home and used for meals, socialising and even home working – speed is important!
If you are not going to alter the physical size of your kitchen, there are some beautiful ready-fitted kitchens on the market that are relatively straightforward to construct and fit – with the help of some friends. You may find that by replacing the old units you will create enough floor space to install an island, peninsula or kitchen bar – these are all great ways to encourage family and friends to spend time together.
If your kitchen is an awkward shape or you have a particular design in mind, it may be worthwhile getting a quotation for the work from a specialist kitchen company. As an expert builder in East London specialising in kitchen and bathroom renovation, we may be a bit biased when it comes to recommending hiring a professional rather than doing a DIY job, but just hear us out. Specialist kitchen fitters are the ideal choice too if you would just like a stylish new kitchen quickly fitted. Experienced designers will produce several different no-obligation designs for you, based on your own requirements and budget. Using a company that specialises in designing and fitting kitchens brings a huge bonus as there will be a project manager who coordinates all aspects of the work and will engage the skilled professionals needed at the different stages.
Will I need planning permission for my kitchen renovations?
Planning permission is not usually needed for kitchen renovations that are changing the units and fittings – unless your new kitchen is part of a house extension. If you are planning to modify the current layout of the walls or the drainage in your house you may well need permission for these alterations and an architect. When the work is completed, it will need to be inspected by a Building Control Inspector.
If your home is a Grade II listed building and you are planning to change only the existing appliances, you will probably not need building permission, but you will do if you want to expand the physical size of your kitchen. It is always best to check with your local authority well in advance.
Kitchen renovation costs
The cost of a new kitchen can be split into two elements; the cost of the units and the installation costs – which can vary from one area to another. Suggests that the cost of new kitchen units can range in price from £1,000 for economically-priced units for a small kitchen up to £25,000 for ‘top of the range’ units for a large kitchen. Installation charges vary from about £500 for a small kitchen to £800-£1,000 for a large kitchen
New worktops vary in price too from £2,00 for laminate. Granite, marble and woodwork surfaces cost significantly more. If you are considering replacing your kitchen floor this will include both the cost of materials and about £150 for a professional to laminate the floor, or more if you opt for wooden flooring. If you decide to change your kitchen sink, you will incur plumbing and installation costs of £150 – £200. Other incidental costs can include re-plastering, re-wiring and re-painting.
Does a kitchen renovation add value?
According to the real estate agency, Savills, a kitchen renovation can add 5-10% to the value of your house so it is something that is well worth considering. House buyers consider the kitchen one of the most important rooms in the house and are looking for large flexible spaces that have a variety of uses – and are willing to pay more for a house with a great kitchen.
“New data from Magnet finds that a great kitchen can add a staggering £20,000 to the value of your home. While an equally poor one could wipe out twenty grand when you’re ready to sell” – Ideal Home
Knowing which style of kitchen adds value to your home can be a challenge but Angela Wallace, Divisional Sales Director of Purplebricks describes the ideal kitchen as being –
“Modern, sleek, and neutral in colour. It should have decent appliances with nice or no handles, which are integrated appliances and there should be clever kitchen lighting”.
How long does a kitchen renovation take?
If you are planning on having a total kitchen renovation, the maximum completion time should be three-four weeks. This will be a team effort with professionals to install the kitchen units and floor, with your input including helping to remove old units and painting the ceiling. This timescale can be shorter or longer if – for example – there are plastering problems or if you have bought flat-pack units that take longer to assemble.
What about appliances?
If you are considering a kitchen renovation, it is the perfect opportunity to ensure that all the appliances you are using are really efficient. Electricity rates are currently soaring and water conservation is a top priority, so it makes sense to invest in appliances that use less of both. Not only is this essential for the environment, but you will also enjoy greatly reduced fuel bills.
In 2020, the UK introduced a new energy label for all domestic appliances in an effort to meet the country’s environmental commitments. The label is a simple A-G classification system, with A being green in colour which denotes excellent low energy consumption and G with a red background, denoting a poor energy-saving performance.
The new energy label classification can be found on all types of domestic appliances including washing machines, dryers, refrigerators, freezers and cookers. Other energy-saving measures to include in your stylish new kitchen are LED and CFL light bulbs. It is the perfect time to invest in an eco-friendly washing machine that has both a cold-water programme and a half-load. Modern washing liquids are extremely effective at much lower temperatures.
Well contemplating a kitchen renovation can be daunting and is not something to undertake lightly. Having said that, a bright, spacious energy-efficient kitchen will certainly be the welcoming hub for family life and make well inspire other family members to reach for a recipe book to have a go at cooking for the family as working in such a snazzy space feels like you are a celebrity chef!
