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Starting the year with plans for a new kitchen? Brilliant. But before you get too carried away with Pinterest boards and showroom visits, let's talk about the less glamorous but absolutely necessary part: budgeting. Getting your budget right from the start will save you stress, disappointment, and potential financial headaches down the line.
Here's the honest truth: kitchen renovations vary wildly in price. You could spend £5,000 on a basic refresh or £50,000 on a high-end complete overhaul. The key is working out what's realistic for you.
As a rough guide, a mid-range kitchen renovation in 2026 typically costs between £15,000-£25,000, including cabinets, worktops, appliances, and installation. A more luxurious renovation with premium materials and appliances can easily run £30,000-£50,000 or more. These are ballpark figures – your actual costs will depend on your space, choices, and location.
Understanding the typical breakdown helps you plan. Here's a rough guide:
That contingency fund is genuinely important. Almost every renovation has at least one surprise – maybe the plumbing needs more work than expected, or you decide halfway through that you really do want that upgraded tap.
Start by looking at your finances honestly. How much can you afford without stretching yourself too thin? Remember, you'll still need to pay your regular bills during the renovation, plus you might have extra costs like eating out more if your kitchen is unusable.
If you're thinking about financing, shop around for the best rates and make sure the monthly payments are comfortable, not just technically affordable.
If you need to trim costs, here's where you can be smart about it:
Worth spending on:
Where you can save:
Get at least three quotes for your kitchen, but remember that the cheapest isn't always the best value. Look at what's included, the quality of materials, and the timeline.
Once you've chosen your supplier, keep track of every cost. It's easy for extras to creep in when you're caught up in the excitement. That upgraded tap here and those fancier handles there can quickly add hundreds to your bill.
You might be tempted to save money by doing some work yourself, but be realistic about your skills. Poor DIY can actually cost more to fix than hiring professionals in the first place. Save the DIY for painting or decorating, and leave the technical stuff to the experts.
A new kitchen is a significant investment, but with proper planning and a realistic budget, it's absolutely achievable. The key is being honest about what you can afford and making smart choices about where to spend and where to save.
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As a kitchen designer, I love creating a stunning space where life is easy and memories are made! If your kitchen needs upgrading, modernising or a complete renovation, let’s have a conversation and see what you could do with your space.
A new kitchen with a specialist design is more cost-effective than you may think – just get in touch with us today for a free in-store kitchen design consultation and we’ll show you how.
Emma Reed – Kitchen designer – 01792 712000
© 2026 Kitchens by Emma Reed Limited. Company number: 11451277. Registered office address: 1-2 Valley Way, Llansamlet, Swansea, United Kingdom, SA6 8QP.
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