Refurbishing a kitchen is a major project that involves a lot of planning and budgeting. A well-planned kitchen refurb can improve how you cook and spend time in your kitchen. Here we share our guide about what you need to consider before embarking on a kitchen refurb project.

Space and Layout

Start by thinking about how you use your kitchen. The layout should make it easy to move between cooking, washing and storage areas. The “work triangle” – the space between the sink, stove and fridge – should be convenient. Make sure there’s enough counter space for preparing food and that your storage areas are easy to reach.

Personal Style and Taste

Your kitchen should reflect your home’s personality. Some people prefer a modern look, while others like a more traditional design. During a kitchen refurb, choosing elements such as lighting, handles and custom kitchen doors, such as those from https://www.happy-doors.co.uk/shop/products/kitchens, can help you tailor the space to your taste without having to change all the layout.

Material and Finish Choices

Kitchens are high-use areas, so durable materials are important. Cabinets, worktops and flooring should be able to withstand heat, steam, moisture and regular cleaning. Laminate, quartz and solid wood are all popular choices. For finishes, consider how the different textures – from matte to glossy – will look under your kitchen lighting.

Colour Scheme

The colour scheme you choose will set the mood for the space. Light colours can make smaller kitchens feel bigger and more open, while darker tones can add warmth. Neutrals are always timeless, but adding a bold colour can make the room more distinctive and memorable.

Lifestyle Choices

Think about how your kitchen supports your daily routine. Families might prioritise easy-to-clean surfaces and extra seating, while keen cooks may want more worktop space and professional gadgets and appliances. Storage solutions like pull-out drawers or hidden bins can make the space more organised and easier to work in. Matching your design to your lifestyle makes sure that your kitchen doesn’t just look good but also works well.

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Research suggests that buyers could avoid up to £70k of costs by keeping away from older homes and the ‘renovation trap’ and choosing new-builds instead.

The Hidden Costs of Older Homes

Avant Homes, the housebuilder, carried out some research that showed up to £70,000 of hidden costs could face buyers in the first few years after moving into an older home. They used industry research to find that new-build homeowners can become better off by not shelling out large sums on expensive repairs, higher utility bills and expensive renovations. Equally, new-build owners are more likely to add on home extensions from companies such as https://precisionbuildersltd.co.uk/services/home-extensions/ rather than move if they are happy with their homes.

Unexpected Costs Can Spiral

Most people know that new-builds are more energy efficient to run and have lower utility bills, but most don’t take renovation and repair costs into account for older properties. These unexpected bills can run into tens of thousands. For example, a new kitchen can cost £11,000 for a mid-range refit, and a bathroom can cost £4,500. A boiler can easily cost £3,500 with installation, and a roof can cost £7,000 for a full renewal. Installing triple-glazed windows can cost over £9k for a full house, and a total home rewire can cost over £4,500 for a three-bedroom house. The costs just keep coming!

For most homeowners, the threat of escalating bills and expensive repair jobs might just be enough to encourage them to consider a new-build, even if a period property is exciting for its aesthetic appeal.

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