While it’s a common question which most assume has an easy answer, in fact, there are multiple variables within kitchen design that can affect the final price. So, today, our Art of Kitchens experts will unpack the elements of a kitchen renovation and how your choices will determine what you will pay for your new kitchen.

When deciding to renovate your kitchen, ensuring you have budgeted accordingly is one of the most challenging aspects. Kitchen budgets can vary drastically – a small kitchen, in some circumstances, can cost as much as or even more than a medium or large kitchen. It’s mostly due to the choices made in terms of cabinetry, hardware, benchtops and appliances.

An expert kitchen designer stays updated on the latest releases in surfaces, hardware and technology so is best placed to answer your questions about where to spend and where to save. They will take into account how you cook, what you cook, how you use the kitchen, the size of your family and a number of other factors before making a recommendation that suits your specific needs.

Kitchen Renovation Costs – Adding It Up

The main components of a kitchen renovation are:

  • Appliances
  • Benchtop
  • Splashback
  • Cabinetry
  • Hardware
  • Internal organisation

Every choice in each category has a price point that ranges from budget to luxury so it’s easy to see how a small kitchen with luxury specs throughout can cost as much as a large kitchen with budget specs. The size of the space is also a contributing factor to the final cost – a larger kitchen will normally require more cabinetry, for example.

The complexity of the renovation and whether you need building work are two other key factors which can affect the price.

The best approach is to go through your kitchen design item by item with your designer – think carefully about any items which are your “must haves” and where you might be happy to compromise. If, for example, you have fallen in love with a stunning natural marble slab and it’s your dream to have it for your island bench, you might consider using a more cost effective benchtop in another part of the kitchen which is more hidden.

Top Reasons Kitchens Go Over Budget

  • Making changes/additions after sign off
  • Adding special features
  • Unforeseen structural issues

Once your plans are signed off and your kitchen has gone into production, making any changes will result in additional costs, so make sure you spend the time going through all your selections with your designer and are happy with the look and feel of your kitchen.

If you have fallen in love with the idea of the latest technical gadget – maybe electronic drawer opening systems or pop-up power points – do consider how these selections will affect your budget. Other special features that can determine the final price include feature benchtops or splashbacks, feature lighting, and special cabinetry finishes.

Unfortunately, when renovating older homes it’s not uncommon for structural issues to be uncovered after the existing kitchen has been stripped out. These issues can’t be foreseen so it’s a good idea to keep something in the kitty in case an issue is revealed that must be dealt with before the new kitchen can be installed.

Appliances & Benchtops

The two costly aspects of any kitchen are your appliances and benchtop materials. It’s an excellent plan to do your research and think carefully about what you intend to spend on your new devices. Appliance costs vary widely depending on the type, model, and features you want to include, and whether you are a serious cook who considers a steam oven, warming drawer and sous vide machine as essential inclusions.

The same can be said for your benchtop. The material you choose can save you money or increase your budget. High-end natural stone options can undoubtedly add dollars to your project but they make an amazing centrepiece and, for some renovators, are a not-negotiable inclusion. For all homeowners, it’s about balancing what you desire for your new kitchen and what you need.

Investing in good design

DIY kitchen renovations can look cheaper on paper but the value of a specialist kitchen designer is that they can see the potential of the space available and make sure that every centimetre is maximised for optimal storage and ergonomics.

A flat pack kitchen can also seem like a great budget decision but the majority of homes weren’t built to suit cabinets in a set width so this can mean you are left with ugly and dysfunctional gaps. The benefit of a custom-made kitchen is that every cabinet is specifically manufactured to suit the space you have available.

A custom design is also able to take into consideration your individual needs – maybe your family is tall and you need a slightly higher benchtop. Or maybe you buy in bulk so need special storage space to house these items. Maybe you’re an avid entertainer so you need space in a scullery or butler’s pantry for when you are cooking for a crowd.

Most kitchens have at least one corner cupboard and it takes an expert to know how to manage this space correctly to ensure the contents inside are easy to access. There are a wide variety of solutions for corner cupboards depending on what will be stored there and how often it will need to be accessed.

A good designer will also be able to advise you on the best solutions for internal drawer and cupboard organisation depending on the type of items your family needs to store. Investing in the right solutions can make a huge difference to the functionality of the end result.

With the right advice, you can ensure your project looks stunning, is highly functional, and stays reasonably within your budget. At Art of Kitchens, we’re specialists in creating amazing kitchens that enhance lifestyles so reach out today and book an appointment at our showroom! Happy Renovating.