When planning a kitchen renovation, it’s not always easy to know where to start. Whether you’re remodelling your existing kitchen or are planning an extension or new build, initially the sheer range of choices out there can seem daunting to say the least – this is why we have put together this helpful guide to help you get started on your kitchen journey.
Consider your requirements
Before you dive deep into design options and aesthetics, it is important consider what you desire from your new space. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Are you happy with your current kitchen layout? Does it work for you?
- Do you want to maximise storage, or increase your worktop area?
- How do you use your kitchen – Do you have a busy family lifestyle? Do you want a sociable kitchen to feature a breakfast bar or island?
- Are you a keen cook who has their eye on certain appliances?
- Is your kitchen in a large open plan area? If so, how do you want to utilise the rest of the space?
Taking these things into consideration and making a list of your priorities will form the basis of the design process and help you create your perfect kitchen.
Get some inspiration
Not everyone can visualise how they would like their new kitchen to look. If this is the case, the first step would be to decide on what style of kitchen you would like.
Does the idea of classic shaker kitchen appeal to you? Or are you looking for a sleek handle-less style? Using sites such as Instagram and Pinterest can be useful to put together a virtual mood board of the look you are aiming for. A good starting point is our Portfolio page, which showcases a wide range of projects we’ve completed. Looking further afield, Masterclass Kitchens have a “Real Kitchens” page on their website, with some fantastic projects from other Masterclass dealers around the country.
Set your budget
A new kitchen is something you don’t buy often, and as such it’s difficult to know exactly how much a project will cost. The truth is, there is no one size fits all to this question.
According to 2024 data, the average cost of a kitchen renovation is £20,000-£30,000, however this can vary hugely dependent on many things. For example, the size of the kitchen space, worktop material, appliance choices, and the amount of additional work needed, all have a significant impact on the overall cost.
Time to go Shopping!
Once you’ve got a basic idea of what you want, the next step is to visit some kitchen showrooms to see what is out there. The internet is great for many things, but a visit to a kitchen showroom will allow you to touch and feel the quality of what you are purchasing.
When you visit a showroom, the more information you can provide the designer, the better. If you have building plans then take them along. If it’s an existing kitchen, a rough sketch and some photos can help the designer envisage the space and advise what can be done with it. Sometimes they will be able to produce an initial design from what you provide, and in some cases they will arrange a home visit to take accurate measurements – just be aware that some companies may charge for this service.
A 3D design and quotation will then be put together which reflects your ideas and the discussions you’ve had with your designer. It’s rare that the first design is 100% perfect, but a good designer will listen to your feedback and fine tune your design until it is exactly how you envisaged.
Making a decision
It’s advisable to obtain a number of quotes when purchasing something as substantial as a new kitchen. When comparing quotes, it’s vitally important to make sure that you know exactly what you are getting, so that you can ensure that you are comparing apples with apples – so if the quote you have been given doesn’t give you the details you need then don’t be afraid to ask. It is your money, after all!
Obviously you need a quote that’s within your budget, but don’t make your decision solely on cost. Better quality furniture or appliances may cost more initially, but their longer lifespan may actually make them cheaper over the long run.
It’s essential that you chose a company that you feel you can trust, and work with effectively. As the heart of the home, a kitchen refurbishment can cause some stress and upheaval so it’s important that it’s completed in the most efficient manner possible. A good company will give you detailed timescales of the schedule of work, so at least you can plan ahead. It’s always worth checking out the online reviews of the companies you are considering, as this will give you an indication of whether they are as good as they will undoubtedly tell you they are!
We hope this has helped a little if you’ve started looking into a new kitchen. If you’d like to chat to us about your project, either click the “Request an Appointment” button at the top of this page or contact us through our Contact Us page.