Planning your Kitchen-Reface or Replace?
Decisions, decisions….eh?
The first thing you need to decide when planning a kitchen is whether you want to update your current kitchen or start totally afresh.
Look at what you already have, what you like and don’t like, and what you want to remove or keep. If the kitchen layout works, only change it if there is a real benefit – for example, if it increases the value of your home. If this is the case, talk to an estate agent to see what the maximum financial gain a new kitchen would bring minus what you’re prepared to spend.
Your Kitchen Layout
If you want an entirely new kitchen, think about the layout and how you use your current kitchen. For example, where will you want most worktop space? What elements do you want to be close to each other, such as the fridge and cooking station? Do you use it for dinner parties? Do you have a lot of gadgets to accommodate? This will help ensure that your day-to-day needs will not get overlooked in the planning process.
You then need to look at the constraints in your kitchen, such as size and the positions of doors, windows and sockets.
Your Kitchen Budget
Next, consider how much you have to spend – remembering to set aside at least 10% for emergencies – and then see what you can get for your money. Here at Gordon’s Makeovers we can guarantee real value for money, top quality products at competitive prices, a before and after-sales service second to none and legitimate product and fitting guarantees. We offer our customers a FREE, NO OBLIGATION, HOME QUOTATION to begin with so that our customers can see our products in the comfort of their own home against their own existing kitchen fittings and decor. Had lots of quotes? Is your head swimming with facts and figures? Got unanswered questions? Perhaps a company has said that certain things are not possible and you think they are? Ask away either prior to or during your FREE,NO OBLIGATION HOME QUOTATION. If it can be done we will find a way, our surveyor and our company Gordon’s Makeovers have had over 20 years in the Fitted-Kitchen and Kitchen Refurbishment Industry and we will bend over backwards for our customers! Furthermore, we promise to beat any like for like quote. Call today on 01942 814800 or 0161 8657001 and take advantage of our fantastic UP TO 40% OFF SALE which has just been extended due to popular demand!
Kitchen Design Ideas
If your budget is tight and you decide you don’t need an entire new kitchen, there are simple changes you can make that will transform your current kitchen without the cost:
- Paint – refreshing your walls or kitchen doors with a lick of paint is less expensive than replacing the whole kitchen, and a great way to add colour. You can do this yourself, although make sure you use oil-based or latex (water-based) paint and that you prepare the surfaces as instructed.
- Create a feature wall – this is an ideal way to add character to your kitchen and make a statement. Use colourful or patterned wallpaper (specially designed for kitchens), tiles, or a distinctive splashback to create a focal point.
- Update worktops and doors – We here at GORDON’s Makeovers can supply new kitchen unit doors, drawer fronts and worktops, refreshing your kitchen but at a fraction of the price of an entirely new one. Doors can cost upwards of £57 (inclusive of handles, hinges, VAT and delivery), and worktops start at around £59 per metre. Consider first the style you want to emulate, then choose from there. Take a look at modern kitchen and country kitchen galleries for ideas on the look you want to create. Perhaps take a look at our fantastic BEFORE & AFTER PICTURES pictures here on our website for inspiration! Check out this GALLERY OF COUNTRY KITCHEN IDEAS or even this GALLERY OF MODERN KITCHEN IDEAS.
- Lighting – careful lighting can change the feel of your kitchen, especially if it’s small. Spotlights or lights under the counter can add a modern touch, while pendant lights bring a country element to a kitchen. If you’re rearranging your lights, as opposed to just getting new shades, speak to an electrician first to find out what is possible. Here at Gordon’s Makeovers we have a list of preferred contractors such as Builders, Electricians, Gas Engineers and Tilers whom we would be happy to recommend and work with to project manage the work on your kitchen.
- Flooring – if your floor is old, replacing it can lift your kitchen. Again, your choice of flooring can affect the feel of the room. Vinyl flooring is generally the cheapest, starting at around £10 per square metre, with natural materials such as stone and wood being more expensive – anything from £20 to £100 as a starting prices.
Kitchen doors and drawers
New worktops and cupboard doors are a low-cost way to spruce up a kitchen. Doors can costs upwards of £100 each, but you can buy one for as little as £10. However, some cheaper door fronts are covered with a printed paper film, which can scratch and damage easily.
Cheaper wood-finish doors often have just a veneer, while a better-quality door is coated in a thicker surface layer, making it more durable. You’ll get a wider choice of door, such as high gloss or solid wood, if you spend a bit more.
Upgrading to soft-close doors and drawers makes a marked difference when using your kitchen. Soft-close drawers, which allow you to close slowly without it slamming, are designed for years of use with hard-wearing mechanisms. The cheap basic drawer runners can be clunky but will do the job.
Kitchen worktops
Prices vary from £50 to more than £500 for the same length of worktop depending on the finish and material. Laminate is cheapest and is long lasting and durable.
Solid-surface worktops have a thicker surface layer, which can be sanded and buffed, so joins are masked.
The more expensive solid wood or granite will give a beautiful finish that should last a lifetime with proper care. Wood worktops can warp if poorly stored, so check thoroughly before installation.
Quartz worktops are similar in appearance to granite, but are more durable and even stronger.
Appliances
A typical list of appliances for a kitchen including washing machine, cooker hood, oven, hob, dishwasher and fridge freezer will cost from £1,800 for budget Best Buys.
For a top-of-the range Best Buy American-style fridge freezer, dishwasher, range cooker and hood, you’d pay around £4,000. We can source appliances for our customers or alternatively fit ones which have already been sourced and purchased by the customer independently. Please note that additional fees for Capping off Gas Supplies, Refitting Electric & Gas Hobs are payable.
Gordon’s Makeovers offer our own Fitting Service. Check out our Testimonials for customer feedback as to just how excellent this service is!
Installation and Tradesman Costs
The cost of installation is extra and should a quote for our fitting service be required then please mention this at the time of your FREE, NO OBLIGATION HOME QUOTATION. If you are not sure about taking up our fitting service option, we can of course quote you for this after your initial quotation, its not a problem. We do provide all of customers with a 12-month Fitting Guarantee from the date of fit. Details of which are available on our customer’s guarantee paperwork.
Knowing how kitchen plumbing will be connected and how and where waste water will be channeled out of your new kitchen is key to understanding what you’ll be able to afford to do. The more services you need to move, including electrics, the higher the cost for your kitchen improvement will be. Gordon’s Makeovers have their own recommended fitters, gas engineers and electricians, however, we can also provide our customers with good only should they or a relative/friend wish to fit the items themselves.