New kitchen price shock

Now my wonderful new kitchen is complete, all I can say is that it has been worth every penny of the eighteen grand it cost me. My first-ever fully new kitchen. And, it is not just how wonderful it looks (and it most definitely does), but all the great things hidden behind those cupboard and drawer fronts. The floor to ceiling pull out larder (where i can keep and easy see and get to ALL my pastas, rices, flours, sugars, cereals, etc). The smaller pull pull out unit taking all ny spices, herbs and oils, vinegars, etc. etc. The great kidney shaped thingie in the corner on which I can easily see and get to every tin, jar etc. No more finding things hidden at the back of cupboards.
Yes, this money included quartz sparkly worktop, new oven and combi-microwave and new (freestanding = my choice) Harvest fresh fridge/freezer) Also the lovely 'hot tap'.

For several years I have had a counter-top water heater -and this is, by far, better. Hot water - suitable for tea, coffee drinks or for putting in saucepans, etc. quite literally at the turn of a button. So much easier and less wasteful than a kettle and - definitely - much safer.

Work had to include changing position of sink (black 1 1/2 one), A lot of electrical work, taking down floor to ceiling tiles, and new (Karndean) flooring.

All I can say is that since it has finished last Monday, I keep going in and out to admire it and have had a smile on my face nearly the whole time. So definitely worth it.

Local company carried it all out and acted as Project Manager, using all their own tradesmen/companies they always used. All ran to time.

Would not go into debt for this sort of work - but thanks to help from my AC, think it a great way to invest my savings - and it will all add the the value of my flat. More importantly,. I am getting so much pleasure from it.

Hi, Labour costs are a large part of any quote requiring manual workers. We didn’t go for quartz tops as I know if you drop something like a cup on it it will certainly break but not so with laminate surfaces. There was too much reflection for my eyes too! But if you have the money then it’s up to you. We had a conservatory with solid roof built last year with some legacy money and we’re so pleased with it and enjoying it as an extra room.

We replaced our kitchen exactly fifteen years ago this month and it cost £26,000. It is not large space, but I wanted my dream kitchen and I still love it. That price included granite worktops, which have got to be the most hardwearing there is, a Britannia dual fuel oven/hob, Miele dishwasher, Smeg integrated microwave, an American fridge freezer and my pride and joy, a beautiful double porcelain butler sink and Perrin & Rowe taps. We also went for solid wood doors and a travertine limestone floor, which was included in the total price, as was all removal of old kitchen, rewiring, plastering and installation of new. Everything has stood the test of time, apart from the fridge freezer, which we had to replace two years ago. I think you get what you pay for and I still wouldn’t change a thing in my kitchen…apart from wishing I could push the walls out a few feet to make it bigger! I remember being in shock when we got the final bill for ours, but I am glad we did it back then as I dread to think how much it would be now. As you say, you’ve worked hard, so why shouldn’t you have what you want and if you can afford to go for quality appliances etc. and know you’re getting something you will love, I’d say go for it!

Optomistic1

Sorry I should have said ! £23k…. That includes ripping out ( including taking up floor and wall tiles, plastering, new false ceiling, units, appliances, quartz, spotlights, new radiator , flooring,

Flippin heck !