Low Cost Living - Buying a Kitchen

IN THE
HOME

Buying a new Kitchen

Buying a new Kitchen is a major event and also a major investment in your property both for your own convenience and for future profit when selling.

It is though, something we can get carried way with and very few new kitchens will be completed within the budget you may have in your mind.

First we need to get out the way of the 'do we really need a new one'. If it's solely for design reasons, then we could consider changing the doors, replacing the sink bowls, worktops and other cosmetics. Quite often the kitchen may look old and tired, but a good change around of a few things and decent decoraion can transform the room at quite a low cost.

The reason is quite simply that it's not just changing the Units, it brings in many other things as well.

Consider existing fittings
There's a strong possibility (almost certain) that pipes and elctrical points will have to be moved plus, if you have gas a registered Corgi Fitter will need to be hired for this.

Decoration
Because of things being moved and blank walls where there were cupboards and old ceramic tiles etc. It is certain the whole kitchen will need to be decorated.

Flooring
The same applies to the above, but may give you the chance to chose more suitable flooring taking into consideration both comfort and insulation.

New Appliances
It's easy to go mad with gadgets which all have extra ongoing running costs. Buy energy efficient items and you'll save a lot.

Before buying
Get lots of quotes from reputable companies with a good track record and check out exactly what is included in the installation costs if you're not going DIY.

Loans
It is quite simple, income appreciated, to get a loan for a new kitchen and some companies will try and sell you one.
Don't take as said. Speak to your own Bank or Building Society and weigh up the pros and cons of extending your mortgage.

Misc.
Make sure you are up to date and all things are covered in your Home Insurance Policy.
Think of safety in the design of the kitchen. It's all very well having a best possible deal kitchen if there's a safety issue somewhere.

Finally
After the kitchen has been installed, call them back for any niggle. Don't let it go on. It's your kitchen, your home and your money.

IMPROVING
YOUR
HOME

The rule is not to talk about money with people who have much more or much less than us than you

Katherine Whitehorn

Design and planning
£
Units
£
Worktops
£
Appliances
£
Decoration
(wallpaper, tiles)
£
Flooring
£
Plumbing
Wiring and electrics
£
Lighting

Fitting costs