A 2020 survey revealed that three-quarters of UK homeowners say that they would describe themselves as house proud. When the COVID-19 pandemic swept the globe two years ago, lockdowns meant that we were spending more and more time at home than ever before, and Brits responded by spending more money on their homes.
Since then, homewares companies have been responding by bombarding Brits with adverts touting their wares. In 2022, you can barely turn on the television without seeing adverts for shiny new kitchens, which come with an equally blingy price tag.
Thankfully, it’s not necessary to shell out the big bucks to update your kitchen, and in this article, we’ll share tips on how to save money on a new kitchen.
Stay away from big brands
Many of us in the UK are conditioned to believe that we should only shop with big name, established brands and actively distrust smaller, less well-known ones.
While it may be fine to only buy your smalls from M&S and your curtains from Laura Ashley, you may be missing a trick if you apply the same system to your new kitchen.
Often, newer brands have more freedom when it comes to sourcing suppliers, which means that you may well find that you can get the same high quality for a much lower price, leaving you more cash to splash on new Bosch appliances.
There are many exciting new companies around these days, as well as some great new options such as replacing the parts you see rather than having a complete overhaul, so explore everything available to you before making a decision.
Avoid upheavals
If you have equipment such as meters and gas or electric service points in your kitchen, it’s an excellent idea to work around these rather than removing them. Moving things like meters may require permission and may be expensive and problematic to move when opting for a new kitchen.
Similarly, you can save a considerable amount of money by going with a kitchen design that doesn’t involve altering any structural stuff. While it may be tempting to make a big change to your kitchen, this will inevitably involve architects and planning applications – which lead to hassle, time and, of course, expense. At Kitchen Makeovers, we are experts in making a kitchen look fresh and new without the fuss, mess and expense of undertaking a massive upheaval.
Refresh, don’t replace
It’s only natural that, after a certain amount of time, you may feel that your kitchen no longer has the wow factor.
Whether this is because it has become a little tired or worn, or you just fancy a change, an update, or a new look is always great for putting a new spring in your step.
Many people think that updating their kitchen automatically involves tearing the whole thing out and starting again and shelling out a considerable amount of money in the process, but this is not the case.
Chances are that the foundation and structure of your kitchen are perfectly fine, which means that all that really needs updating is your worktops and door/drawer fronts and related panels.
At Kitchen Makeovers, we make it our business to provide fantastic kitchens which are also affordable. With a wide range of designs and colours, our no fuss, no mess service means that a fresh new kitchen can be yours in just a matter of a few days.
In comparison, having a brand new kitchen fitted can take several weeks, cost double the amount and, in many cases, your kitchen will be off limits to your family due to dust, mess and the switching off of utilities.
Selling point
When you update your kitchen with new worktops, doors etc., as well as accessories, you may be surprised to learn that you can save money and make some cash too. Your old doors, drawers and equipment can be sold on eBay and similar sites to help you stretch your new kitchen budget even further.
Our experienced and expert professionals will carefully remove your existing fixtures, leaving them in great condition for you to sell. You can then research the best sites to sell your fixtures on in order to earn a few quid.
Appliance not rocket science
Earlier in this article, we mentioned that you don’t need to stick to big brands when it comes to your kitchen, which also applies to your appliances as well.
Shop around for more affordable appliances and check out reviews to see what other customers have to say. If you have your heart set on a particular appliance brand, try checking out some second-hand sites. Often, people will sell a perfectly good appliance simply because it won’t fit into their new kitchen when they move house. This means that a second-hand appliance will often be in fantastic condition, but without the price tag that comes with brand new.
Shop around for quirky accessories
When you choose to update your kitchen with Kitchen Makeovers, one of the benefits is that you will have a little cash left over for some fun extras. Try looking in antique shops and online to find unique pieces, including handles and knobs, to give your updated kitchen a unique look. Our team has the experience and expertise to advise you on the best options for your kitchen.
Choose your workman wisely
If you’re on social media, you’ve probably seen any number of people claiming to be kitchen workmen and craftsmen, offering work at hard-to-believe prices.
When updating your kitchen, it’s vital that you choose a company with the right credentials. Failure to do this can not only result in a not-so-great job but can also end up causing damage to your kitchen.
When looking to hire a workman or company, please don’t be shy about asking for evidence of qualifications, as well as checking out their insurance coverage. This will help you to make sure that you don’t end up with an expensive mess on your hands instead of a shiny new kitchen.
Refresh and reset
With the UK currently in the grip of a cost of living crisis, we’re all having to tighten our belts a little and, for many, this means that luxuries like a new kitchen are, for the time being, off the table. For many people, this means getting a little more creative when it comes to making home improvements.
As we’ve shown in this article, there are a few good alternative options to paying for an entirely new kitchen to be fitted, including the affordable, hassle-free option of simply replacing worktops, cupboard doors and drawers.
At Kitchen Makeovers, our qualified and experienced personnel make light work of delivering kitchen updates without the massive price tag. If you’re ready to hit refresh on your kitchen, get in touch with our friendly customer service staff today for a free, no-obligation quote.