Set your budget first
Before looking at any kitchens, set a realistic budget. A basic kitchen renovation (mid-range units, standard worktops, no layout changes) costs £8,000–£14,000 fully installed. A premium renovation with layout changes, quartz worktops, and quality appliances costs £18,000–£35,000+. Rule of thumb: the kitchen is typically 6–10% of the home's value for the investment to make sense.
Decide on layout before buying units
The kitchen layout affects everything. Moving a sink, hob, or oven to a new location requires plumbing or electrical work that adds cost. Before committing to any design, get a kitchen fitter to assess the existing layout and advise on the most practical options for the space. Changing the layout after units are ordered is expensive.
Choose your worktop material carefully
Laminate worktops are affordable (£100–£300 for an average kitchen) but less durable. Solid wood is attractive but requires regular oiling. Quartz is the most popular premium option — hard, non-porous, heat-resistant, and available in hundreds of designs (£600–£1,500 for an average kitchen, fitted by a stone specialist). Granite is a natural alternative to quartz with similar cost.
Order tiles before fitting starts
Tiles are often an afterthought, but having them on-site before the kitchen fitter starts means the splashback can be tiled during the fit. Ordering tiles late delays the project and means living without a splashback. Buy 15% more than you need to cover wastage and future repairs.
Plan the sequence of work
The correct sequence for a kitchen renovation is: 1. Strip out old kitchen 2. First fix plumbing and electrics (move pipes and cables to new positions) 3. Plastering any new walls or patching 4. Cabinet installation 5. Worktop templating (stone worktops are measured after cabinets are in) 6. Worktop installation 7. Second fix plumbing and electrics 8. Tiling 9. Flooring 10. Appliance connection and commissioning.