Want a New Kitchen for a Fraction of the Cost?

Q. I'd like to buy a new kitchen but my available budget doesn't come close to getting me what I want. What can I do?

A. There's a lot you can do. Think more about what you are trying to achieve than what you think you should buy. Remember that if you buy from a big name you may well be paying a significant premium for a name badge.

When choosing a kitchen do remember that there are many local smaller companies offering great design services, hand-building bespoke kitchens, or simply helping you to get the best that is available on the market for your purposes. You may find following this route immediately brings your plans within budget without any compromise. Winchester Oak, as part of Winchester Floor Sanding based in Alresford make high quality bespoke kitchens at very reasonable prices, with different options for differing budgets. Both Peter Cerny (Romsey) and Nick Richards (Nicholas Richards Design, Milford on Sea) are independent kitchen designers/builders/fitters, who can take on as much or as little of a project
as you might want.

When choosing appliances for your kitchen there are some very basic manufacturers I would choose to avoid, and some extremely high-end names I would also steer clear of. What is the point on breaking the bank on a dishwasher that will last 20 years. In 10 years' time, the newer version of a reasonably priced quality brand will be more impressive than your long-lasting super-washer. There are many brands offering good quality build, great design, performance and capability, and at manageable prices.

Do you really want to completely rip out and start again? You may be wasting a large proportion of your budget if you take this route. Start with a blank page and an outline of the shape of your kitchen. Draw out what you want in your new kitchen and where you want it. Unless the basic layout is significantly different to your current kitchen then you're better off remodelling what's already there. 40% of the cost of new kitchens is in the cabinetry; the higher quality your original kitchen, the stronger the case for remodelling.

Once you have determined the layout of your kitchen, the look is shaped by a number of factors, but in differing levels. Major factors are worktop, appliances, doors and drawers, handles, wall tiles or paint, lighting and flooring. Any one of these factors can have a significant impact on its own. Change a couple and you may well have a completely new kitchen at a fraction of the price of a complete new one.

At Granite Transformations we can refresh, renew or upgrade most areas of your kitchen and can advise on who will deal with the few items we don't cover. We are not the right answer for everyone and will happily direct potential clients to more appropriate companies or individuals where their needs could be better serviced. Equally we are not the only people. Tony Law of Kitchen Options will carry out high quality kitchen remodelling services.

At Granite Transformation we are confident you will feel like you have a new kitchen if you allow us to change your two main appliances, sink/tap and hob, and upgrade your worktop to a high performance stone or glass surface. With average worktop upgrades costing circa £2500 inclusive of VAT and fitting, and great prices on most appliances, your budget might just deliver more than you thought, and leave a significant chunk left over to spoil yourself!

For more information contact Rob Douthwaite on 01202 612 059 or e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Visit our website: www.granitetransformations.co.uk/lymington