When planning a new kitchen, it's essential to consider not just the obvious expenses but also the hidden and unexpected costs that can arise. From planning and design fees to structural work and fittings, many factors can impact the final bill. This article explores these often-overlooked expenses, helping you budget accurately for your kitchen renovation project in the UK.

1. Planning and design fees.

Kitchen design fees can vary depending on the complexity of your project and can range from £100 to £500 as a general average in the UK. Though a lot of kitchen supply outlets may include design in the price. The important thing to remember when designing your kitchen is that the layout should use the available space in the room in the most efficient way possible, this is where an experienced kitchen designer can help you get the most value from your space.

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2. Site preparation and structural work.

If your new kitchen in a simple replacement of the previous one, there usually isn't much work to do prior to fitting the new one. Though there may be other considerations you need to take into account which may include the following:

Removing the old kitchen

Dismantling the old kitchen will usually attract a cost, an average of £200 to £500 for most domestic kitchens in the UK, but may also cause some damage to walls, tiled areas, flooring and other fittings. So bare this in mind if you plan on keeping any existing finishes like flooring or woodwork.

Structural and service changes

If you have a new design that requires some degree of reappropriating the space, like removing walls, raising or levelling floors, suspending ceilings or moving doors this will add a significant cost to the project. As well as the cost the requirements for other trades and professionals can delay the project significantly as you may need to appoint a structural engineer, surveyor or other professional to ensure the project is completed correctly and safely.

When it comes to moving services, like moving the position of a sink, electrical points or gas pipes, this will need to be done by a qualified plumber, electrician or gas engineer respectively, and you will still need to factor in the cost of these changes which usually go beyond the standard kitchen installation cost.

Asbestos removal

There is less risk of finding asbestos in modern properties these days, btu if your home is older, more than a few decades, there will most likely be asbestos within the structure and ceilings. Unless there are heavy alterations needed to the room before the kitchen installation the risk should be reasonably low. But it's best to get professional advice before starting your kitchen project at all, as the safe removal of asbestos can cause significant delays to your project.

Lighting

Some replacement kitchens may need new lighting, additional lighting or the position of lighting to be moved, for example hanging pendants over kitchen tables and islands. Also some kitchens use integrated lighting for the worktops and cupboards. Its worth considering that the need for new light fixtures may require additional wiring to be routed through walls and ceilings, which can be messy and disrupt the finished surfaces, ceilings or tiled areas you already have. This is usually taken care of in the design process, if you have a design service available to you when buying, but if not be sure to consult a professional kitchen designer or electrician to make an estimate of the work needed functional light to your working and dining areas.

Fittings

Kitchen packages are usually complete, in that they include cupboard and drawer handles, switch covers and other fittings that provide the finished detail. In most cases, if you are buying the kitchen and managing the project yourself, you can make a significant saving by sourcing the door furniture and other details and fittings from other suppliers. A number of small fittings can significantly add to the cost of the project in the end.