The Hidden Costs Of A Kitchen Revamp

At the KSA (Kitchen Specialists Association) we are always being told tales of woe about how a kitchen renovation came in over budget due to unforeseen expenses.

- Stephanie Forbes

No one likes a nasty surprise, particularly when you are working on a tight budget. The truth is that many of these nasty surprises can be avoided by doing your homework and being organised. We want to highlight the typical pitfalls that throw most kitchen revamps out of budget and how to avoid them:

Not allowing for fees – Kitchen designers, as with architects and structural engineers, charge a fee for their design work. It may not be astronomical, but if you want the drawings before work commences or before you have paid your deposit, you will be charged for the drawings. This fee is often refunded when you sign with the company. Many consumers have an issue with these fees and try and avoid paying them. Any professional designer should be charging you for access to their intellectual property.

Structural changes – Consumers tend to underestimate just how much the consultation fees from an industry professional (architect, engineer) are. If you want to make structural changes to the kitchen space, you will probably need to consult an architect. If the walls you want to remove are load-bearing, you may need the advice of a structural engineer. There is also a fee to get your plans passed. Ensure that the builder you appoint is reputable – a bad build can add a fortune to your costs.