Replacing or refacing?

THINKING of updating your kitchen but don’t know where to start? Join the club. It’s possibly the most daunting house renovation because you could have weeks with just a “temporary kitchen”. Then there’s the cost. Buying from DIY outlets such as B&Q and Wickes can help to keep costs down, and retailers like IKEA or John Lewis are also reasonably priced, but it’s worth considering companies such as Kitchen Magic (kitchenmagic.co.uk) that simply reface your existing cabinets by replacing doors and work surfaces.

- By Deborah Stone

Kitchen Makeovers (kitchenmakeovers. co.uk) offers a similar modernisation service for those happy with their kitchen layout, and co-founder Will Frankling says: “The secret is to spend where it counts. Swapping old doors and handles can completely transform the look of your kitchen at a fraction of the