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When a kitchen starts to look tired, it’s natural to assume it needs ripping out. But that isn’t always true. If the cabinets are solid and the layout works for you, a refurbishment can transform the room for a fraction of the cost and disruption of a full replacement.
So how do you know which you need? Here’s how we help customers decide.
What a kitchen refurb usually involves
A refurb keeps the bones of your kitchen, the cabinet carcasses and the layout, and replaces the parts you see and touch:
- Doors and drawer fronts. Slim shaker styles in soft, earthy colours are very popular at the moment, as are wood finishes.
- Worktops. Upgrading from laminate to quartz, solid wood or a quality compact laminate makes a big difference.
- Splashback. Tiles, glass or a matching worktop upstand.
- Handles and taps. Small changes, big effect.
- Appliances. Swapping an old oven or hob for a more efficient model.
- Lighting. Under-cabinet strips and new ceiling lights change the whole feel of the room.
- Painting and decorating to finish it off.
When a refurb makes sense
- The cabinets are sturdy, dry and level.
- You’re happy with where the sink, cooker and fridge are.
- The kitchen is less than about 15 to 20 years old, or was well built in the first place.
- You want a big difference without weeks without a kitchen.
- Your budget is limited, or you’d rather spend it elsewhere in the house.
When you’re better off replacing
- Water damage. Swollen chipboard under the sink or around the dishwasher won’t recover.
- The layout doesn’t work. If you’re constantly squeezing past people or walking across the room to get to the bin, new doors won’t fix it.
- You want to knock through. Opening up to a dining room or adding an island usually means starting again.
- Odd sizes. Some older kitchens use cabinet sizes that modern replacement doors don’t fit.
- The electrics or plumbing need updating. If walls are being opened up anyway, it can be the right time to start fresh.
The middle ground
Many of our projects sit in between. We might keep most of the units, replace a damaged run under the sink, add a tall pantry cupboard (one of the most requested features at the moment) and fit new worktops throughout. You get the benefits of a new kitchen while keeping what’s still good.
Older homes and newer homes
The right answer often depends on the house. In Saffron Walden and Great Dunmow, many kitchens sit in older properties with uneven walls and floors, where a sympathetic refurb of a well-made kitchen can be the better choice. In newer homes around Haverhill, many kitchens are 10 to 20 years old with sound carcasses but dated doors and worn laminate worktops: ideal for a refurb. And in the period terraces and townhouses of Bury St Edmunds, we see both.
What about cost?
A refurb typically costs much less than a full replacement, because most of the cabinetry and plumbing stays where it is, and it’s usually finished in days rather than weeks. If you’re not sure which way to go, we’re happy to price both options for your kitchen so you can compare them side by side.
Kitchen fitting near you
Frequently asked questions
Can you just replace the worktops?
Yes. It’s one of the quickest ways to refresh a kitchen, and we can often fit a new sink and tap at the same time.
How long does a kitchen refurb take?
Usually days rather than weeks, depending on what’s involved. Worktops made from stone or quartz need templating first, which adds a little time.
Can you paint my existing kitchen doors?
Some doors paint well, others don’t. We’ll give you an honest view when we visit.
Not sure which you need?
We’ll happily take a look and tell you honestly whether a refurb will do the job. Call us on 01621 503579 or book a free consultation. You can also read more about our kitchen installations.
