How to buy a kitchen during a cost-of-living crisis

Posted on 10th September 2022

buy a kitchen in a cost-of-living crisis

With price rises looming on everything from materials, appliances, fixtures and fittings, energy to food – now may feel like a scary time to embark on a large renovation project. In the hopes of easing your worries, I’ve asked the experts for advice on how to buy a kitchen during a cost-of-living crisis.

If you’ve just bought a doer-upper, or you’re fed up with your dated kitchen, we totally understand how you might be feeling right now. While some may have decided to put their projects on pause, others are wanting to press on with creating their dream home, but are worried to do so in the current climate. If this sounds like you, then here’s our top tips on how to buy a kitchen during a cost-of-living crisis.

Shop around and get multiple quotes

“We always suggest inviting up to three companies to give quotations for a kitchen,” says Christine Holt, co-founder of Holts Kitchen Design Experts.

“However, be absolutely certain that you are comparing like for like. Insist on itemised quotations to allow you to do this.

“Any kitchen company worth its salt right now should be ensuring that its service is second to none, it should be offering the very best design service and ensuring that the price is as competitive as business practice will allow.”
Christine Holt, co-founder of Holts Kitchen Design Experts

“One company may have included much more in their costings than the next. This research at the early stages will pay dividends.

“Any kitchen company worth its salt right now should be ensuring that its service is second to none. It should be offering the very best design service and ensuring that the price is as competitive as business practice will allow.

“There is no place for complacency. This is the time to achieve a high-quality kitchen offering the very best value for money. I would like to suggest that now is an excellent time to realise your dream kitchen project.”

Dawn Filkins, head of creative at Smile Kitchens, agrees and says: “Homeowners should ensure they get a full breakdown of their kitchen costs. Lots of companies will add hidden costs and things you might not need into your quote and only give you a final price for the kitchen.”

“It’s also important to be aware that prices are rising across the trade industry. Lock in your quotes now and try to confirm your booking, or order, before your quote runs out. Otherwise, you might find that the price goes up.”
Dawn Filkins, head of creative at Smile Kitchens

Look to compromise

If the quote is more than you expected, really think about what you need and what you can live without. “Focus on the things that will really affect your day-to-day life and invest in those,” advises Dawn. “For elements that might not be as important to you, try to opt for something a little less expensive.

“It’s also important to be aware that prices are rising across the trade industry. Lock in your quotes now and try to confirm your booking, or order, before your quote runs out. Otherwise, you might find that the price goes up.”

With any quote you receive, we recommend having a contingency budget of 20%. This is really important if you find your plans need adjusting, something needs to be replaced, or goes wrong down the line.

Be honest about your budget

“Consumers and businesses alike are having to tread more carefully with the cost-of-living crisis. So it’s important to be honest with your retailer if you have any worries,” says Bill Miller from My Kitchen Specialist.

“During any initial planning meetings, outline any concerns you may have. An independent kitchen specialist will be honest with you and offer guidance and advice in making the right choices.

“Be open and discuss your budget with your retailer early on in your discussions. This will ensure your retailer can meet your expectations.

“It’s a common misconception that a retailer may increase their prices if you have a healthy budget. However, this is simply not true, the kitchen market is very competitive and independent kitchen specialists will sell their products at a fair and honest price.”

More on how to buy a kitchen during a cost-of-living crisis

By seeking out the help of kitchen designers, they may also be able to help you shave money off your quote, but still get a similar look.

As Richard Turner, Pronorm’s national sales manager for the UK and Ireland, explains: “Cabinetry and doors represent a big part of the budget when buying a new kitchen and this cost may seem daunting when starting a kitchen project, particularly in the current climate.

“What some people may not realise is that you can save money, and still achieve a premium aesthetic. Choose carefully the type of door material used as these vary in price. A good kitchen retailer will guide you on this.

“Do your research for brands that you trust, who offer warranties and after sales service. This is very important down the line long after your kitchen has gone in.”
Jo Sargent, sales and marketing director at Franke UK

“For example, by choosing matt laminate doors over a more premium matt lacquer option you could save around 25% on your kitchen furniture, while also achieving a very similar tactile aesthetic. It’s wise to explore all options and where they sit against your budget at the outset.”

The final design

Look at your finished design and see if there’s any way of reducing costs, without sacrificing practicality. For example, using cupboards instead of drawers is a great way of cutting costs, as they can be expensive. Try to have only as many as you really need.

How to buy a kitchen during a cost-of-living crisis: make sure you compare quotes like for like

Open shelving is also a much more affordable option. Dawn explains: “Stylistically, this look can also make the kitchen space feel lighter and brighter. They break up the density of wall cabinets and grant you a place to display favoured items such as china or artwork.”

Shop around for finishings like handles or taps to find the best price available, too.

Jo Sargent, sales and marketing director at Franke UK agrees. She says: “There are always ways to shop smarter and trim costs depending on where you’re willing to compromise.

“But do your research for brands that you trust, who offer warranties and after sales service. This is very important down the line long after your kitchen has gone in.”

Buying a kitchen is all about personal choice

Of course, where you should invest, or save, is a totally personal choice based on individual needs. “Everyone should consider what areas or items they will use the most, as well as what is most important for them to have in a kitchen space,” says Dawn.

“Worktops are a great place to invest in as they are consistently used and can also help give more affordable kitchens a more premium look. Quartz and granite are two great durable and long-lasting options.

“We all need to find innovative ways to tighten our belt as the cost-of-living impacts energy and food prices.”
Simon Bodsworth, managing director at Daval Furniture

“Other areas to invest in are similarly ‘high-use’ products such as the kitchen sink, taps or even handles.”

However, if you are a keen cook, perhaps you would prefer to invest in appliances, and spend less on cabinetry. Your kitchen designer will help you prioritise where you should spend your budget.

Plan for the future

Simon Bodsworth, managing director at Daval Furniture, recommends creating a scheme that will help with other household costs.

“We all need to find innovative ways to tighten our belt as the cost-of-living impacts energy and food prices,” he says.

“And the UK is reported to throw away around 9.5 million tonnes of food waste every year. So there is a real opportunity for us all to save money by cooking and storing our food in a smarter, more cost-effective way.”

That could be investing in more energy efficient fridges that keep vegetables fresher for longer. Or large-capacity freezers for batch cooking, or designing better storage for your dried goods.

Tom Hopper, from Kitchens at Miele GB, agrees and notes that appliances can also play a crucial role in your longterm costs, and help protect the planet, too. “Homeowners are becoming ever more conscious about their individual impact on the environment,” he says.

“And so a quality kitchen featuring stylish premium appliances must also factor in products that use less energy, less water and cost less to run. Whether it’s cooking, dishwashing, laundry or refrigeration appliances.”

Remember, while it may seem expensive now, investing in a kitchen that will last a lifetime, that won’t be replaced within 10-15 years, will also mean you have spent wisely.