Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to spend this much on house renovations.

65 replies

Usernamesonly · 30/06/2022 20:41

Just for some back ground info, me and my partner have upgraded to a lifetime family home. We're on a budget which I think it's pretty healthy and we have worked hard to save (although nothing left by the time the works below are completed). I've tried doing everything cheaply while maintaining as much quality as possible . Family think we have overspent massively and need to rethink our expenses. Parents are horrified at how much we have spent on the kitchen and think we should have gone Ikea (and now I'm paranoid I've spent too much to!)I was so excited by the whole renovation (whole house needs doing) but wanted to make heating, windows and the kitchen a priority. So far we have estimated to spend -

Kitchen (Howdens) £6500 to include -
Solid oak worktop
Base and over head units
under counter sink
fridge/freezer
gas hob
double oven
dishwasher
under unit and kick-board lighting

Windows and doors - £6500
10 white UPVC windows
1 composite front door
1 UPVC back door

Heating £3000
removal of back boiler
installation of gas combi boiler

Have I been totally irresponsible? I'm doubting myself now, and every penny saved really does count. I thought the above prices were "good", especially as everything is now so expensive but I'm worried I've been taken as a fool!

OP posts:
Usernamesonly · 30/06/2022 20:44

I should probably of added that all the windows and doors are wooden frame and single glazed. The back boiler wasn't working for the heating. Finally, the kitchen is the original 80s one and rotting around the doors and insides.

OP posts:
daytimedreams · 30/06/2022 20:45

I think the heating will be a lot more especially if you’re updating pipework and radiators. Not to mention labour.

kitchen seems very cheap. My mum had a kitchen put in 18 months ago and it was £13k. Not a big kitchen and that was about the standard quote that she got from 3 different kitchen fitters

bilbodog · 30/06/2022 20:48

None of that sounds expensive to me!

mummabubs · 30/06/2022 20:48

We got 11 uvpc windows and a uvpc front door installed last month. We paid £12000 and that was the cheapest quote- other two were £15k and £17.5k 🤦🏻‍♀️

Wakeywakeysleepyhead · 30/06/2022 20:50

Why are you having single glazed windows and door? Are you in a Conservation area?

Usernamesonly · 30/06/2022 20:51

@Wakeywakeysleepyhead sorry I was in a rush typing this. The house currently has wooden glazed single frame window and doors, but the ones we have ordered are white uPVC which are double glazed x

OP posts:
Kay7766923 · 30/06/2022 20:51

I'm an absolute cheapskate (my microwave didn't spin for 5 years because I begrudged the price of a new microwave type of cheapskate) and I think your prices sound like bargains and definitely reasonable. Don't let other people tarnish your joy for your new home. You can take your money with you so why not spend it on really enjoying the place you live.

Usernamesonly · 30/06/2022 20:52

@mummabubs goodness, what area are you in? We are in Cornwall, our most expensive quote was £11,000. I managed to fit a fitter who made their own windows which really put the price down thankfully. I couldn't believe the prices!

OP posts:
Kay7766923 · 30/06/2022 20:52

Can't take your money even. I haven't discovered the afterlife I promise.

DillyDilly · 30/06/2022 20:53

I wouldn’t think it excessive at all. Stop telling family about renovation costs.

RockAndRollerskate · 30/06/2022 20:54

If it’s a lifetime house and you can afford it, why does it matter what others think?

I never discuss specific financial details with anyone who’s opinion I don’t want/need

Stopthebusplease · 30/06/2022 20:54

If they are prices you've been quoted, then I think the prices are very reasonable and you certainly haven't over spent in my opinion. I was expecting you to say that you'd spent about £40k on a kitchen!

ChocolateCakeYum · 30/06/2022 20:54

Looks reasonable to me.

No way your heating will be £3k. It’s an expensive job. Our boiler etc cost £5k 15 years ago.

Usernamesonly · 30/06/2022 20:54

@Kay7766923 haha that's something I would do! If it's not (kinda) broke than it doesn't need replacing - Yet! 😂

Thanks so much. I've been looking on the Ikea website and adding up the same number of units we have etc and it's just got me totally stressed! It does appear to be cheaper, but I suppose it's also flat pack which is going to cost more for the kitchen fitter.

OP posts:
user143677433 · 30/06/2022 20:55

Kay7766923 · 30/06/2022 20:52

Can't take your money even. I haven't discovered the afterlife I promise.

😂

YerAWizardHarry · 30/06/2022 20:55

We have just paid over £2,000 for two windows so I think you’ve got a bargain there!

user143677433 · 30/06/2022 20:55

Sounds like a bargain OP. Enjoy your lovely home.

Timeforabiscuit · 30/06/2022 20:55

Family might not have had work completed recently, prices have gone up massively but nothing in your list makes me wince.

NoSquirrels · 30/06/2022 20:55

Sounds cheap to me.

Unless your family are in the trades, or have renovated a house in the last 12 months, you can ignore them.

Usernamesonly · 30/06/2022 20:56

@ChocolateCakeYum sorry I rushed typing this post (should have just waited until kids were in bed!). The heating is already done (we got it done a couple of weeks ago). The cost included our back boiler removed, old water tank removed and an Ideal combi boiler installed. We didn't have replacement radiators though due to our budget x

OP posts:
Shehasadiamondinthesky · 30/06/2022 20:57

It all sounds very reasonable to me. I got an IKEA kitchen for 1K because I had no money it looks lovely but the counters look cheap and I wish I'd spent more on those. If you want a kitchen that lasts that's a good budget.
The other items were essential and I think you got a good price.

Usernamesonly · 30/06/2022 20:57

Thanks everyone. It's funny as a grown woman I still care so much about what my parents say (in particular my dad). He's not exactly in the trade but friends are builders and dad will take his hand to anything (if that's the saying 😂)

OP posts:
Sanfranciscobabe · 30/06/2022 20:58

Bloody hell i thought my new kitchen was a bargain at £12k plus fitting.

I suspect it’s been 20+ years since last time your parents bought any of these things

Usernamesonly · 30/06/2022 21:00

@Sanfranciscobabe see I thought that was the average and we just managed to find a good deal. Parents bought their big kitchen 6 years ago from IKEA for £2000, I keep telling them how much prices have changed since. Wish I bought them on the design appointments with me!

OP posts:
EmmaC78 · 30/06/2022 21:03

I renovate a lot of houses and the prices don't seem expensive to me. Don't worry what anyone else thins, if it is a long term home it is worth spending the money to get it right.