Is it possible I can replace my kitchen for under £10k

[RM2013]

Feeling a bit clueless. So we moved house in Jan. The kitchen measure approx 16ft x 9ft (kitchen diner) and is currently a small u shape.

need to roughly keep the same layout but want to move a couple of things to maximise the space. We have a budget to get some work done.

we have looked at keeping same layout and changing worktops but it’s a false economy because the layout needs some tweaks and I want to move a couple of appliances plus change our hob,oven and extractor and sink/tap. We would be keeping the other appliances.

We contacted one of these replacement door companies but to do everything we would like to do we’ve been quoted £15k is we go for quartz or £12k if we compromise with laminate.

to me this seems expensive especially as we are utilizing most of the current carcasses (we would just be adding an extra over housing and larder cupboard). This doesn’t include flooring or tiling.

I’m be played around with designs on DIY kitchens and a whole new kitchen is coming in around £9k with quartz or £7k laminate. Bear in mind this is fit only so we would have to add fitting costs to this.

my next step is to get one of the big retailers to draw a design and quote so I can go from there.

DH is not DIY savvy so no chance of us doing major work ourselves (I’m happy to paint etc)

Am I being unrealistic? DH is adamant that we don’t have any more than £10k in the pot and don’t want to take out any finance.

Thoughts? Is either a refurb or partial refit even possible on this budget

Any recommendations for reasonablly priced kitchens that you’ve used?

In your shoes, I'd get the design done and properly cost the units, then get some fitters round to quote, so you know exactly how much you're looking at. DIY kitchen units come ready built I believe, just need doors added.

I'd really be trying to find the extra 2k for the quartz as I'm pretty sure it will be cost effective when you realise how much you love it and enjoy touching it! I don't have quartz, but when I finally do my kitchen, I'll sell a kidney if need be!

Have you looked on eBay? You can get some end of line, ex display and stand alone kitchens on there

DIY kitchens units come completely ready built. You can easily install them youself with a spirit level and a means to attach them to the wall. We saved on fitters fees by fitting the units ourselves with a bit of basic DIY knowledge and after watching some YouTube videos. Honestly have a look at some YouTube videos, it was pretty easy. The fitters costs are redic in my opinion. To attach the floor units to the walls we used these: https://www.screwfix.com/p/space-plug-kitchen-cabinet-space-plugs-regular-30-50-x-2-x-30mm-10-pack/6085H?kpid=6085H&ds_rl=1249413&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI1eef1__b_gIVWgcGAB0O1wZvEAQYASABEgJT8vD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Once the floor units were secure and levelled we booked in the worktop templating and waited a week for them to come back and fit it, this was an extra £750 on top of the worktop price from DIY (3 years ago so probably more now). Used a plumber to fit the sink and hook up the dishwasher and a gas engineer for the cooker. Well worth it if you’re on a budget and 3 years later it’s still solid and looks fantastic.

We were keen to have quartz worktop and Island and saved money by going directly to a granite/marble supplier. We visited their warehouse and yard and found that they had so much more choice and different price points.
The process was very easy, they came to template it as soon as the kitchen was fitted (you obviously arrange this ahead when you choose the product, and pay the deposit) and the fitting was very impressive.
We saved money and ended up with a better product.

Thanks all for the advice. I’ve contacted a local handyman today who does full kitchen fits or part refurbs so he’s going to come and give us some ideas. I think my next step will be getting a plan drawn up and then see if we can replicate it with DIY kitchens.
I was fully prepared to just have laminate worktops until I felt/saw how the quartz looked - fortunately DH is on board with this one and agrees it’s so much nicer.
not sure I would be confident enough to fir
units but we will see what quotes are like and go
from there

Oh my god yes, of course you can, I refurb houses on behalf of charity partnerships. Howdens is your friend. I obviously do the landlord packages etc then use my fitter to fit but even with a more family home type kitchen you're looking at well below what you have been quoted.

Happy if you want to PM me for more details but good looking quality kitchens can be done and fitted for 3-4 max

Whatever you do, do not go with Wicks!

P.s meant to add this is with the quartz and any further you may want and p.s I don't work for them. I just have a good business relationship with them 🤣🤣

I work for Howdens, yes you absolutely can. You might have to compromise on your carcasses or door frontals if you want quartz and fitting in that 10k, though. Go to your local depot and have a look :)

howddens - minen was under 4k for the entire kitchen and its 14x10 thereabouts

but obviously pay fitting - was under 8k for the lot (plaster/re wire/radiators etc and fitting)

you need a very nice handyman with a howdens account!