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What
this usually means is setting a ceiling to how
much you want to spend, in total, on your whole
kitchen project. In practice, it’s probably
better to allow about 20% more than you expect
because most people end up spending more than
they think !!
For any kitchen purchase you should always get
at least 2 comparable prices. With fitted kitchens
this isn’t the easiest thing to do because you
will probably be comparing one manufacturer’s
product with another similar one and then stirring
in all of the services and profit margins from
different installers. There are, however, a
few basic design considerations which will help
make best use of your budget :-
Your
choice of Door & Drawer Fronts will have
the biggest impact on overall cost - the same
size door can be upto 10 TIMES
more for hand-crafted timber compared with plain
laminated.
Drawers
are the next big cost effect - keep cost down
by avoiding ‘drawer-line’ units (where every
cabinet has a drawer above a door), and go for
‘hi-line’ units and one or two strategically
placed multi-drawer units.
Ensure
your design includes as few cabinets as possible
and be prepared to lose a little storage capacity
if necessary - a 1000mm wide cabinet is less
expensive than two 500mm units and narrower
units are comparatively much more expensive.
Avoid special sizes - although a ‘special’ size
to one supplier may be standard to others.
Whenever possible, specify 720mm high wall units,
which is the standard height for most ranges.
Most
worktops are produced in standard lengths so
a little juggling with lay-out can often avoid
unnecessary waste.
Generally
speaking, your contractor will supply appliances
(particularly built-in ones) at more attractive
prices than you can achieve elsewhere. In fact
it is becoming the ‘norm’ to offer appliances
at genuine ‘trade’ prices as part of the overall
package.
Finally,
this is one of those times when it is often better to quote a budget you
want to work to. Comparative quotations will then give you a much better
idea of just how much you are getting for your money - not just in terms
of units but also all of the other elements such as fitting and back-up
service which are so important to you.
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