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.