10 Kitchen Renovation Mistakes to Avoid

1. Underestimating the budget — Always add 15–20% contingency. Hidden issues like damp, uneven floors or outdated electrics can add thousands.

2. Ignoring the work triangle — The sink, hob and fridge should form an efficient triangle for workflow.

3. Skimping on storage — More storage is almost always better. Think about pan drawers, corner solutions and wall-mounted options.

4. Choosing style over function — Open shelving looks great in magazines but collects dust and grease.

5. Poor lighting planning — Layer your lighting: task lights under cabinets, ambient ceiling lights and accent lighting.

6. Not hiring the right tradespeople — A kitchen fitter, electrician and plumber each have specialised skills. Do not assume one person can do it all.

7. Forgetting about ventilation — A good extractor hood is essential, especially in open-plan layouts.

8. DIY on electrics and gas — Electrical and gas work must be done by certified professionals (Part P and Gas Safe).

9. Choosing worktops too early — Worktops should complement the overall design, which may evolve during the project.

10. Not getting enough quotes — Get at least 3 quotes and check reviews before hiring.

Budget kitchens start from £5,000–£8,000, mid-range renovations cost £10,000–£20,000, and high-end kitchens can reach £25,000–£50,000+. The biggest costs are usually the units, worktops and installation labour.