Kitchen Refurbishment Questions Answered

How much does a kitchen refurbishment cost in Bournemouth?

It depends mainly on the size of your kitchen and which parts you change. New doors and fronts for a medium kitchen of 12 to 16 doors typically cost £2,200 to £4,000 fitted. A new worktop on a typical L-shaped run ranges from about £500 in laminate to £5,000 in quartz. Doing both together usually comes to between £3,500 and £8,500. Across the UK, a kitchen makeover of this kind generally costs a fraction of a new fitted kitchen, because the cabinets, plumbing and wiring stay. We confirm your exact price in writing after a free home visit.

What's the cheapest way to upgrade a kitchen?

In rough order of cost: new handles, then new doors and drawer fronts, then a new worktop, then new doors and a worktop together. Handles alone make a small difference. New doors make the biggest visual change for the money, because they're most of what you see. A new worktop adds a fresh surface and often a new sink and tap. Replacing the whole kitchen is the most expensive option by far, and it's only worth it when the cabinets or the layout are the problem.

Is refurbishing a kitchen worth it?

If the cabinets are sound, yes. A refurbishment gives you most of the look of a new kitchen for a much smaller outlay, with far less disruption, because nothing behind the doors has to move. It's also less wasteful, since good cabinets stay in use. It isn't worth it if the units are swollen, falling apart or in the wrong place for how you live. In that case new doors would be money spent in the wrong place, and we'd tell you so at the visit.

How long does a kitchen refurbishment take?

The work in your home is usually measured in days, not weeks, because the cabinets, pipes and wiring stay put. Changing doors and fronts is the quickest part. A laminate or wood worktop adds a day or so, and a quartz worktop needs a template first and a fitting day once it's made. The longer wait is between ordering and fitting, while made-to-measure doors and stone tops are made. We'll give you both timings with your quote.

Can you keep my existing units? What if some are damaged?

Keeping your units is the whole idea. At the visit we open every cupboard and check that the carcasses are dry, square and strong. If one or two are damaged, for example by an old leak under the sink, it may be possible to replace just those cabinets so the rest can stay. We'll explain what we found and what it means for the price. If most of the units are failing, we'll recommend a new kitchen instead.

Respray, wrap or new doors: which lasts longest?

New doors usually last longest and give the most choice, because you can change the style as well as the colour, and the doors come with a factory finish and new hinges. Respraying can look good on solid or well-prepared doors, but it keeps the old style, and worn edges can show through over time. Vinyl wrapping is the cheapest, but the film can lift near heat and steam. We fit new doors and fronts. We don't respray or wrap, but we're happy to talk through the options.

Do I need a gas engineer or electrician?

Only if the work involves gas or electrics. Fitting new doors and fronts doesn't. If a new worktop means disconnecting and reconnecting a gas hob, that must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer. New lighting or extra sockets are electrical work that must meet Building Regulations, either through a registered electrician or by notifying Building Control. We'll explain at your visit how any gas or electrical work on your job is arranged.

Will new doors match my appliances and existing panels?

Yes. Integrated appliances such as dishwashers, fridges and freezers take a matching door made to fit the appliance, so they blend in with the rest of the kitchen. End panels, plinths and cornice are replaced to match the new doors, so the sides and base of the kitchen look as new as the fronts.

Can you refurbish a kitchen in a rental or holiday let?

Yes, and it's often the most sensible option. A refurbishment is quick, so the property is out of use for less time, and the layout stays the same, so there's no new plumbing or wiring to arrange. Hard-wearing doors and laminate or quartz worktops stand up well to tenants and guests. Tell us when the property is free and we'll plan the order and fitting date around it.

What kitchen styles are popular in 2026?

Tastes vary, but a few looks are common at the moment. Soft greens, deep blues and warm neutrals are popular for painted doors, often with brushed brass or black handles. Handleless kitchens remain a favourite for a clean, modern finish. Wood is back, in worktops and in wood-effect doors, and quartz in pale or lightly veined finishes is a popular worktop. The best choice is the one that suits your home and that you'll still like in ten years.