One of the first things potential kitchen purchasers want to know when they call is: How much does a kitchen cost?
Although this is a difficult question to answer, we too care about your money and appreciate you need some early guidance, so we will try to do our best to explain some general pricing guidelines.
Based on what we’re quoting these days, a small basic kitchen with melamine panels is around $7000 to $12,000; a mid-sized kitchen from $13,000 to $25,000; a larger kitchen (possibly with a scullery or a butlers’ pantry added) or one with more features and more expensive materials range from $25,000 upwards. Of course a highly spec’d small kitchen with expensive materials and hardware could drive its cost into a higher category. All these sums include GST, delivery, and installation. They do not include new appliances or other trade work such as electrical plumbing, building works or the removal and disposal of any existing cabinetry that might be needed, but prices for this work can be sought for you from reliable experienced trades.
The biggest drivers of cost are:
- Number of cabinets - more cabinets means more cost;
- Panel Material – melamine is the most cost effective option – lacquered, veneer (such as Oak, Beech, Ash or Rimu), profile (framed or patterned), thermowrap or solid wood panels do cost more.
- Benchtop Material – also driven by size but Laminate (Formica) is the most cost effective, engineered stone is the most commonly used at about twice the price as laminate, ceramic are another level above engineered stone as are acrylic tops and natural wood. Stainless steel tops are around the price of engineered stone. Natural stone varies greatly in price but is usually well above the cost of an engineered stone option. The complexity of the benchtop shape (such as many different angles) will increase fabrication costs.
- Sanding & Lacquering – a two pot urethane finish will add to the cost, more so if the panels are a profile rather than a flat surface. Gloss finishes and darker colours take more time to sand and lacquer and are consequently more expensive.
- Hardware: More drawers add to cost, as do specialised cabinetry fittings such as; pullouts, corner storage devices, pantry systems, rubbish units, sinks, LED lighting.
The purchase of a kitchen is much like the purchase of a car or even a home. With so many options available price ranges can vary drastically. Just as a Ford Ranger today starts at a basic price of $56,490, it can quickly rise to over $100,000 when the shopper adds more options and moves to higher spec’d models.
Considering the average New Zealander sells or trades their vehicle within 6 years of purchase, why do so many people elect to get so many upgrades? The answer is because most people understand the importance of getting what they want the first time so as not to have any regrets down the road to make sure their vehicle will provide them with comfort, quality, reliability and ease of use.
These same principles apply to most kitchen shoppers.
You’re going see and use your kitchen every day for as long as you live in your home. Picking the right kitchen with the right options the first time is critical to ensure maximum enjoyment and efficiency. Because of this, most shoppers elect to get the kitchen that will make them happiest in the long run.
Also, studies have shown for every $1 spent on a quality kitchen returns around $1.50 in added value of the property. So that a properly planned quality kitchen can be a good investment.
Unfortunately, some people only focus on the initial price of the kitchen with the goal of finding the cheapest contractor, therefore sacrificing, quality, warranty, low-maintenance and aesthetics which inevitably leads to regret – especially considering that unlike a vehicle, a kitchen cannot be traded in if one is dissatisfied.
