A practical, honest guide for UK homeowners
Renovating a kitchen in 2026 isn’t just about choosing pretty doors and a trendy tap. It’s a construction project, a logistics exercise and a budgeting challenge rolled into one. The people who “win” are not the ones who spend the most - they’re the ones who plan properly, avoid hidden traps, and work smartly with local kitchen fitters and local kitchen installers.
This guide walks you through what to do before you step into a showroom, what to look for when you’re there, and how to protect your budget and sanity throughout the process.
Before You Visit a Kitchen Showroom: Do Your Homework First
The showroom is where decisions feel exciting. Your homework is what prevents expensive mistakes.
1. Choosing Your Kitchen Style
The style sets the tone - but it also affects cost, durability and long-term satisfaction.
Modern vs Shaker (and other styles)
| Style | Look & Feel | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Modern / Handleless | Sleek, flat, minimalist | New builds, contemporary homes | Easy cleaning, modern aesthetic | Fingerprints on gloss, trend-sensitive |
| Shaker | Framed, classic, timeless | Period or family homes | Never goes out of style, versatile | Slightly harder to clean grooves |
| Traditional | Decorative, ornate | Heritage homes | Elegant appearance | Higher cost, more detailing |
| Industrial | Raw textures, metal accents | Urban interiors | Unique character | Not to everyone’s taste |
| Scandinavian | Light wood, clean lines | Small kitchens | Bright, airy feel | Can look plain if overdone |
Surface finishes & textures
- Wood textures - warm and forgiving, hide marks well
- Matt finishes - modern and soft, less fingerprint-prone
- High gloss - reflective and dramatic, shows marks easily
- Handleless - sleek but needs precision fitting
- Handles - practical, customisable, easier replacement later
👉 Tip: Trends change. Choose something you’ll still enjoy in 10 years, not just what’s fashionable in 2026.
2. Kitchen Carcasses: The Hidden Structure That Matters
Carcasses are the skeleton of your kitchen. Cheap carcasses = short kitchen lifespan.
What to look for
| Feature | Recommended Standard | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Side panel thickness | 18mm minimum | Prevents bowing and sagging |
| Back panel thickness | Solid 18mm preferred | Structural strength |
| Size | Standard modular sizes | Easy future replacement |
| Build type | Assembled preferred | Faster, stronger installation |
⚠️ Avoid non-standard carcass sizes. If doors ever need replacing in 8–12 years, mismatched sizes make upgrades difficult and expensive.
Flat pack vs assembled
- Flat pack is cheaper upfront
- But local kitchen installers will charge assembly labour
- Often ends up similar cost overall
3. Kitchen Front Panels (Doors & Drawer Fronts)
This is where most of your budget goes visually.
| Material | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| MDF wrapped | Affordable, smooth finish | Can chip if poor quality |
| Painted MDF | Premium look | Can mark over time |
| Veneer | Natural wood feel | Sensitive to moisture |
| Solid wood | Durable, repairable | Expensive, can warp |
| Laminate | Very durable | Less premium appearance |
👉 Ask what the core material is. A door’s finish means nothing if the internal structure is weak.
4. Worktops: The Workhorse Surface
Worktops are daily-use surfaces — don’t choose on looks alone.
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Laminate | Cheapest, wide choice | Can chip, less durable |
| Quartz | Hygienic, stain resistant, long-lasting | Higher upfront cost |
| Granite | Natural stone beauty | Requires sealing |
| Dekton | Ultra durable | Expensive |
| Ceramic | Heat resistant | Brittle edges |
| MDF / Wood | Warm look | High maintenance |
Why quartz is often the smart choice
Quartz suppliers usually include templating + fitting in their price. When laminate supply + installation is added up separately, quartz often ends up costing similar overall - with far better cleaning performance and longevity.
👉 From a hygiene and durability perspective, quartz wins for most households.
5. Structural Changes: The Biggest Budget Trap
Opening walls and moving doors sounds exciting. It’s also where budgets explode.
Why structural work increases cost
- Structural engineer assessment required
- RSJ beam installation + building regs
- Typical cost: £2,500–£7,500 + VAT
Doors & windows relocation
| Item | Typical 2026 Cost |
|---|---|
| PVC double glazed window | £350–£450 supply |
| PVC panel door | From £450 |
| Composite door | From £850 |
| Aluminium options | Up to 3× higher |
Hidden material costs
For a standard 10–12m² kitchen:
- Damp proofing kit + plasterboards + protection of surfaces + brick repointing: £2,000–£2,500 materials
- Membrane (20m²): £159–£200 + clips
- Replastering, ceiling levelling, flooring correction
- Brick repairs & joist fixes
Waste removal
Large structural changes = larger skip hire Sometimes two skips might needed if larger kitchen
Additional costs often forgotten
- Pipework relocation
- Heating systems & radiators
- Electrical rewiring
- Floor strengthening
👉 Recommendation: reconsider structural changes unless absolutely necessary. You can save thousands.
6. Finishing Touches
These complete the look and affect usability:
- Splashback tiling
- New flooring
- Undercupboard lighting
- Feature lighting zones
Lighting in particular transforms a kitchen - don’t skip it.
When Visiting a Kitchen Showroom: Smart Questions to Ask
Showrooms are sales environments. Go in informed.
Key checklist
| Question | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Flat pack or assembled? | Affects labour cost |
| Carcass thickness? | Must be 18mm+ |
| Front material? | Determines durability |
| Plastic caps visible? | Indicates cheaper mass production |
| Worktop type included? | Hidden upgrade costs |
| Payment options? | 0% finance often hides 40–60% margins |
| Delivery time? | Long waits delay replacements |
| Appliances bundled? | Usually overpriced |
| Installation included? | Often dry-fit only |
| Warranty details? | Many exclusions exist |
Important showroom realities
Dry fit installation means:
Cabinets and panels installed - but no plumbing, gas or electrics connected.
Always request a full breakdown.
Additional showroom tips
- Order sinks, taps, handles yourself 👉 Avoid pull-out taps (weak design over time)
- Double-check showroom designs with actual local kitchen fitters
- Always negotiate price (Major retailers carry 30–60% margins )
- Compare multiple offers
- Ask installers what they think of the product quality
👉 Download the Kitchen Showroom Checklist (2026)
General Advice for a Successful Renovation
- Avoid structural changes where possible
- Inspect older properties for hidden issues (damp, joists, brickwork)
- Keep design simple and practical
- Quartz worktops are worth considering long-term
- Check existing wiring before choosing appliances (Rewiring is extremely costly)
- Ensure builders/installers have public liability insurance
- Sign clear written contracts
Final Thought
The best kitchen renovations are not the most expensive - they’re the best planned.
Work with experienced local kitchen installers, challenge showroom assumptions and treat your renovation like a project, not a shopping trip.
That’s how you win in 2026!
Need some inspiration? Check our kitchen and bathroom projects in Greater Manchester Kitchen remodel contractors
Why Choose Us as Your Kitchen and Bathroom Renovation Contractors?
Trusted Kitchen and Bathroom Renovation Experts with Decades of Experience
With over 10 years of individual experience per fitter, our Manchester-based team brings decades of hands-on expertise in kitchen and bathroom renovations. We’re fully equipped to manage everything from complex plumbing and electrical layouts to advanced carpentry and bespoke joinery. Our specialists excel in high-end tiling — including herringbone, chevron, and mosaic patterns — all finished with meticulous attention to detail. From complete bathroom refits with precisely routed pipework to seamless quartz worktop installations and underfloor heating beneath luxury tiles, we deliver renovations done right the first time. This exceptional craftsmanship is why homeowners across Manchester rely on us for their kitchen and bathroom renovation needs.
Open Communication Throughout Your Renovation
From the initial consultation to project completion, we believe in clear, open communication - because every kitchen or bathroom renovation in Manchester is unique. No two homes or renovation goals are the same. Each project involves specific requirements, personal preferences, budgets, and technical details — including layout, materials, plumbing, electrics, and design choices. That’s why we encourage our clients to ask questions. In fact, we value it. It allows us to explain each step of the process, discuss every available option, and make sure you’re confident in how we’ll bring your vision to life. The more we collaborate, the better the results — and we’re always happy to offer expert advice so you can make informed decisions every step of the way.
Our Step-by-Step Kitchen and Bathroom Renovation Process
We believe in transparency and clear planning, starting with an initial consultation to discuss your ideas, needs, and renovation goals in detail. Once we understand your vision, we present multiple pricing options tailored to different budgets and project scopes — giving you the flexibility to choose what suits you best. After you decide, we carry out a detailed final survey to assess your space and plan every aspect of the renovation with precision. Throughout the project, we use clear, written contracts so you always know what to expect. And we never consider a project complete until you're 100% satisfied. This organised, step-by-step approach ensures your kitchen or bathroom renovation in Manchester runs smoothly from start to finish.
No Upfront Labour Fees — Pay When You See Progress
Your trust matters — and we earn it through results. That’s why we never charge for labour upfront. When it comes to kitchen fitting and bathroom installation in Manchester, we believe in proving our reliability first. We begin work, maintain open communication, and demonstrate our commitment to quality before requesting payment. This honest, transparent approach helps build long-term trust and ensures you feel confident and in control throughout your renovation journey.
Smart Savings on Kitchen and Bathroom Renovations
We offer practical advice and smart solutions to help you achieve stunning results on your kitchen and bathroom refurbishment - without overspending. Whether you’re planning a full kitchen renovation or a new bathroom fitting in Manchester, our team will guide you in making cost-effective choices that combine style, durability, and value. With the right planning and materials, you can transform your space beautifully — while keeping your budget on track.
Renovations Built on Trust and Reliability
We take pride in honest work and keeping our word — especially when it comes to kitchen and bathroom renovations in Manchester. These projects are a major investment in your home, and we treat them with the care they deserve. From using high-quality materials to completing work on time and within budget, we deliver on every promise. Our reputation is built on trust, and that’s exactly how we continue to earn it.
Fully Insured Kitchen and Bathroom Renovation Services
Every kitchen and bathroom renovation we complete in Manchester is fully covered by comprehensive public liability insurance — giving you total peace of mind from start to finish. We provide clear, written contracts that explain every detail upfront, so there are no hidden costs or surprises. In addition, all our work is backed by a genuine warranty, ensuring long-term quality and reliability you can trust.
Guaranteed Work
Our Kitchen and Bathroom Remodelling services come with warranties for your comfort.
Your Choice of Materials for Kitchen and Bathroom Installation
We offer discounted materials for kitchen and bathroom installation projects, but you’re always welcome to provide your preferred materials to ensure your renovation perfectly matches your style and needs.
Top-Rated Kitchen and Bathroom Renovation Work
Each kitchen and bathroom renovation project reflects our dedication, passion, and craftsmanship — delivering results that consistently earn top ratings from our Manchester clients.
Our Clients Reviews
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