A kitchen refresh can feel like the ultimate home upgrade, especially when you picture cleaner lines, smarter storage, and a layout that finally works. The problem is that even a “simple” update can snowball once the invoices start landing. Many people budget for the obvious showpieces like cabinets, countertops, and shiny new appliances, then get caught off guard by the less glamorous expenses that quietly rack up. Designers who spoke with Livingetc say the key is anticipating what you cannot see before you commit.
A big slice of your budget can disappear into behind the scenes work, the parts that make a kitchen function safely and smoothly. Wiring, plumbing, plastering, and basic building prep add up fast, and costs rise further if you need to move gas lines, reroute water, or upgrade electrics to suit a new layout. Rhiannon Phenis, head of design at Sola Kitchens, notes that compliance and structural tweaks can become major line items, from ventilation upgrades to reinforcing floors or adapting older walls to support new cabinetry. Simon Flory, design director at The Wood Works, also points out that modern kitchens often demand extra planning for lighting schemes, smart features, and even audio visual setups, all of which can nudge costs upward early in the process.
Cabinetry may look straightforward from the outside, but the inside is where prices can jump. Flory explains that the box and doors are not always the expensive part, it is the mechanisms that create that satisfying, organized feel. Pull out systems, dividers, and fitted inserts can transform usability, yet each add on compounds the total. Even the choice between drawers and standard cupboards can shift the final figure, because drawers require more construction detail and hardware.
Then there is installation, which is rarely as simple as it sounds, particularly with bespoke designs. In older properties, uneven floors and walls can mean more on site time, more adjustments, and extra templating for countertops. Flory warns that treating a specialist kitchen like a basic flat pack job can be a costly mistake, because poor fitting can damage high end pieces and undo the craftsmanship you paid for. Phenis adds that people often forget appliance installation fees, waste removal, delivery charges, and the cost of specialist trades like electricians or stone fabricators.
Small design flourishes can also have surprisingly big price tags. Fluted textures, statement stone, and custom finishes feel irresistible in the moment, but details like curves can push manufacturing into a more complex and time consuming process. Flory says curved elements can dramatically raise costs, sometimes multiplying them compared with simpler straight lines.
Lighting deserves its own budget line, too, because it affects both function and atmosphere. Alex Main, director at The Main Company, says it needs to be planned at the very start, alongside the layout. Once you map out zones, from prep areas to the sink and storage, you can choose fittings that make sense, like under cabinet LEDs, wall lights, or even interior cabinet lighting, without paying later for rewiring and last minute changes.
If you are wondering what usually costs the most, Flory says cabinetry is often the biggest expense, though priorities vary by homeowner. The smartest approach is to think through how you will actually use the space, including everyday cooking and hosting, then build a budget that includes the invisible essentials and a cushion for surprises.
Have you ever been caught out by an unexpected renovation cost in a kitchen makeover? Share your experience in the comments.
