Contact Us

What's a Realistic Kitchen Renovation Budget in Chichester & West Sussex?

If you're a homeowner in Chichester, Bognor Regis, Arundel, or anywhere across West Sussex, chances are you've stood in your kitchen and thought: "What would it actually cost to transform this space?"

It's one of the most common questions we hear at Swanbourne Construction, and honestly, it's not always straightforward to answer. Kitchen renovation costs can vary dramatically depending on dozens of factors: from the size of your room to the quality of materials, and even down to whether you're keeping your existing layout or starting completely fresh.

The good news? With proper planning and realistic expectations, you can create a kitchen you'll love without blowing your budget or encountering nasty surprises halfway through the project.

Let's break down what you should realistically expect to spend on a kitchen renovation here in West Sussex, and how to make every pound work harder for you.

Understanding Kitchen Renovation Costs in West Sussex

Before we dive into specific numbers, it's worth understanding that kitchen renovation costs in the South East tend to be slightly higher than the national average: though not as steep as London prices. Labour rates in Chichester, Littlehampton, and surrounding areas reflect the cost of living here, but you're also getting skilled tradespeople who understand local building regulations and property styles.

Here's a realistic breakdown of what homeowners across West Sussex are typically spending:

Budget Kitchen Renovations: £5,000–£10,000

A budget renovation works well if your kitchen layout is already functional and you're primarily looking to refresh the aesthetics. At this level, you might consider:

This approach is particularly popular in Pagham, Aldwick, and Felpham, where many properties have kitchens that are structurally sound but visually dated.

image_1

Mid-Range Kitchen Renovations: £10,000–£20,000

This is where most West Sussex homeowners land, and it's the sweet spot for genuine transformation without excessive spending. A mid-range budget typically covers:

For a typical semi-detached house in Chichester or a Victorian terrace in Arundel, this budget delivers a kitchen that looks and functions like new.

High-End Kitchen Renovations: £20,000–£50,000+

If you're looking at a complete kitchen overhaul: perhaps knocking through walls, installing a kitchen island, or specifying premium materials: you'll be working within this range. High-end renovations often include:

Properties in areas like Bosham, West Wittering, and the Chichester marina often call for this level of specification to match the overall quality of the home.

What Actually Influences Your Kitchen Renovation Cost?

Understanding why costs vary so much helps you make smarter decisions about where to invest and where to save.

1. Kitchen Size

This one's obvious but worth stating: a galley kitchen in a Bognor Regis flat will cost significantly less than a large open-plan kitchen-diner in a Barnham family home.

As a rough guide:

2. Layout Changes

Keeping your existing layout is one of the biggest money-savers. The moment you start moving the sink, relocating gas supplies, or repositioning electrical outlets, costs climb quickly. Plumbing and electrical work aren't cheap, and in West Sussex (as across the UK), this work must comply with Part P electrical regulations and Gas Safe requirements.

If your current layout works reasonably well, consider whether a refresh might achieve 80% of your goals at 50% of the cost.

image_2

3. Material Choices

This is where budgets can spiral: or where savvy homeowners find genuine savings.

Worktops are a prime example:

Cabinetry follows a similar pattern:

The key is identifying where quality matters most to you. Many of our clients in Chichester and Arundel opt for mid-range units with a premium worktop: the worktop is what you see and touch daily, after all.

4. Appliances

You can spend £300 on an oven or £3,000. Both will cook your dinner, but the experience differs significantly. Integrated appliances generally cost more than freestanding equivalents, but they deliver that streamlined, fitted look most homeowners want.

A realistic appliance budget for a mid-range kitchen (oven, hob, extractor, dishwasher, fridge-freezer) sits around £2,500–£5,000.

5. Labour Costs

In West Sussex, expect to pay £200–£350 per day for a skilled kitchen fitter, with most installations taking 1–3 weeks depending on complexity. Electricians, plumbers, tilers, and decorators add to this total.

Working with a single contractor who manages the entire project: like Swanbourne Construction: often proves more cost-effective than coordinating multiple trades yourself, and certainly less stressful.

How to Set a Realistic Budget for Your Kitchen

Here's the approach we recommend to homeowners across Yapton, Middleton-on-Sea, Eastergate, and beyond:

Step 1: Define Your "Must-Haves" vs "Nice-to-Haves"

Before you look at a single kitchen brochure, write down what's genuinely important to you. More storage? Better lighting? A sociable island for entertaining? Knowing your priorities prevents budget creep on things that don't actually matter to your daily life.

Step 2: Use the 5-15% Rule

A common guideline suggests spending 5-15% of your home's value on a kitchen renovation. For an average West Sussex property valued at £350,000, that's £17,500–£52,500. Obviously, this is just a starting point: your circumstances and priorities will vary.

Step 3: Add a 10-15% Contingency

Unexpected discoveries happen, especially in older properties common across Chichester and Arundel. That Victorian terrace might hide outdated wiring or plumbing that needs addressing. Building in contingency from the start prevents project delays and budget panic.

image_3

Step 4: Get Multiple Quotes

We always recommend obtaining at least three detailed quotes from reputable local contractors. Compare like-for-like where possible, and be wary of quotes that seem dramatically lower than others: they often exclude essential work or materials.

You can view examples of our completed renovation projects on our website to get a sense of the quality and scope we deliver.

Does a Kitchen Renovation Add Value to Your West Sussex Home?

Absolutely. A quality kitchen renovation typically adds 6-8% to your property's value: potentially £15,000–£30,000 on a West Sussex home worth £350,000. More importantly, kitchens are a key selling point; estate agents consistently report that modern, well-designed kitchens help properties sell faster and often above asking price.

Even if you're not planning to move, there's the daily value: a kitchen you genuinely enjoy using, that functions properly, and that makes your home feel like your home.

Ready to Discuss Your Kitchen Renovation?

Setting a realistic budget is the essential first step toward a kitchen you'll love. Whether you're in Bognor Regis, Chichester, Arundel, Littlehampton, or any of the villages across West Sussex, we're here to help you understand your options and plan a project that works for your home and your finances.

At Swanbourne Construction, we offer free, no-obligation consultations where we'll discuss your ideas, assess your space, and provide honest guidance on costs and timelines. No pressure, no hard sell: just straightforward advice from experienced local builders who've been transforming West Sussex homes for over 20 years.

Give us a call on 07470 078236 or drop us a message to start the conversation. Your dream kitchen might be more achievable than you think.