Planning a kitchen renovation in Bognor Regis, Chichester, or anywhere across West Sussex? One of the first questions homeowners ask is: where does most of the money actually go?
Understanding which elements eat into your budget helps you make smarter decisions, prioritise what matters most to your family, and avoid nasty surprises halfway through the project. Whether you're updating a tired galley kitchen in Felpham or creating a stunning open-plan space in Arundel, knowing your costs upfront puts you firmly in control.
Let's break down exactly where your money goes in a typical West Sussex kitchen renovation: and how you can manage each element wisely.
The Short Answer: Cabinetry Takes the Biggest Bite
If you're looking for the single most expensive component in most kitchen renovations, cabinetry and kitchen units consistently top the list. Across West Sussex and the wider UK, kitchen units typically account for 25-40% of your total renovation budget.
That's a significant chunk of your investment, and it makes sense when you think about it. Your units form the backbone of the entire kitchen: they dictate the layout, storage capacity, aesthetic style, and overall functionality of the space.
Here's what you can expect to pay for kitchen cabinetry in West Sussex:
| Cabinet Type | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Budget flat-pack | £1,500 – £3,000 |
| Mid-range units | £3,000 – £9,000 |
| Premium ready-made | £9,000 – £15,000 |
| Bespoke custom cabinetry | £15,000 – £30,000+ |
The difference between budget and bespoke isn't just about appearances. Higher-quality units use better materials, superior hinges and runners, and construction methods that stand up to decades of daily use. For families in Chichester or Littlehampton who use their kitchens heavily, investing in quality units often proves more economical over the long term.
Why Do Kitchen Units Cost So Much?
Several factors drive up the cost of kitchen cabinetry, and understanding these helps you decide where to invest and where to economise.
Material quality plays a massive role. Solid wood cabinets from sustainable sources cost significantly more than MDF or particleboard alternatives. However, they're more durable, easier to repair, and add genuine value to your West Sussex property.
Construction method matters enormously. Bespoke carpentry: where units are built specifically for your space: costs more than off-the-shelf options but delivers a perfect fit, especially in older properties around Arundel or period homes in Chichester where walls aren't always perfectly square.
Hardware and fittings add up quickly. Soft-close hinges, pull-out corner units, built-in organisers, and quality drawer runners all increase costs but dramatically improve daily usability.
Finish and style affects pricing too. Hand-painted Shaker-style doors cost more than simple laminate fronts, while handleless designs require precision engineering that comes at a premium.
The Other Big-Ticket Items in Your Kitchen Budget
While cabinetry leads the pack, several other elements demand significant investment. Here's how costs typically break down for a mid-range kitchen renovation across West Sussex:
Appliances: £2,000 – £20,000
Your integrated fridge-freezer, oven, hob, extractor, and dishwasher represent the next biggest expense for most homeowners. The range is vast because appliance quality varies enormously.
A basic integrated oven might cost £300, while a premium range cooker with induction hob could easily exceed £5,000. Smart appliances with WiFi connectivity and energy-efficient ratings command higher prices but often deliver savings on your energy bills: something worth considering given rising utility costs.
Worktops: £1,000 – £8,000
Your choice of worktop material dramatically affects both cost and longevity:
- Laminate: £200-£800 (budget-friendly but less durable)
- Solid wood: £500-£2,000 (warm appearance, requires maintenance)
- Quartz composite: £2,000-£5,000 (durable, low maintenance)
- Granite: £2,500-£6,000 (natural stone, heat resistant)
- Porcelain: £3,000-£8,000 (ultra-modern, extremely hard-wearing)
For busy family homes in Bognor Regis or Pagham, quartz and granite often represent the sweet spot between durability, aesthetics, and value.
Installation and Labour: £3,000 – £10,000
This is where choosing the right local builder in Bognor Regis makes all the difference. Professional installation ensures your kitchen looks stunning and functions perfectly for years to come.
Labour costs in West Sussex typically include:
- Kitchen fitting (assembling and installing units)
- Worktop templating and fitting
- Sink and tap installation
- Connecting appliances
- Making good walls and floors
- Final finishing touches
Cutting corners on installation to save money often proves false economy. Poorly fitted units develop problems, worktops can crack if not properly supported, and appliances may not function correctly without professional connection.
Electrical Work: £1,000 – £4,000
Modern kitchens demand more electrical capacity than ever before. You'll likely need:
- Additional sockets for small appliances
- Dedicated circuits for high-powered equipment
- Under-cabinet and ambient lighting
- Extractor fan wiring
- Potentially a new consumer unit if your existing one can't handle the load
All electrical work must comply with Part P building regulations, which means using a qualified electrician who can certify the work. This isn't optional: it's a legal requirement that protects your family and your property.
Plumbing: £800 – £3,000
Moving your sink, adding a boiling water tap, or installing a dishwasher all require professional plumbing work. If you're keeping your sink in its current position, costs stay lower. Moving it across the room? Expect to pay considerably more for extended pipework and drainage modifications.
Flooring: £1,000 – £5,000
Kitchen flooring needs to withstand heavy foot traffic, dropped items, spills, and moisture. Popular options include:
- Luxury vinyl tile (LVT): practical, warm underfoot, huge design choice
- Porcelain tiles: extremely durable, easy to clean
- Engineered wood: natural appearance, works with underfloor heating
- Natural stone: stunning but requires sealing and maintenance
A Real Cost Breakdown for West Sussex Homeowners
To put this in perspective, here's what a typical mid-range kitchen renovation might look like for a three-bedroom semi in Chichester or Bognor Regis:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Kitchen units and doors | £6,000 |
| Worktops | £2,500 |
| Appliances | £3,500 |
| Installation labour | £4,500 |
| Electrical work | £1,800 |
| Plumbing | £1,200 |
| Flooring | £2,000 |
| Tiling/splashback | £800 |
| Decoration | £700 |
| Total | £23,000 |
Your actual costs will vary based on the size of your kitchen, your material choices, and the complexity of the work involved. Properties in conservation areas around Arundel or listed buildings may require additional considerations that affect pricing.
How to Manage Your Kitchen Renovation Budget
Understanding where money goes empowers you to make strategic decisions. Here are some practical approaches West Sussex homeowners use to balance quality with budget:
Invest in units, economise elsewhere. Quality cabinets last 20+ years, while you can update worktops or appliances later if budget is tight now.
Keep the existing layout. Moving plumbing and electrics costs money. If your current sink and cooker positions work well, keeping them saves thousands.
Consider refacing instead of replacing. If your existing cabinet carcasses are solid, replacing just the doors and drawer fronts can deliver a fresh look at 40-50% less cost.
Choose one statement piece. Rather than spreading budget thinly, invest in one show-stopping element: perhaps a beautiful quartz island or a professional-grade range cooker: and keep other elements simpler.
Get multiple quotes. Prices vary significantly between suppliers and tradespeople across West Sussex. Always compare at least three detailed quotes before committing.
Ready to Plan Your Kitchen Renovation?
Every kitchen renovation in West Sussex is unique. Your priorities, your property, and your family's needs all shape what makes sense for your specific situation.
At Swanbourne Construction, we've helped homeowners across Bognor Regis, Chichester, Arundel, and surrounding areas transform their kitchens into beautiful, functional spaces. With over 20 years of local experience, we understand the properties in this area and can guide you through every decision: from initial design through to final finishing touches.
Want to understand exactly what your kitchen renovation might cost? We offer free, no-obligation consultations where we'll discuss your ideas, assess your space, and provide honest, transparent pricing. Browse our previous projects to see the quality of our work, then give us a call on 07470 078236 to start the conversation.