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Kitchen Renovations - Frequently Asked Questions

Here at Adamsons we are here to help you get through the new kitchen build, we know from our years of experience that embarking on a kitchen renovation can be exciting and yet somewhat daunting. You need to plan the work, budget, how long it all takes, what are we going to eat and much more. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Here’s everything you need to know to make sure your kitchen renovation goes as smoothly as possible and with you less hangry!

1. In What Order Should I Renovate My Kitchen?

Getting the order of your renovation right can be the difference between a smooth project and an utter headache. You don’t want to lay your beautiful new flooring only to realise the plumber needs to tear it up to move a pipe. Trust us—following the right sequence matters.

Here’s the general order to follow:

Start with the planning and design: Begin with a clear vision. This is where you nail down the layout, select materials, and decide on all the big features. Know what you want before anything comes out or goes in.

  1. Demolition
    Out with the old. This is the messy part—removing old cabinets, tiles, and appliances. It’s dusty work, but it clears the slate for the new.
  2. Plumbing and electrics
    Now is the time to make any major changes to plumbing and electrics, whether it’s installing new outlets, adding lighting, or moving the sink.
  3. Walls and flooring
    Once the pipes and wires are in place, you can repair the walls and lay down new flooring. This gives you a solid foundation for what’s to come.
  4. Cabinetry and countertops
    It’s at this point the kitchen really starts to take shape. Install your cabinets and worktops. By this stage, you’ll begin to see your new kitchen come together.
  5. Appliances and fixtures
    Bring in the appliances, sink, taps, and any additional features you’ve chosen. This is where it all becomes functional.
  6. Finishing touches
    Add the final details—lighting, paint, and decor. Make your kitchen your own.

By following this order, you’ll avoid a lot of potential headaches and costly mistakes. Each step builds on the last, helping you create a kitchen that you can call yours.

2. Can You Claim Kitchen Renovation on Taxes?

Wouldn’t it be nice if the taxman helped cover a bit of your renovation costs? Unfortunately, in the UK, kitchen renovations for personal homes generally don’t qualify for tax relief. But there are a few exceptions.

If the property is a rental or part of a business—say, you’re using it as part of a bed and breakfast—then the renovation might qualify as a business expense, which could be offset against income. Even then, you’ll want to consult a tax advisor, as the rules can be tricky.

If you’re making energy-saving improvements or accessibility modifications (such as adapting the kitchen for someone with disabilities), there might be certain deductions or grants available. For example, improvements like better insulation or low-energy lighting sometimes come with incentives. Again, check with a professional, as the rules vary and you’ll want to make sure you’re claiming correctly.

3. Can You Finance a Kitchen Renovation?

Simply put. Yes. Financing any house renovation is possible and there are several ways to go about it. It all depends on the scope of the project, your financial situation and your comfort level with borrowing. You can get loans, remortgages and don’t forget the bank of Mum and Dad.

Here are a few popular options:

Home improvement loans: These are personal loans specifically for renovations. They’re great for mid-sized projects, with fixed interest rates and monthly payments. Keep an eye on the interest rate, though—it can vary depending on your credit score.

Credit cards

For smaller expenses or if you’ve got a solid credit card deal with low interest, financing parts of the renovation this way can be handy. Just remember that credit card interest can add up quickly, so it’s best for manageable expenses.

Equity release or remortgaging

If you own your home and need a significant budget, consider equity release or remortgaging. It allows you to borrow against the equity in your home, often at a lower interest rate. However, this can be a big decision, as it affects your mortgage terms.

Bank of Mum and Dad.

Well you want some use out of the parents, right? Apart from inviting themselves over on Sundays and taking most of your Christmas day up, they do have some uses and money loaning is one of them. Just expect some guilt and extra visits. Every cloud…

Whichever option you choose, make sure you’ve thought through the repayment plan and any interest costs. It’s your dream kitchen, but it’s important to keep your finances in check.

4. How Long Does a Kitchen Renovation Take?

Kitchen renovations don’t happen overnight. The timeline can vary depending on the scope of the work, the availability of materials and even the weather (if structural changes are involved).

Simple remodel: If you’re doing a straightforward refit without structural changes, you could be looking at 2 to 3 weeks. This might include new cabinets, worktops and a fresh coat of paint.

Mid-range renovation: If you’re making a few layout changes or upgrading to semi-custom cabinetry, the project might stretch to 4 to 5 weeks.

Full remodel with structural changes: For major projects—like knocking down walls, moving plumbing, or installing bespoke fixtures—expect 6+ weeks. Custom elements often have longer lead times, so if you’re choosing bespoke cabinetry or a particular stone worktop, it could add a few weeks.

Be prepared for minor delays, especially if there’s custom work or if materials are on backorder. A good contractor will keep you updated, but it’s wise to plan for a bit of extra time.

5. What to Eat During a Kitchen Renovation in the UK

Ah, the dreaded question. How do you manage meals when your kitchen’s a building site? A little planning goes a long way here and you don’t have to resign yourself to a month of takeaways.

Set up a temporary kitchen space if you can, ideally with a kettle, microwave and maybe a toaster. With these, you can keep meals simple and still get a bit of variety. Here are a few ideas:

Microwaveable meals

Perfect for quick, no-hassle dinners. You can find a surprising range of ready-meals these days, from pasta to curry, that taste decent and don’t require any cooking.

Salads and wraps

Fresh, easy and no cooking involved. Stock up on pre-washed greens, ready-made protein like chicken or salmon and easy-to-assemble ingredients. A wrap or salad can be put together in a couple of minutes and keeps you feeling healthy.

Slow cooker or instant pot recipes

If you’ve got space for a single appliance, a slow cooker can be a lifesaver. Pop in some ingredients in the morning and by evening, you’ve got a stew, curry, or soup ready to eat.

And, of course, takeaways can be a treat during a renovation. Just don’t overdo it unless you want your budget to vanish on fish and chips. With a little planning, you can still eat well and stay energised while your kitchen takes shape.