Kitchen Renovation Budget Planner Ireland: Beginner Questions, Straight Answers

How much should I actually set aside for a kitchen renovation in Ireland?

The first question every beginner asks is also the hardest to answer with a single figure, because Irish kitchen prices vary with room size, cabinet quality, appliance choices, and whether you're changing plumbing or electrics. As a planning rule of thumb, many Irish homeowners work with a total budget of 8–15% of their home's value for a full renovation, but that is a starting point, not a quote.

A more practical approach is to split your total into three pots: cabinets and worktops (roughly half), appliances (a quarter), and installation, plumbing, electrics, tiling, flooring, and painting (the remaining quarter). These proportions shift if you're keeping existing appliances or doing some work yourself, but they give you a framework to test against quotes.

Before you contact suppliers, decide on a realistic ceiling and a comfortable target below it. Irish tradespeople and kitchen studios will ask for your budget early, and having a clear figure – even a range like €15,000–€18,000 – helps them design to your price rather than showing you options you can't afford.

• Total budget = cabinets/worktops (50%) + appliances (25%) + installation and building work (25%)
• Set both a target and a hard ceiling before you start shopping
• Add a 10–15% contingency on top of your ceiling for unexpected discoveries

What exactly does a kitchen renovation quote include – and what does it leave out?

Beginners often assume a kitchen quote covers everything, then get surprised by extras. In Ireland, most kitchen suppliers quote for supply and installation of the units, worktops, and sometimes the sink and tap. They typically exclude plumbing, electrical work, plastering, tiling, flooring, and removal of the old kitchen – all of which can add thousands.

Ask every supplier for a written line-item breakdown. Check whether the quote includes delivery, connection of appliances, removal of packaging, and making good around the installation. If you're moving a sink or adding sockets, those are separate quotes from a plumber and an electrician, so get those in writing too.

A common beginner mistake is comparing two quotes that include different scopes. Make a checklist of everything you need – units, worktop, appliances, sink, taps, tiling, flooring, lighting, waste removal – and ask each supplier to confirm what is and isn't in their price. Then compare like with like.

Should I pay for a kitchen designer or plan it myself?

Many Irish kitchen showrooms offer a free design service when you buy their units, and that can be enough for a straightforward room. A professional designer helps with layout, lighting, and storage, and they know what fits standard appliance sizes. If your space is awkward – sloping ceilings, odd angles, or a wall you want to remove – their advice is worth the cost.

Independent kitchen designers charge by the hour or a flat fee, typically €300–€800, and they work with any supplier. That can be money well spent if you want a truly bespoke plan or if you're managing the project yourself. If you plan yourself, use free online tools from Irish suppliers, but measure carefully and get a second opinion before ordering.

The key is to get a detailed plan before you buy anything. Decide on the work triangle (sink, hob, fridge), check door and drawer clearances, and confirm appliance sizes with the actual models you want. A small design error – like a fridge door that can't open fully – is far cheaper to fix on paper than after installation.

What are the hidden costs that catch first-time renovators in Ireland?

Even with a good quote, Irish kitchen projects often run over because of issues that only appear once work starts. Plasterwork behind old tiles, uneven floors, outdated wiring, and asbestos in old flooring are common discoveries. If you're renovating an older house, budget a contingency of at least 10–15% of your total – not just for materials but for extra labour days.

Other overlooked costs include building control fees if you're removing a load-bearing wall, waste disposal charges for old units and rubble, and temporary cooking facilities while the kitchen is out of action. Some homeowners forget to budget for new lighting, which is often separate from the electrical quote, and for finishing touches like handles, splashbacks, and window treatments.

Ask your installer what they typically find in houses of your age and construction. A good contractor will flag likely problem areas before you sign. Also check whether your home insurance covers the renovation, and whether your supplier's warranty covers installation defects as well as the units themselves.

• Plastering, floor levelling, and wiring upgrades discovered after work starts
• Removal of old kitchen, tiles, and rubble – and skip hire if needed
• Temporary kitchen setup: kettle, microwave, and takeaway meals
• New lighting, handles, splashback, and window coverings
• Building control fees for structural changes like removing a wall

How should I set a payment schedule with my kitchen supplier?

Irish kitchen suppliers typically ask for a deposit when you order, then stage payments as work progresses. A common structure is 30–50% deposit, a further payment on delivery of the units, and the balance on completion and snagging. Be wary of anyone asking for full payment upfront – that's a red flag.

Before you pay anything, get the contract in writing: what's included, the timeline, and the payment terms. Agree on a snag list process – a period after installation when you can list minor defects and have them fixed before the final payment. In Ireland, the law on faulty goods and services gives you some protection, but a clear contract makes disputes much easier.

If you're using a bank loan or a credit union loan for the renovation, factor in the payment schedule when you draw down the money. Some lenders release funds in stages, so make sure your cash flow matches the supplier's demands. Keep receipts and bank transfers as proof of payment, and photograph the kitchen at each stage in case you need to dispute anything.

How long does a kitchen renovation actually take, and how does that affect my budget?

A straightforward kitchen replacement in Ireland usually takes two to four weeks from the start of demolition to the final snag. If you're moving walls, changing plumbing runs, or waiting for custom worktops, expect six to eight weeks. Delays happen – appliance backorders, weather affecting plaster drying, or unexpected structural work – so build buffer time into your plan.

Time affects budget in two ways: the cost of eating out or buying convenience meals while your kitchen is unusable, and the cost of extending a rental or staying in alternative accommodation if the work drags on. If you're living at home during the renovation, set up a temporary kitchen in another room with a kettle, microwave, and toaster to keep costs down.

Ask your contractor for a written schedule with key milestones, and build in penalties or at least a clear process for delays that are their fault. But also be realistic – a good tradesperson is worth waiting for, and rushing to meet an artificial deadline often leads to corners being cut. Plan for the longer end of the estimate, and you won't be caught out.

How do I compare quotes from different kitchen companies in Ireland?

When you have three or four quotes, don't just compare the bottom line. Look at the specification: are the cabinets solid wood, MDF, or thermofoil? What hinge and drawer brands are used? Is the worktop laminate, quartz, or solid surface? Two quotes can look similar in price but differ hugely in quality.

Create a simple spreadsheet with columns for each supplier and rows for each element: units, worktop, sink, taps, appliances, installation, and extras. Tick what's included and note the exact model or material. This makes it easy to spot where one quote is cheaper because it's using a lower-spec product or leaving something out.

Also check the supplier's reputation – ask for references, read recent reviews on independent sites, and ask to see a completed kitchen in a similar house. In Ireland, word of mouth is still strong, so ask neighbours or local Facebook groups. A slightly higher quote from a well-reviewed local company is often better value than a cheaper one from a distant firm with no local presence.