In this article, I review my recent B&Q new kitchen design install and break down the renovation costs, including photos before and after, the process of choosing the kitchen designs, finding a kitchen fitter and my overall Kitchen unit rating of B&Q. The below is just my opinion, not advice. *This article also includes affiliate links to support the site costs.
About a B&Q kitchen
B&Q sells a wide range of contemporary, shaker and traditional kitchens under their GoodHome brand. There are nine different kitchens in B&Q’s range, each of which comes in a choice of at least two colours. Some include integrated handles or a ‘push-to-open mechanism. You can choose between gloss and matt finishes, some of which B&Q says ‘don’t reflect light, meaning fingerprints aren’t as visible. It has in-house designers to help you plan your kitchen and offers a paid fitting service. You can buy its fitted kitchens in-store or order them online.
Why did I pick a B&Q Kitchen unit?
Picking a new kitchen design can be stressful and expensive, it can be a real minefield to those new to the world of buying a new kitchen. I visited a range of kitchen retailers from Ikea (online), HomeBase, Wickes and B&Q. In fact, the average price of a new kitchen installation in the UK costs around £5,000 to £6,000, according to mybulder.com. For me, B&Q had the biggest kitchen showroom area, making it easier to visualise what a kitchen unit could look like, a competitive price (versus HomeBase and Ikea) plus a free planning meeting.
Kitchen budgeting
At the top end, Kitchen renovations can go up to £14,00, so it is important to work out your budget for both the units and the fitting. My budget all in was £3,500, including the new kitchen units and the installation, so I had to be extra frugal and spend time researching costs.
Kitchen design measurements
Before going to a free planning meeting with B&Q, it was important to bring measurements, I used a measuring tape in my kitchen to measure the width, length, height and diameter of all units I needed. It was important to get an accurate quote with B&Q and ensure items would fit.
Free planning meeting
B&Q has a free design service in-store or at home using the B&Q Spaces design software. You can then access and edit your kitchen design online, but you can’t use the tool until you’ve had an initial consultation. You can choose between a virtual or in-store appointment when you book. Virtual appointments can be via screen sharing, or phone and email. To get started, B&Q has a ‘kitchen visualiser tool‘ on its website so you can try out different layouts, colours and styles. You can also look rounds its virtual showroom online. The free planning meeting was very useful. After arriving, I was able to ask lots of questions and the B&Q kitchen planners were able to mock up a free design of the kitchen, plus advice on what was popular for my budget.
My B&Q Kitchen experience
After getting 3 different kitchen quotes, I picked B&Q. Below is what I purchased, see the images before and after.
Cabinets
Cabinets are one of the most expensive items in a kitchen. They can cost up to £500 each. I decided due to my budget, to apply an inexpensive white sticker (costing £10 from Wilko) over the existing cabinets instead, which saved over £1,000. However, a cabinet was needed for the new oven. This was the GoodHome Caraway White Oven housing Base cabinet, (W)600mm, costing £28.
Kitchen worktops
Prices range from the lower end of laminate worktops to the more premium Solid wood worktops to the even higher priced world of Acrylic Worktops and bespoke Worktops. After reviewing options, I picked the lower-cost end, yet still high-quality Laminate worktops (made of chipboard)“GoodHome 38mm Kala Matt White Stone effect chipboard & laminate Square edge kitchen Worktop (L) 3000mm” at £126. In addition, I picked edging, to limit water damage against any spillages. To match, I picked the GoodHome Kala Matt Stone effect White Worktop edging tape, (L)3m, priced at only £9.
New Oven
I ditched my old-style gas oven, which always took ages to clean. Instead opting for an induction Bosch HHF113BR0B Built-in Electric Single Multifunction Oven costing £318, with a Bosch PUE611BF1B 4 Zone Black Induction Hob, (W)520mm costing £345. To limit the smell & some kitchen style, I also purchased an extractor fan Cooke & Lewis LinkTech CL60CGRF Silver Glass Curved Cooker hood, (W)60cm, costing £125.
New kitchen sink
Getting a stainless steel sink and new taps was important, as it looks premium. I picked Cooke & Lewis Nakaya Polished Inox Stainless steel 1 Bowl Sink & drainer, costing £62 and Grohe Ambi Chrome effect Kitchen Monobloc Taps, costing £97.
Kitchen wall tiles
I went for wall tiles to create a design for the kitchen, buying Trentie Grey for £9.60 for a pack of 40. Gloss Metro Ceramic Wall tile, Pack of 40, (L)200mm (W)100mm.
Do B&Q kitchens come assembled?
No, all units are self-assembled, i.e laminated wooden worktop will need to be cut outside to fit into say a small flat.
Use a B&Q Kitchen fitter or get your own fitter?
B&Q offers a kitchen fitting service, or you can buy from B&Q and hire a different Kitchen installer, or fit it yourself. Often kitchen retailers will charge more for their own fitter, but it can be safer than finding your own builder/kitchen fitter, who is trained in carpentry, electrics and plumbing. I was fortunate to know a trusted builder through word of mouth, who was trained in all areas and had a set £ 150-day rate. Bark offers some great Kitchen fitters in your area.
How much did the kitchen cost to fit?
The cost for the 5 days of work for 2 kitchen builders was £1,500. This was from my own contact, so it was a lower rate than B&Q’s fitters and no doubt some independent fitters. This included a new sink and tap install (including plumbing), a new oven and induction install (rewiring electrics), a Worktop install (cutting the wood), and kitchen wall tiling.
B&Q Kitchen rating
Overall I’ve rated the B&Q kitchen unit as 4/5 star. Are b&q kitchens any good? I’d say yes. The customer service was good in-store and the kitchen unit delivery was on time. Despite, the items being uncut and needing to be stored in my garage (as the wooden worktop needed to be cut outside to fit inside the flat), I was happy with the final design and the great new updated look. Many months later, there is no visible wear and tear. If you need to touch up your Kitchen or get a complete refurbishment, I’d recommend B&Q, from my experience. If you do buy from B&Q, join up to their loyalty card and use a cashback site. Have you found this B&Q Kitchen review helpful? If so, please leave a comment and share your experience.
How to reduce gas and electricity bills at home
According to Energy Saving Trust, we can all save an extra £30 a year by turning off appliances when we’re not using them, rather than leaving them on standby. For more kitchen energy-saving tips, please read the top tips to reduce gas and electricity bills in the UK. Out of contract with your energy supplier? Consider a £50 joining bonus with ethical energy company Octopus Energy.
Local Kitchen Fitter
Speak to a local kitchen fitter and get three quotes. Remember to check out reviews.
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Has this post helped you? A lot of time, effort and drinking coffee go into these posts, so if you would like to buy me a coffee below as thank you, that would be appreciated.
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