Before you can start the process of transforming your kitchen, you need to have an idea of how much you want to spend on the project. If you've never bought a kitchen before, it's a difficult question to answer and so the question is, what should a new kitchen cost?

Well, it depends. Don't you hate it when people say 'it depends'?
The truth is it's not an easy question to give a simple answer too because there are a vast number of factors that affect the cost. For example, the size of the kitchen, the style, the choice of cabinetry, the bench-tops, the appliances, all have a significant impact on price, and then there's the question of installation. Are you having it fitted by professional kitchen installers, or are you doing it yourself? There are so many things you need to consider, and it can become overwhelming.

What makes it even more complicated is the fact that two kitchens can look the same but differ hugely in price. As an example, we've taken a kitchen and created two versions. In the image below, both kitchens appear identical in style and design, and only a trained eye could spot the difference. Many people only see the price difference and assume the cheaper kitchen is the best choice, when in fact the more expensive version offers much better value.

To understand the disparity in pricing, we have to take a closer look.

The more expensive option has premium cabinetry in an acrylic finish by Laminex, while the cheaper option is melamine. This alone can account for a price difference of $4k or more. Then there's the bench-top. The cheaper kitchen has a Formica bench-top, while the other is made from engineered stone. Both look gorgeous, are hard wearing and functional, but engineered stone can add many thousands to the cost. In this case, a price difference of over $6.5k.

So as you can see, just the cabinet finish and choice of bench-top has made option A. significantly more expensive. Is it worth it? We think so, but only you can decide if it's worth spending the extra money.

Despite their differences, both of these Kitchen Studio kitchens are of exceptional quality, and we are assuming that this is the level of quality you are looking for.

Because at Kitchen Studio, all of our kitchens are made in New Zealand and manufactured to the highest possible standards. We refuse to use inferior components because, like everything else in life, 'you get what you pay for'. A budget kitchen might be OK if all you want to do is spruce up a house before you sell it, but if you intend living in your home for several years, a low-cost kitchen will soon let you down.

Even if you are renovating the kitchen before selling your home, you should know that real estate agents will tell you the kitchen is regarded by potential home buyers as the most important room.

A beautifully designed, quality kitchen, immediately adds value to your home and can be the difference in achieving a premium price when you eventually sell. When you are spending thousands of dollars on a kitchen, it's reassuring to know that every cent you spend is an investment in your home. At Kitchen Studio, we've created kitchens that range in price from under$20,000 to well over $100,000, and we can say with confidence that every kitchen has increased the value of our clients' homes.

Every client is different, and every kitchen is unique. The best thing you could do is visit your local Kitchen Studio showroom and talk to a kitchen design expert, that way we can give you all the details you need to plan your kitchen transformation. Not only that, but in the showroom, you'll discover just how much technology has impacted on kitchen design and construction. You'll also be able to touch and feel the materials, and experience some of the products that have revolutionised Kiwi kitchens.

Buying a new kitchen is a significant investment, and it's crucial you get all the information, to help you make the right decision. By the time you've finished installing your new kitchen, you've probably spent the same amount you would on a new car or even a boat. While there's no denying the pleasure of that brand new car smell or the excitement of catching your own Snapper, there's no escaping the fact that a boat or car drops in value the moment you take delivery. But spend your money on a new kitchen from Kitchen Studio, and you've immediately added thousands of dollars value to your home.