Ruby Galloway of Gleeds Research & Development on kitchen and bathroom costs
The Technical Housing Standards – Nationally Described Space Standard sets out requirements for the gross internal area of new dwellings at defined levels of occupancy.
Kitchens and bathrooms can be a significant proportion (up to 5%) of the total cost of a residential development, although this can vary substantially depending on the individual components. Industrial kitchens can also run to thousands of pounds – excluding power and associated infrastructure such as a three phase electrical supply. In today’s market, kitchen units can be manufactured in mass volumes or as handmade bespoke units. Bathrooms can be installed as pods in student accommodation and hotels but more often in combinations of fittings for domestic housing developments
Primary considerations for kitchen design are layout and functionality. Hazards, corners and awkward fitting locations which could force the user into uncomfortable positions must be minimised. Design for elderly and less able users will need to take extra care to accommodate their needs, such as additional space for easier mobility or lower level worktops. Many modern living spaces tend to incorporate some form of dining area in the kitchen if possible.
Bathroom design is generally governed by the space available, although the requirements of the end user are also important factors. With running costs in mind, water consumption is also a driver. Nowadays, most toilets will have dual-flush functioning as standard and taps can be equipped with self-closing features. These features generally manage to reduce the water consumption by around 40% to 50%. With small space living, the design of modern baths have also reduced the water capacities by over 35% compared to some standard size baths.
The following rates are based on the UK average and represent typical prices at 2016 Q3. Please note prices can be vary significantly depending on specifications.
KITCHENS: Range £
Typical all-in rates for residential market – volume housing to mid-range level, include units, worktop, sink and taps. Not including white goods
One bedroom flat (5 cabinets) £2,300 - £2,500
Two bedroom house/flat (6 cabinets) £3,300 - £3,800
Three bedroom house (8 cabinets) £5,700 - £6,600
Four bedroom house with utility room (12 cabinets) £8,800 - £11,500
Middle range specification
(NB dimensions are approximate to indicate the approximate size of units)
Standard sized unframed units. Veneered particle board cabinet construction,
600 mm deep for floor mounted units and 300 mm deep for wall mounted units
High gloss finish, floor standing units, 500 mm wide, each £230 - £330
High gloss finish, floor standing units, 1,000 mm wide, each £310 - £440
Solid timber doors, wall mounted, 500 mm wide units £450 - £640
Solid timber doors, wall mounted units, 1,000 mm wide units £580 - £850
Upper middle range specification
Standard size framed units. Solid timber cabinet construction with birch ply or similar; 600 mm deep for floor mounted units, 300 mm deep for wall mounted
Solid hardwood timber door, floor standing units, 500 mm wide £540 - £1,380
Solid hardwood timber doors, floor standing units, 1,000 mm wide £830 - £1,860
Solid timber doors, wall mounted units, 500 mm wide £570 - £1,510
Solid timber doors, wall mounted units, 1,000 mm wide £850 - £2,070
Door upgrades (applies to hardwood door rates)
Hardwood doors, eg oak, ash 20%
Premium hardwood, eg walnut 30%
Hand painting 25%
Worktops – generally up to 40 mm thick (per metre run)
Granite £170 - £210
Quartz £190 - £240
Composite £110 - £160
Solid timber £180 - £260
Laminate £70 - £110
BATHROOMS Range £
Sanitary ware – mid range
Low level WC, vitreous china pan £280 - £350
Wall urinal, vitreous china £220 - £270
Bath, pressed steel enamelled £540 - £670
Shower tray, glazed fireclay £280 - £396
Shower enclosure, hinged door and side panel £460 - £720
Hand wash basin, glazed fireclay £180 - £250
Sanitary ware – high range
Wall mounted WC £520 - £610
Wall mounted hand wash basin £310 - £360
Bath, freestanding, waterfall inlet filler £1,450 - £1,630
Shower door, bespoke, hinged door and side panel £1,030 - £1,460
Taps
Waterfall style basin filler, chrome finish, each £130 - £220
Waterfall style bath filler, chrome finish, each £120 - £210
Single kitchen single lever mixer tap, each £120 - £150
Kitchen pull out tap (pull out spray), chrome finish, each £200 - £260
Concussive basin self-closing taps, chrome, pair £130 - £210
Hydro taps (zip taps), each £2,830 - £3,100
Accessories
Heated towel rails, 600 mm wide, standard chrome finish, each £150 - £190
Heated towel rails, 600 mm wide, designer stainless steel, each £360 - £400
Electric towel rail, 600 mm wide, standard, each £150 - £18