Kitchen refurbishment in Exeter

When does kitchen refurbishment make sense in Exeter?

Landlords across Devon often refurbish rather than replace between tenancies, because new doors, worktops and a sink can be fitted in days and the units underneath are rarely the problem.

If you have bought a house in Exeter with a dated kitchen that still works, refreshing the doors, worktop and sink is often the quickest way to make it feel like your own. Our Devon coverage reaches every part of Exeter (EX2) and out towards Exmouth.

What is in a typical job?

After the survey visit we write the scope down. For kitchen refurbishment in Exeter it usually covers:

Free survey visit to check every carcass for water damage, level and fixings
Old worktops removed and new laminate, wood or stone worktops fitted
New handles drilled and fitted, with hinges and drawer runners adjusted or replaced
Tiled, glass or panel splashback fitted once the new worktops are in
Sink and tap replaced on the existing supplies and waste
New doors, drawer fronts, end panels and plinths fitted to the existing units

Kitchen refurbishment prices in Exeter

As a starting point for Exeter, these ranges include VAT at 20% and allow for typical labour costs in the South West. Prices across the South West are broadly in line with UK averages.

Kitchen refurbishment prices in Exeter
Typical project	Guide price
New doors, worktops and handles on sound unitsCarcasses kept, everything you see replaced	£2,600–£6,200
Refresh plus sink, tap, splashback and lightingA full visual refit without moving services	£4,100–£9,300
Partial refit with some new units and appliancesDamaged units swapped, new appliances fitted	£6,200–£14,400

Guide ranges assume the existing layout and services stay in place with laminate or wood worktops; stone worktops, moved services, new circuits, flooring and plastering are priced as separate lines. Prices include VAT at 20%.

Local homes and their kitchens

Typical homes in this part of Devon include cob and thatched cottages, Victorian terraces, post-war houses and flats and seaside bungalows. Victorian terraces in Exeter and Torbay often have a narrow back kitchen, while post-war houses and seaside bungalows usually have a square room that suits an L-shape.

Single-track lanes, steep town streets and cottages with no parking can make deliveries slow, so long worktops and tall units need a planned route into the house. Much of Devon has soft mains water, which is kind to taps and appliances, though some eastern parts are harder, so check with your supplier.

Regulations for kitchen work in Exeter

Refurbishing a kitchen in England needs no planning permission or Building Regulations approval in itself, though a listed home may need listed building consent before historic features are removed. Swapping light fittings or adding sockets on existing kitchen circuits is not notifiable under Part P but must meet BS 7671; a new circuit is notifiable. A gas hob must be disconnected and reconnected by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Homes within Dartmoor or Exmoor national parks, listed thatched cottages and conservation areas may need consent before a new extractor vent goes through an outside wall.

Practical advice for Exeter homeowners

Before booking a refurbishment for your Exeter home, empty the sink cupboard and check the base for swelling or soft spots, as it decides whether that unit stays.
If your Exeter kitchen has a tiled splashback, decide early whether it stays; removing old tiles often damages the plaster behind and adds a day of making good.
If you let a property in Exeter, book the refurbishment between tenancies and choose durable finishes such as laminate worktops and wipe-clean splashbacks.
If several units are damaged, the layout no longer suits you or services need moving, a full new kitchen may be better value.

Questions about kitchen refurbishment in Exeter

How much does kitchen refurbishment cost in Exeter?

Kitchen refurbishment in Exeter typically costs £2,600 to £6,200 including VAT for new doors, worktops and handles on sound units, based on prices in the South West. Larger or more involved jobs cost more, and your price is fixed in writing after a free survey visit.

Which parts of Exeter do you work in?

All of them. Our Devon coverage takes in the whole of Exeter, including the EX2 postcode district, as well as surrounding towns such as Exmouth. If you are unsure, send us your postcode.

Can I keep my existing appliances during a refurbishment?

Usually, yes. Built-in ovens, hobs and integrated appliances can stay if they work well and suit the existing housings. If you replace one, the new appliance must match the housing dimensions and door-fixing method, and a larger oven or an induction hob may need a new cooker circuit. We check model numbers and sizes at the survey, before you buy anything.

Will a refurbished kitchen look like a new one?

It can come very close, because doors, worktops, handles and the splashback make up most of what you see. The differences show inside the cupboards and in the layout, which stays the same. Matching new end panels, plinths and cornice to the doors matters, because old panels left in place give the age of the kitchen away.

Is it worth refurbishing a kitchen rather than replacing it?

Often, yes, if the carcasses are sound and you are happy with the layout. A refurbishment keeps the hidden structure and spends the budget on what you see. It stops being good value when several units are water-damaged, when you want to move the sink, hob or walls, or when the units are an unusual size that new doors will not suit.

Kitchen refurbishment in neighbouring towns

Neighbouring towns where we offer kitchen refurbishment: