A new kitchen costs £8,000–£25,000. Many kitchens that feel tired can be transformed for £500–£3,000 through strategic repair and refresh rather than replacement. Here is how to decide what to repair and what to replace.

When to Repair Your Existing Kitchen

The carcasses are sound — if the kitchen unit boxes are solid and well-fitted, there is no structural reason to replace them. New doors, handles and surface repairs can achieve a completely fresh look.
The worktop is damaged but otherwise good — a chipped or burned worktop that is otherwise in good condition is worth repairing. Worktop replacement alone costs £500–£3,000.
The layout works — if you are happy with where everything is, changing it is expensive and disruptive for minimal functional benefit.
The appliances work — replace appliances only when they need replacing, not because you are doing other work.

Repair vs Replace Decision Matrix

Chipped worktop, good overall condition → repair (£95–£250).
Chipped worktop, outdated design, tired finish → consider replacement or spray painting the doors.
Chipped bath/sink → almost always repair.
Faded or discoloured kitchen doors → spray painting (£800–£2,500) vs new doors (£1,500–£6,000).
Chips and scratches throughout the kitchen → comprehensive surface repair programme before deciding on replacement.