There was once a time when the first thing people did when they moved into a new place was to rip out the kitchen, chuck it in a skip and buy a new one. Thankfully, we seem to be realising how unsustainable, not to mention costly, this process is and are instead looking for ways to be more aware of our environment (and pockets) when we renovate.
So, for Zero Waste Week 2018 (starts today!), we’ve been researching ways to make renovating a kitchen more eco-friendly – er, and cheaper (some people need an incentive, right?). Our best advice? Don’t buy new, invest in a second hand or ex-display kitchen and here's why...
1. You are reducing your carbon footprint
Buying a used kitchen means that you are basically recycling the whole thing – you are simply moving it from one house to another. No waste involved.
2. It’s cheaper
Buying a new kitchen doesn’t have to mean you need to cancel holiday plans until 2080. Getting a second-hand kitchen can save you a ton of money and you can find some amazingly high-end models at just a fraction of the price. We are talking Harvey Jones, John Lewis of Hungerford, Neptune, Howdens and more…
‘Ex-display kitchens are sold at 50 to 70 per cent less than their retail price, and often include worktops and appliances,’ says Looeeze Grossman, managing director at The Used Kitchen Company.
3. A used kitchen can look brand new
The used kitchens on sites like The Used Kitchen Company and The Kitchen Exchange are fully inspected to check that they are in great condition so your second-hand kitchen won’t come with second-hand scratches, scuff marks or moisture rings.
Plus, if you are buying an ex-display kitchen, apart from those people who walk around showrooms pretending it’s their house (definitely not us btw), it has essentially never been used.
4. Buying a used kitchen can save time
Everything is pretty much already assembled and ready to go with a recycled kitchen so no time spent matching fittings and fixtures. Providing you have the right measurements, your new (old) kitchen can just slide into place; you could of course also hire a kitchen fitter just to make sure everything is exactly as you want it.
5. You can make money selling your kitchen
Rather than spend money hiring a skip why not make money by selling your old kitchen online? The Used Kitchen Company can list your kitchen on its website and even arranging viewings with potential buyers.
