On 10 m², the price of a kitchen depends less on the surface area than on the exact perimeter of the site. A project that maintains the existing layout (drainage, water supply, electrical panel in the same location) is completely different, in terms of cost, from a project that moves the sink two meters or creates an island requiring a floor connection. Before any request for a quote, this distinction must be made.
Relocation of networks: the factor that shifts the kitchen budget
We consistently observe the same phenomenon on 10 m² sites: furniture and appliances capture the client’s attention, while the relocation of water and electricity networks represents the tipping point. As long as the sink remains in its place and the electrical circuits are not reconfigured, the site is limited to carpentry, flooring, and terminal connections.
As soon as a new drainage line needs to be run in the slab or a 32 A circuit needs to be extended to move a cooktop, we enter a realm of technical renovation. The cost of plumbing and electricity can then weigh as much as the furniture itself.
To estimate the cost for fitting out a 10m² kitchen, one must start with an accurate survey of the existing layout and the desired layout before comparing furniture catalogs.
VAT at 10% or 20%: the real impact on kitchen renovation costs
The applicable VAT rate significantly changes the final amount. For a residential property completed more than two years ago, renovation work billed for supply and installation falls under the 10% VAT rate. This applies to labor, but also to materials purchased by the company and integrated into its service.
On the other hand, if the individual buys their own furniture, countertop, or appliances, these supplies remain at 20%. On a complete kitchen project, the difference of ten VAT points between the two scenarios quickly amounts to several hundred euros.
We recommend comparing two configurations of quotes: one with integrated supply and installation, the other with separate purchase of furniture. The first is often more advantageous tax-wise, even if the catalog price from the kitchen designer seems higher than that of a mainstream retailer. The reduced VAT rate of 5.5% is reserved for energy renovation work and does not apply to standard kitchen fittings.
Countertops and kitchen furniture: where to focus the budget on 10 m²
On a surface of 10 m², the linear footage of furniture rarely exceeds four meters in a straight layout or five meters in an L-shape. The number of cabinets is limited, which makes the choice of countertop proportionally more impactful on the budget than in a larger kitchen.
A laminate countertop costs several times less than a quartz or granite countertop, for the same linear footage. On 10 m², this unit price difference does not multiply much (three to four linear meters), but it influences the perceived range of the entire kitchen.
Regarding cabinets, the distinction is made between three categories:
- Flat-pack kitchens (large DIY stores), delivered flat with assembly by the customer or charged as an extra, which offer the lowest entry price but impose standard dimensions.
- Specialized kitchen designer kitchens, which generally include measuring, partial custom design, delivery, and installation, with an additional cost related to the service.
- Fully custom kitchens (cabinetmaker, cabinetmaker designer), whose price reflects unit manufacturing, choice of wood types or panels, and artisanal finishing.
Regardless of the segment, the quality of hinges, drawer slides, and cabinet structure (panel thickness, assembly) determines durability. Investing in hardware rather than the facade remains a relevant trade-off when the budget is tight.
Appliances and finishes: often underestimated items
Appliances weigh heavily in the total budget. An oven-microwave column, an induction cooktop, a built-in refrigerator, and a dishwasher constitute a minimum base that represents a significant portion of the total amount.
We find that many kitchen designer quotes display a price “excluding appliances” or include entry-level devices whose range does not meet the client’s actual expectations. Systematically requesting the details of included references avoids surprises upon project completion.
Finishes are rarely itemized in a kitchen quote:
- Backsplash (tiles, lacquered glass, stainless steel, or composite panel): the price varies greatly depending on the material and the area to be covered.
- Flooring: changing the floor under the furniture requires complete removal before installing the new kitchen.
- Painting or coating of walls, baseboard connections, silicone joints: these services are sometimes excluded from the “kitchen” lot and must be budgeted separately.
A complete kitchen quote must mention the removal of the old kitchen, connections, and finishes. Without these three lines, the comparison between offers is skewed.
Comparing kitchen quotes: perimeter before price per square meter
Online estimates mix very different perimeters. Some include delivery, installation, and appliances, while others cover only the furniture excluding installation. Comparing prices per square meter only makes sense with identical perimeters.
We recommend structuring each quote request around a precise specification: retained or modified layout, list of desired appliances with target range, type of countertop, nature of expected finishes, and explicit mention of removal. With this framework, the differences between quotes reflect real differences in service, not omissions of lines.
On 10 m², a project that retains the existing networks and uses mid-range furniture with professional installation remains a reasonable investment. Costs rise as soon as the project involves heavy plumbing, custom work, or premium appliances. The right reflex is to get at least three configurations quoted by different parties: kitchen designer, independent craftsman, and retailer, to situate one’s own project on the real price scale.
