So, you are planning a new kitchen and have had a few estimates from kitchen companies, which have been more than a shock, but you were still thinking of how to finance and afford it, and then came the credit crunch!! New kitchen down the drain, (so to speak).
All is not lost however, you could still, at a fraction of the cost of new, have your kitchen refurbished.
Refurbished kitchens will look new, as most of the items and surfaces you can see, could be replaced with new, but the items you can't see so readily are not changed.
I am assuming you are going to keep your carcases, they are usually in good condition and will represent the foundation of your new kitchen.
You must now plan your refurbishment.
Your plan could be divided into six sections for possible replacement

1. The worktops
2. The carcase doors
3. The sink
4. The decor; paint work, tiles, floor etc
5. The appliances, cooker, hob fridge etc
6. The lighting

The most important itemyou should replace is the worktop Granite is the stone I commonly go for, as it is fashionable and very hardwearing.
Granite can offer a huge statement too; even if it were to be the only change you make, this still would give your kitchen a massive uplift.
Your second consideration, are the doors.
These can be changed for new ones very easily.
With a massive choice of colours, styles and types, your old carcases can be made new - many are available off the peg, although made to measure is often not that more expensive.
You could even have solid wood replacement doors, to give your new refurbishment, a touch of quality! Your third option is the sink.
If you have decided on a new granite worktop, then you may want to consider an under-mounted sink, with draining grooves cut into the granite surface.
New over-mounted sinks are cheaper however, but still can be a great lift for your kitchen.
Given Today's sink choices, with the numerous variations in price, type and size, the choice truly is yours! Your next thoughts must be low ones Your floor covering replacement is a choice that could be staged or delayed to spread the cost or even your decision.
Tiles are always the best choice for appearance and prestige for a kitchen floor but are costly in comparison with a vinyl floor covering.
Natural stone tiles such as travertine are fabulous, but again can be a little pricey.
If you delay the replacement of your floor covering to spread cost, you may also wish to delay decorating for the same reason...
If you can, then maybe any wall tiling and decorating could be a DIY project.
The next stage of your plan turns to your appliances Hob, cooker, dish washer, fridge etc, what is to go, which to stay? (Similarly, your replacement choices could be staged to spread your cost.
) Make sure that your appliance locations are really where you want them to be and their sizes are standard; this means that you will easily be able to replace them when you are ready! The last thing I will talk about here is the lighting You may be satisfied with your existing lighting, but consider how a carefully planned modern lighting system could give your finished kitchen that extra lift! Under-unit lighting, ceiling spots, dimmers are all to be considered.
Look around the big stores and lighting shops to get a few ideas and to find the best deals.
The lighting may not be able to be staged however and certainly must be undertaken before you finally decorate Overall, a kitchen refurbishment can cost a lot less than new and has a further massive advantage in that; you decide on the extent of the work and then spread the costs and labour over a planned period.