What’s absolutely critical in today's world is ‘convenience’. Every discovery, invention or innovation is just to make our lives simpler.

The concept of modular kitchen is not just aesthetics alone but boasts of functionality, space planning and ergonomics too. Since there are organized sections with proper utilization of every available corner and space, modular kitchen stands undisputed more as a necessity than luxury.

When you are getting your home designed, your designer will arrange for Kitchen experts to take measurements of the kitchen space initially. Usually, it takes 45-60 days for the final products (shutters etc.) to reach your home. The entire kitchen is installed by the vendors themselves. So, plan kitchen design and installation accordingly.

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Overall cost for a modular kitchen depends on scope and requirements. Typically, people spend 3L-4L for a fully functional modular kitchen.

Main concern for kitchen is always to maximize storage space. Since homes in Tier I cities are getting smaller, organized storage space in the kitchen is becoming a crucial part of a modern home.

Typically, modular kitchen includes the following:

• 1 Countertop (2 in case of a parallel layout)
• Base cabinets/Floor units (depends on space)
• Wall cabinets/Wall units (depends on space)
• Backsplash
• Tall units (optional)
• Sink, faucets (single/double sink)
• Kitchen appliances, Hob, chimney (cost can be excluded if you own these already)

Accessories:

• Hinges, Handles
• Modules
• Wire Baskets
• Hardware

Modular kitchen cost depends on size and number of modules. Cabinets, baskets, wicker baskets, tall units and bottle pull-outs are the different components of a modular kitchen.

Basket size could range from 6, 8, 9 to 12 inches and depends on your preferences and kitchen size. Tall units are a great vertical space-saving option. Their price depends on the number of shelves along with accessories and mechanisms used. For 2 tall units with 5 racks each, total cost can be around 1 lakh, exclusive of the outer finishing (cabinet exterior).

All pull-out sections have either normal or tandem channels. Cost of materials can sometimes depend on brands and the city you are in. For example, a tandem channel can cost you 3K in Bangalore but 7K in Mumbai. Check prices with different brands before you start budgeting.

In accessories (hinges, accessories, baskets), opt for branded ones. The cost difference between local and branded accessories are a mere 50-150 INR/piece; plus the branded ones will most likely last longer. For instance, a good quality channel and hinge can easily hold more weight and won’t sog. Local brands tend to wear out sooner. Remember to spend more on good quality products to profit in the long run.

While one pair of normal channels would range from 300-500/-, a pair of tandem channels could cost around 3,500/-

Hardware is the other big aspect in modular kitchen. Handles, hinges, channels, soft closes, hydraulics etc. all contribute to the total costing. Their prices may range from as low as Rs.100 to as high as Rs.10,000. You could opt for Baba, EBCO for fairly lower priced but good quality hardware or go for Hettich, Hafele, Plum, etc. if your budget permits.

Laminates complete the look of a modular kitchen and are available as: matte, glossy and acrylic (glass). We are now seeing new finishes such as glass and acrylic for the kitchen too, but laminates remain the most commonly preferred. Talk to your interior designer about your style, visit a store with them to see all finishes before finalizing.

While mattes require proper maintenance, glossy laminates need lesser maintenance and acrylic sheets need least maintenance

Few kitchens have MDF sheets with membrane finishing too. Glass acrylics are quite tough and durable and are the most expensive in the markets right now.

For a standard 10x10sq.ft kitchen area, matte finish would cost around 90K, glossy finish around 1.2L to 1.5L and acrylic sheets @3500/- per sheet would be around 1.7L to 2.5L.

All in all, a modular kitchen would cost somewhere between 1L and 3L, but could go up to 4L as well.

If you have a kitchen to remodel with a budget in mind, post your project with DesignBids and get the best designer through competitive bidding.

Hope you liked the article. Do share in your views and experiences for all to benefit.