A kitchen renovation in Luxembourg costs between €15,000 and €50,000 on average, depending on the level of finish chosen. It’s a significant investment that can quickly go off track if you make certain classic mistakes. Every year, hundreds of kitchen projects exceed their initial budget by 20 to 40% due to avoidable problems.
This guide presents the 7 most common mistakes and how to avoid them for a successful renovation.
Mistake #1: Underestimating the Total Budget
The first mistake is only considering the price of cabinets and appliances. A kitchen is much more than that.
The real budget must include electrical upgrades, often necessary in kitchens over 15 years old. Also plan for plumbing if you’re moving the sink, wall and floor tiling, wall and ceiling painting, as well as ventilation and the extractor hood.
Good to know: For a 10m² kitchen, plan for a minimum of €2,000-4,000 for electrical work alone if a complete upgrade is needed.
The 20% margin rule applies particularly to kitchens. On a €25,000 budget, keep €5,000 for unexpected costs.
Mistake #2: Neglecting the Work Triangle
The work triangle is the distance between your three main zones: the refrigerator for cold storage, the sink for washing and preparation, and the cooking zone.
A poorly designed triangle means thousands of unnecessary steps each year and a tiring kitchen to use. The sum of the three sides of the triangle should ideally measure between 4 and 8 metres.
Classic mistakes include placing the fridge too far from the worktop, installing the sink in a difficult-to-access corner, or separating the cooking zone from the preparation area.
Before validating your plan with the kitchen specialist, mentally simulate preparing a complete meal.
Mistake #3: Forgetting Electrical Outlets
This is the most frustrating daily mistake. A modern kitchen requires far more outlets than you might imagine.
For the worktop, plan for at least 4 to 6 outlets for small appliances like the toaster, coffee maker, and food processor. For built-in appliances, count one dedicated outlet per appliance: oven, microwave, dishwasher. Don’t forget special outlets for the hob and hood.
Luxembourg standards: Outlets must be installed at least 8cm above the worktop and at the regulatory distance from water points.
Work with a qualified electrician from the design phase, not afterwards.
Mistake #4: Choosing Materials Before the Layout
Many clients arrive at the kitchen specialist with a precise idea of a marble worktop or gold handles, but without a defined layout.
This is putting the cart before the horse. The choice of materials must adapt to the available space, not the other way around. A dark worktop in a small enclosed kitchen will create a suffocating impression. High cabinets up to the ceiling in a low kitchen will create an oppressive effect.
The right method is to first define the general layout, then choose the main colours and materials, and finally select finishes and accessories.
Mistake #5: Ignoring Ventilation
Ventilation is often treated as a last-minute detail. This is a mistake that can cost dearly in terms of comfort and health.
Poor ventilation leads to the accumulation of humidity and grease, persistent odours throughout the house, and eventually mould on walls and ceilings.
Effective solutions include an extractor hood with external exhaust, ideally 600m³/h minimum, or adapted mechanical ventilation if direct exhaust is not possible.
In Luxembourg, with the airtightness requirements of recent buildings, mechanical ventilation is not optional.
Mistake #6: Planning Insufficient Storage
We always underestimate our storage needs. A kitchen contains dishes, provisions, appliances, cleaning products.
Common mistakes are prioritising minimalist aesthetics over practicality, forgetting sorting bin storage, and neglecting corners and wasted spaces.
Smart solutions include drawers rather than deep cabinets, storage columns up to the ceiling, integrated sorting systems, and corner storage with rotating shelves.
Take an inventory of everything your current kitchen contains before validating the layout.
Mistake #7: Entrusting Everything to a Single Trade
Some think the kitchen specialist handles everything. Others call on a general handyman for the whole job. In both cases, it’s risky.
A kitchen renovation involves several specialities: the kitchen specialist for cabinets and layout, the electrician for upgrades and connections, the plumber for the sink and dishwasher, the tiler for floor and splashback, and the painter for finishes.
Coordination is essential. Either you engage a project manager, or you ensure that the kitchen specialist actually coordinates all the tradespeople.
Average Costs in Luxembourg
To give you a realistic idea, here are the price ranges observed in 2024-2025.
An entry-level kitchen, with standard cabinets and basic appliances, costs between €8,000 and €15,000. A mid-range kitchen, with quality cabinets and branded appliances, ranges from €15,000 to €30,000. A high-end kitchen, with premium materials and top appliances, goes from €30,000 to €50,000 and more.
These prices generally include installation but rarely electrical and plumbing work.
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FAQ
How much does a complete kitchen renovation cost in Luxembourg?
Expect between €15,000 and €50,000 depending on size and level of finish. This budget must include cabinets, appliances, but also electrical, plumbing, and finishes.
Do I need a permit to renovate my kitchen?
No, an interior renovation without structural modification does not require a permit in Luxembourg. However, if you’re knocking down a load-bearing wall, authorisation may be required.
How long do the works take?
Expect 2 to 4 weeks for a complete renovation, from removal of the old kitchen to finishing. During this period, plan a backup solution for meals.
