7 Reasons Self-Builders Put Off Kitchen Design

Why It’s So Easy to Delay Your Kitchen Design — And Why You Shouldn’t

If you’re self-building or renovating and you haven’t sorted your kitchen design yet — don’t worry. You’re not alone. It’s incredibly common for project owners to put off thinking seriously about their kitchen until the build is well underway. Usually, it’s only when a builder asks where the plumbing, electrics or ventilation need to go that the panic sets in.

But why do so many people delay something so central to how they’ll live in their home? And what risks come with leaving it too late?

Here are some of the most common reasons we see — and a few gentle myths we’d like to clear up.

1. “It feels too early”
Many people think they don’t need to plan the kitchen until the walls are up and plaster is dry. But in reality, your kitchen layout affects everything from window positioning to drainage runs and extract ventilation. Waiting too long often limits your choices — or worse, means costly rework.

2. “I’ve got enough to think about”
During the early stages of a project, you’re buried in decisions about foundations, planning, structural work and more. The kitchen feels like something you can “deal with later.” But unlike flooring or paint, the kitchen requires real technical coordination — and time to get it right.

3. “I don’t want to spend money on design yet”
This one’s completely understandable. You’re trying to control costs, and kitchen design can feel like a luxury when there’s still a roof to go on. But a professional, independent kitchen design early on isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s a working plan that helps prevent expensive mistakes later.

4. The myth of the “finishing cost”
Many renovators and self-builders still treat the kitchen as a finishing cost — like carpets or curtains. But unlike those, your kitchen interacts directly with the bones of the house. Services need to be run to exact locations. Walls or windows might need adjusting. Leave it too late, and you’re working around limitations you could have avoided.

5. The “free design later” mindset
Big kitchen retailers often offer “free design” with tempting finance deals. It sounds ideal: get the kitchen later, pay nothing upfront, spread the cost. But this usually results in a last-minute sales-led layout — not a kitchen tailored to your space, build, or lifestyle. By then, the options to make real changes are gone.

6. “I’m waiting for the perfect idea”
It’s easy to stall on the kitchen because you want to be sure. The perfect layout, the right finishes, the best price — all locked in. But waiting for a eureka moment often leads to rushed decisions. A better approach is to work with someone early to shape your ideas into something practical and achievable.

7. “My architect or builder will sort it”
They might help with layout basics, but it’s rare that they’ll coordinate the kitchen in enough detail — especially with all the moving parts (appliances, cabinetry, lighting, worktops, and extraction). The earlier you bring in a kitchen expert, the smoother the process will be.

Start early, stay in control

Designing your kitchen early doesn’t mean making all the decisions straight away. It means having a considered plan — one that helps your build team, reduces stress, and ensures your new kitchen fits your life and your home.

At Sustique, we specialise in designing kitchens for self-builders and renovators — with sustainability, practicality, and beauty in mind. We’ll help you make informed decisions early on, while keeping your options open.