Kitchen renovation

15 fact-grounded Q&A · 2026-04-17 · CC BY 4.0

Here are 15 common questions and answers in the category kitchen renovation for the Swedish construction industry. Every answer is anchored in primary law (PBL, BBR, KTjL, AFS, ABS 18, AB 04) and authoritative guidance. The data is open and free to use with attribution.

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What does a kitchen renovation cost?

Full renovation (15-20 m2 kitchen): 150,000-500,000 SEK. IKEA standard at the low end, custom cabinetry and stone counter at the high end. Labour is 40-60%. ROT applies to labour. 2026 average in Helsingborg: 250,000 SEK.

Sources: Branschindex 2026

How long does a kitchen renovation take?

Planning 2-4 weeks, construction 3-6 weeks (including electrical, plumbing, flooring, appliances). Total 2-3 months from contract to move-in. Zaragoza AB delivers turnkey kitchens in Helsingborg.

Sources: Zaragoza AB erfarenhet

Do I need a building permit for a kitchen renovation?

Normally no, if it stays within existing areas. Moving a load-bearing wall or extending the kitchen requires a permit. Plumbing and electrical installations are separately notifiable.

Sources: PBL 9 kap.

Does a kitchen renovation qualify for ROT?

Yes, all labour qualifies: demolition, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, tiling, flooring. Appliances and cabinet carcasses are materials (no ROT). Zaragoza AB separates labour and materials on the invoice.

Sources: Inkomstskattelagen 67 kap.

What should I consider when planning a kitchen?

Work flow: stove-sink-fridge triangle. Ergonomics: counter height adapted to the user. Lighting: general plus task lighting. Ventilation: strong hood near the stove. Electrical panel: sufficient capacity for induction.

Sources: Boverket · Ergonomiska riktlinjer

Can I keep the existing cabinet carcasses?

Yes, if they are in good condition and fit the new layout. Replacing only doors and countertop saves 30-50% of the cost. Zaragoza AB offers both renovation of existing kitchens and full replacement.

Sources: Branschpraxis

What is the difference between laminate and stone countertops?

Laminate: 1,500-3,500 SEK/linear metre, 10-15 year lifespan, sensitive to heat and scratches. Stone (granite, quartz composite): 5,000-12,000 SEK/linear metre, 30+ year lifespan, durable. Investment vs budget trade-off.

Sources: Materialjämförelser

How do I choose between induction and gas?

Induction: faster, more energy-efficient, easier to clean, requires induction-compatible cookware and a heavier electrical installation. Gas: classic chef preference, requires a gas line. Induction is more common in Swedish kitchen renovations.

Sources: Energimyndigheten

Which range hood should I choose?

Extract hood (ducted outside): best odour removal, requires an opening in the exterior wall. Carbon filter (recirculating): less effective. Minimum flow 540 m3/h for kitchens used for full cooking according to BBR.

Sources: BBR 6

Should I replace the kitchen floor during renovation?

Strongly recommended. A new floor laid under the cabinets simplifies future maintenance. Popular in kitchens: tiles (durable, easy to clean), vinyl (soft underfoot, water-resistant), solid wood (classic, sensitive to water).

Sources: Golvbransch

Is an open or closed kitchen better?

Open (kitchen integrated with living room): social, bright, modern. Closed: less cooking odour, easier to hide mess. An open kitchen needs a stronger hood. The choice is aesthetic and practical.

Sources: Arkitekturval

Which kitchen faucet is best?

A single-lever mixer with pull-out spray is standard. Quality brands: Gustavsberg, Oras, Grohe. Important features: thermostatic valve (scald protection), swivel spout, pull-out spray. Säker Vatten-certified installation is recommended.

Sources: Säker Vatten

Does the water/drainage need to be redone?

When moving the sink or stove: yes. If placement stays the same: rarely necessary but a good opportunity to replace aged pipes. Zaragoza AB works with Säker Vatten-certified plumbers.

Sources: BBR 6

How wide should the sink and kitchen be?

Minimum walkway between island and counter: 90 cm, ideally 120 cm. Sink: 40 cm wide for small kitchens, 60-80 cm for large ones. Work surfaces: at least 60 cm on each side of the stove.

Sources: Ergonomiska riktlinjer

Do I need a load-bearing beam when opening up the kitchen?

If you take down a load-bearing wall: yes, a structural beam is required. A structural engineer calculates the dimensions. Without a load-bearing calculation: safety risk and permit violation. Zaragoza AB collaborates with structural engineers for correct calculations.

Sources: BBR 2