What is the average cost of a new kitchen remodel? Generally, the average cost of kitchen remodel projects in the UK ranges widely, often falling between £8,000 and £25,000 for a standard mid-range renovation, though high-end or very large custom projects can easily exceed £40,000. Getting a clear figure for your new kitchen installation price depends on many choices you make.
Factors Affecting Kitchen Prices
Planning a new kitchen is exciting. But costs can jump fast. Knowing what drives the price helps you manage your money well. Many things affect how much a new kitchen costs.
Size Matters Most
The size of your kitchen is a big factor. A tiny galley kitchen costs much less than a large open-plan one. More square footage means more materials are needed. This includes more flooring, wall tiles, and cabinet space.
The Level of Finish: Cheap vs Luxury Kitchen Costs
This is where your budget gets tested. Do you want basic fittings, or do you dream of top-tier quality?
- Cheap vs luxury kitchen costs: A budget kitchen might use ready-made cabinets and laminate worktops. A luxury kitchen uses custom solid wood units, quartz or granite worktops, and high-end integrated appliances. The difference in price is huge.
| Kitchen Level | Typical Budget Range (Supply Only – Estimate) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Budget/Basic | £3,000 – £7,000 | Ready-made units, basic laminate, standard sink. |
| Mid-Range | £8,000 – £18,000 | Good quality standard units, mid-range appliances, engineered worktops. |
| High-End/Luxury | £19,000+ | Cost of custom cabinetry, premium materials, designer appliances. |
Appliance Choices
Appliances are a major part of the budget. Basic cookers and fridges are cheap. Fancy, large, integrated appliances cost much more. Think about ovens, hobs, dishwashers, and extractor fans. Brands matter greatly here.
Worktop Material
Worktops offer some of the biggest price differences.
- Laminate is the cheapest option. It is easy to fit and clean.
- Solid wood is mid-range but needs care.
- Quartz, granite, or sintered stone tops are expensive. They look great and last long. Fitting these materials often requires specialists, adding to the cost.
Door Style and Material
The look of your doors sets the tone.
- Slab doors (flat) are often cheaper than shaker styles.
- Vinyl-wrapped doors are budget-friendly.
- Solid wood or painted MDF doors are higher priced.
Kitchen Renovation Cost Breakdown
To help with budgeting for a new kitchen, it helps to see where the money usually goes. This breakdown gives you a rough idea for a standard mid-range project.
Cabinetry and Fitting
Cabinets are usually the largest single expense. This includes base units, wall units, and tall units. The cost of custom cabinetry can inflate this section significantly if you opt for bespoke sizes or materials.
Appliances
This includes the cooker, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, and extractor. Always shop around for good deals on appliance bundles.
Worktops and Sinks/Taps
This covers the surface material and the plumbing fixtures. Remember that specialist cutting and fitting for stone worktops adds labour costs.
Installation and Labour Fees
This covers the people who put it all in. Professional kitchen installation fees vary based on location and the complexity of the job.
Tiling and Flooring
This includes the cost of tiles or flooring materials and the labour to fit them. Tiling a whole splashback costs less than tiling the whole kitchen floor.
Electrics and Plumbing
If you move sinks, gas lines, or change the wiring significantly, these costs rise. Always use certified professionals for safety.
Kitchen Design and Planning Costs
Do you need help visualizing your space? Kitchen design and planning costs can range from a small fee (sometimes waived if you buy the kitchen from them) to hundreds of pounds for an independent designer. Good planning saves money later by avoiding mistakes.
Fathoming Installation Costs: Fully Fitted Kitchen Prices UK
When you look at fully fitted kitchen prices UK, you are looking at the total package: units, worktops, appliances, and the labour to put it all together. This is often the clearest way to compare quotes.
What Does ‘Fitted’ Include?
A fully fitted package usually covers:
- Delivery and unboxing of all components.
- Assembling and installing all base and wall cabinets.
- Fitting worktops, including cutting sink and hob holes.
- Installing the sink and taps.
- Fitting appliances (unless they are highly complex integrated units).
- Basic plumbing connections for the sink/dishwasher.
- Basic electrical connections (e.g., plugging in the cooker, connecting an extractor fan).
It often excludes major structural work, moving walls, major rewiring, plastering, and decorating the room afterwards. Always check the small print!
Labour Rates for Installation
Professional kitchen installation fees can be charged hourly or as a fixed project rate. For an average-sized kitchen (10-12 units), expect installation labour to take 5 to 10 days. Rates vary by region, but you might pay £150 to £300 per day per fitter. Complex fitting, like integrating bespoke lighting or many drawers, adds time and cost.
Budgeting for a New Kitchen: Managing Your Money
Effective budgeting for a new kitchen means setting realistic limits before you start shopping.
The 10% Contingency Rule
Always set aside at least 10% of your total estimated budget as a contingency fund. Kitchen jobs almost always uncover surprises, like rotten floorboards or old, incompatible pipework. This extra money stops the project from stalling midway.
Prioritising Spending
Decide what is most important to you.
- If quality of cooking is key: Spend more on the oven and hob.
- If looks matter most: Invest in the doors and worktops.
- If storage is vital: Focus your budget on high-quality internal fittings like clever drawers or pull-out larders, even if it means choosing a cheaper worktop.
Saving Money on Cabinetry
If the cost of custom cabinetry scares you, look at high-quality stock or modular ranges. Many major retailers offer excellent quality units that fit standard dimensions perfectly. You can often upgrade the fronts (doors and handles) later on, giving the kitchen a fresh look without a full refit.
DIY vs. Professional Installation
Can you save money by doing some of the work yourself?
- DIY Potential: Removing the old kitchen, painting, installing shelves, or even fitting laminate worktops can save significant labour costs.
- Where to Hire Pros: Never skimp on gas fitting, major electrical work, or complex stone worktop templating and fitting. Safety and quality assurance are paramount here.
Deciphering Kitchen Renovation Cost Breakdown in Detail
Let’s look deeper into the components that make up the kitchen renovation cost breakdown.
Cabinetry Costs
The difference between standard stock and custom units is vast.
| Cabinet Type | Typical Cost Per Unit (Excluding Fitting) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Stock Base Unit (500mm) | £70 – £120 | Ready to assemble. |
| Mid-Range Modular Unit (500mm) | £150 – £300 | Higher quality construction, better hinges. |
| Custom Built Unit | £400+ per unit | Made to exact required width and depth. |
Handles and hinges are often overlooked costs but add up quickly, especially if you choose soft-close mechanisms for every drawer.
Tiling and Splashbacks
If you want a dramatic look, such as a floor-to-ceiling tiled feature wall or intricate mosaic work, labour time increases. Simple subway tiles laid in a running bond pattern are usually the most cost-effective tiling choice. Large format tiles also speed up fitting time compared to tiny mosaics.
Lighting and Electrics
Modern kitchens need good lighting. This means under-cabinet task lighting, feature lighting (like pendants over an island), and ceiling spotlights. Moving sockets or adding new circuits contributes to professional kitchen installation fees because it requires certified electricians. Always budget for a qualified person to check your consumer unit if you add many new high-power appliances.
Cheap vs Luxury Kitchen Costs: The Visual Impact
The gap between cheap vs luxury kitchen costs is often about finish and brand name, not just basic function.
Luxury Touches That Cost More
- Integrated Appliances: Fridges, freezers, and dishwashers hidden behind matching cabinet doors look seamless but cost more to buy and install than freestanding units.
- Specialist Storage: Pull-out larders, bespoke corner solutions (like magic corners), and internal drawer dividers add convenience but significantly increase the unit cost.
- High-End Taps and Sinks: Boiling water taps, instant filtered water taps, or heavy gauge stainless steel sinks are a premium choice over standard chrome taps and inset sinks.
- Bespoke Cabinetry: When standard sizes don’t fit your space, cost of custom cabinetry is necessary. This allows perfect alignment but demands a higher price tag.
Saving Smartly
If your budget is tight, focus your savings where they won’t be immediately noticed or where you can upgrade later:
- Upgrade Later: Buy mid-range appliances now and plan to swap the oven in five years.
- DIY Decorating: Do the final painting and decorating yourself.
- Simple Worktop: Choose a high-quality laminate that mimics stone beautifully. It saves money on material and fitting labour compared to real stone.
Approximating Your New Kitchen Installation Price
To help you estimate your total new kitchen installation price, use this simplified table based on average UK project scopes. This assumes you are keeping the basic layout of the room (minimal moving of gas/water).
| Project Scope | Kitchen Size (Approx.) | Estimated Total Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Small Refresh (New Doors/Worktops Only) | Small (Under 8 sq m) | £3,000 – £6,000 |
| Mid-Range Replacement (Full Fit) | Medium (8-14 sq m) | £10,000 – £18,000 |
| Large/High-Specification Fit | Large/Open Plan (Over 14 sq m) | £20,000 – £35,000+ |
These figures are estimates. They include supply and fitting for average quality items. Always secure three itemised quotes to compare true market rates for your specific needs.
Kitchen Design and Planning Costs: Why They Matter
Many people skip professional design help to save money. However, poor planning leads to wasted space, awkward appliance placements, and extra fitting charges when changes need to be made mid-project.
Value of Good Design
Good designers help you maximize awkward spaces. They ensure workflow is logical (the kitchen triangle). They also produce precise technical drawings, which help the installers quote accurately and reduce errors during fitting. Paying for kitchen design and planning costs upfront can prevent thousands in unexpected remedial work later.
Designer Fees Explained
- Retail Designer: Usually free or very low cost. They work for the kitchen company and aim to sell you their products. Their design choices are limited to their stock range.
- Independent Designer: Charges a fee for their time and expertise. They can design a kitchen using any supplier, giving you greater freedom to source the best value for money across different manufacturers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much extra should I budget for unforeseen problems?
You should budget at least 10% of the total projected cost as a safety net for unexpected issues like plumbing leaks or damaged floorboards found during demolition.
Does the cost of custom cabinetry include fitting?
No, usually the cost of custom cabinetry covers the manufacturing and delivery of the units themselves. Labour for assembly and installation is typically quoted separately under professional kitchen installation fees.
What is the difference between a mid-range and a luxury kitchen price?
The difference lies mainly in materials (laminate vs. quartz worktops), appliance quality (standard vs. integrated designer brands), and the level of finish (stock units vs. cost of custom cabinetry).
Can I reduce the average cost of kitchen remodel by buying appliances separately?
Yes. Often, you can save money by buying appliances during sales from dedicated appliance retailers rather than purchasing the entire bundle from your kitchen supplier. Always check if your kitchen supplier offers a significant discount for bundling, however.