Kitchen Renovation Cost UK (2025 Guide)

How much does a kitchen renovation cost in the UK?

In the UK, a typical kitchen renovation costs £6,000 to £18,000, with most households spending around £8,000–£12,000 for a mid-range refit. Costs vary widely based on the size of the room, the quality of units and worktops, and how much plumbing and electrical work is needed.

At BestBuilders.co.uk we connect you with vetted local kitchen installers, so you can compare accurate quotes before you commit.

Get accurate kitchen renovation quotes

No two kitchens are the same. The fastest way to understand your true renovation cost is to speak to experienced local fitters who can assess your layout, electrics and plumbing.

Tell us about your project and we will match you with trusted builders and kitchen installers in your area.

Kitchen renovation cost breakdown (UK)

Here is how a typical kitchen renovation budget is usually split:

Item	Typical Cost Range	Notes
Kitchen units & cupboards	£1,500 – £6,000	Flat-pack at the lower end, rigid or bespoke at the higher end.
Worktops	£400 – £3,000+	Laminate is cheapest, quartz and granite are premium options.
Appliances	£800 – £4,000	Hob, oven, extractor, fridge-freezer, dishwasher, washing machine.
Sink, tap & plumbing	£300 – £1,200	Includes any pipework adjustments and waste connections.
Tiling & splashbacks	£350 – £1,200	Wall tiles, splashbacks or upstands; floor tiles if required.
Flooring	£400 – £1,800	Vinyl, laminate, tiles or engineered wood.
Electrics & lighting	£500 – £2,500	New circuits, sockets, downlights, under-cabinet lighting.
Plastering & decorating	£400 – £1,500	Skimming, painting and making good walls and ceilings.
Delivery, waste & contingencies	£300 – £1,000	Skip hire, disposal of old kitchen, unforeseen extras.

On most projects, labour accounts for 40–60% of the total cost, with the rest spent on materials and fixtures.

Average kitchen renovation costs by size

Room size has a big impact on price. Below are typical UK cost ranges including labour and mid-range materials.

Small kitchen renovation cost

• Typical cost: £4,000 – £8,000
• Usually 6–8 units in a galley or small L-shaped layout.
• Costs can be kept low by keeping the same layout and using laminate worktops.

Medium kitchen renovation cost

• Typical cost: £8,000 – £15,000
• Includes most standard UK family kitchens with 8–12 units.
• Allows for better appliances, quartz or solid wood worktops and more storage.

Large or open-plan kitchen cost

• Typical cost: £15,000 – £30,000+
• Suitable for kitchen-diners, islands and open-plan layouts.
• Costs rise further if structural work or a kitchen extension is needed.

If you are planning a bigger redesign involving walls being moved or removed, it is worth reading our house extension cost guide as well.

Labour cost to fit a new kitchen in the UK

Labour is usually charged as a fixed price for the whole installation, based on the number of units and the complexity of the work.

• Kitchen fitter day rate: £180 – £260 per day
• Plumber day rate: £180 – £240 per day
• Electrician day rate: £200 – £280 per day

For a straightforward replacement like-for-like kitchen:

• Small kitchen fitting only: from £1,800
• Medium kitchen fitting only: £2,500 – £3,500
• Large kitchen fitting only: £3,500 – £4,500+

Costs increase if walls need chasing, floors need levelling, or if extensive rewiring or plumbing alterations are required.

What affects kitchen renovation cost in the UK?

The following key factors will have the biggest influence on how much your new kitchen will cost:

1. Size and layout

More units, longer worktops and extra corners or islands all mean more materials and more time on site. Keeping your existing layout usually saves money.

2. Quality of units

Flat-pack units are cheaper but take longer to assemble. Rigid pre-built carcasses cost more but can reduce labour time. Bespoke joinery is the most expensive option but offers a precise fit in awkward spaces.

3. Worktop material

• Laminate: from £40–£80 per m², cost-effective and widely used.
• Solid wood: from £120–£250 per m², warmer look, needs more maintenance.
• Quartz or granite: from £250–£450 per m², premium feel and very hard-wearing.

4. Appliances and brands

Basic appliance packs can start from £800–£1,200, while premium or integrated brands can easily reach £4,000+.

5. Electrics and plumbing

Older properties may need consumer unit (fuse board) upgrades, additional circuits for ovens or induction hobs, and extra sockets. Moving sinks or dishwashers also adds plumbing time and materials.

6. Structural changes

Removing load-bearing walls, installing steel beams (RSJs) or combining rooms will push your budget higher and usually requires Building Control approval.

7. Location

Kitchen renovation costs in London and the South East are typically higher than in other parts of the UK due to labour and overheads.

How to budget for your kitchen renovation

A sensible approach is to work backwards from what you can realistically afford, then decide what to prioritise.

1. Decide your total budget. Include at least 10–15% as a contingency.
2. Prioritise structure and services. Sort out electrics, plumbing and ventilation first.
3. Choose where to spend and where to save. For example, invest in worktops and appliances, save on door styles or splashbacks.
4. Get multiple quotes. Itemised quotations help you compare like-for-like.
5. Factor in hidden costs. Such as skip hire, parking, access issues and temporary cooking arrangements.

Ways to reduce your kitchen renovation cost

You do not have to spend a fortune to get a fresh, modern kitchen. Here are some cost-saving ideas that many UK homeowners use:

• Keep the same layout to avoid expensive plumbing and electrical changes.
• Reface instead of replace – new doors, handles and worktops can transform the look without changing the carcasses.
• Mix materials – use quartz on the island and laminate on the runs, for example.
• Choose open shelving for some areas instead of extra wall units.
• Do your own decorating – painting and basic prep can be DIY if you have time.
• Shop around for appliances – builders can often install appliances you have sourced yourself.

How long does a kitchen renovation take?

Timescales depend on the scope of work, but for a typical UK kitchen refit you can expect:

• Simple replacement: 5–7 working days
• Full renovation with electrics and plastering: 2–3 weeks
• Kitchen with structural work or extension: 4–10 weeks

Always allow some flexibility for delays due to deliveries or unforeseen issues once old units are removed.

Do I need any permissions for a kitchen renovation?

Most kitchen renovations in the UK are classed as internal alterations and do not need planning permission, provided you are not changing the use of the room or altering the exterior of the property.

You may, however, need:

• Building Regulations approval for structural changes, new windows, significant electrical work or ventilation changes.
• Gas Safe registered engineer for any gas hob, oven or boiler work.
• Part P certified electrician for work on electrical circuits in the kitchen.

Hiring the right kitchen fitter

A well-planned kitchen renovation pays off for years. Working with the right installer can make the process smoother, faster and more cost-effective.

When comparing kitchen fitters or builders, look for:

• Recent reviews and photos of completed kitchens.
• Clear, written itemised quotes – including waste removal and making good.
• Proof of public liability insurance.
• Registered Gas Safe and Part P subcontractors where required.

BestBuilders.co.uk makes it easy to compare trusted local trades in one place, helping you keep control of your budget without sacrificing quality.

Frequently asked questions about kitchen renovation costs

What is the cheapest way to renovate a kitchen?

The cheapest route is to keep your current layout, reuse existing carcasses if they are sound, and update visible elements like doors, handles, worktops and lighting. Doing your own painting and decorating can also reduce costs.

Is it cheaper to buy a kitchen from a DIY store or a specialist?

Flat-pack kitchens from national DIY chains can be cheaper on materials, but you may pay more in labour for assembly and fitting. Specialist suppliers may offer better quality and support, but at a higher unit price. Getting quotes for both options helps you compare overall value.

Can I renovate my kitchen in stages?

Yes. Many homeowners start with appliances and worktops, then move on to units, flooring and tiling later. Just bear in mind that doing work in stages may slightly increase labour costs overall, as tradespeople have to visit more than once.

Does a new kitchen add value to my property?

In most cases, a well-designed, mid-range kitchen can add value and help your property sell faster. While exact figures vary, estate agents often quote an uplift of 4–8% of the property value for a good quality new kitchen.

Ready to find out your kitchen renovation cost?

Every property is different, and the only way to know your exact kitchen renovation cost is to get detailed quotes from professionals who have seen the space.

Use the form on this page to tell us about your project. We will connect you with vetted, reviewed kitchen installers in your local area, so you can compare prices and choose the best option for your budget.