New Kitchen Installation Cost Guide
A new kitchen installation in the UK can range from around GBP 5,000 for a simple small kitchen fit to GBP 18,000 or more once units, worktops, appliances, and associated trades are fully included. This guide covers realistic 2026 price ranges, kitchen fit options, labour costs, common extras, and what to check before hiring a kitchen fitter.
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Quick Cost Summary
Prices are indicative and vary by location, property type, and specification. Always get at least three quotes.
Types of Kitchen Installation
Like-for-Like Kitchen Replacement
New units, worktops, and appliances are fitted broadly within the existing layout. This is often the most cost-effective approach.
Pros
- Usually cheaper than a full redesign
- Less plumbing and electrical movement
- Generally faster to fit
Cons
- Does not solve every layout issue
- Old room proportions may still limit storage
Best for: Kitchens where the layout still works and the main goal is upgrading the finish
Full Kitchen Redesign
A full redesign may involve moving appliances, changing work zones, and adding better storage. It creates more flexibility but costs more.
Pros
- Lets you improve flow and practicality
- Can create more useful storage
- Better suited to bigger upgrades
Cons
- Higher labour and trade coordination costs
- Greater risk of additional electrical and plumbing work
Best for: Homes where the current kitchen layout is dated or inefficient
Premium Kitchen with Island or Bespoke Finishes
Premium kitchens often include better cabinet systems, high-end worktops, integrated appliances, and more detailed finishing work.
Pros
- Strong visual impact
- Can improve functionality and storage significantly
- Often uses better-quality finishes and hardware
Cons
- Costs rise quickly with materials and appliances
- Usually needs multiple trades and careful planning
Best for: Higher-end renovation projects with more flexible budgets
Kitchen costs can vary sharply between a straightforward swap of units in the same layout and a higher-spec redesign involving extra electrics, plumbing, tiling, and structural adjustments.
What Affects the Cost
- Kitchen size and number of units
- Worktop material and installation complexity
- Appliance count and whether they are integrated
- Need for plumbing, electrics, gas work, or extraction changes
- Wall preparation, plastering, and decoration
- Amount of tiling, flooring, and finishing work required
Labour Cost Breakdown
Labour is typically 30–50% of the total installation cost. The complexity of the job determines how long it takes.
What Is Usually Included
- Removal of old kitchen units
- Assembly and fitting of new units and worktops
- Basic fitting of sink, taps, and integrated appliance housings
- General kitchen fitting labour
- Site tidy at the end of installation
Extra Costs to Expect
These aren't always required, but it's worth knowing about them before you get quotes.
Running Costs & Potential Savings
A new kitchen can improve energy efficiency if you are also upgrading old appliances, lighting, and ventilation. In practice, most of the long-term value comes from better use of space, improved durability, and reduced maintenance.
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Get Free QuotesWhat to Check Before Hiring
Use this checklist when getting quotes to make sure you're hiring the right person at the right price.
- Ask whether the quote is supply and fit or labour only
- Check which appliances and worktops are included
- Confirm who is handling plumbing, electrics, and gas work
- Ask whether plastering, flooring, or tiling is excluded
- Check lead times for units, appliances, and worktops
- Make sure waste disposal and skip hire are clearly priced
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a new kitchen cost in the UK?
Smaller or simpler kitchens may stay in the lower thousands, while full mid-range and premium kitchens can move well into five figures once supply and fitting are included.
Is kitchen fitting labour included in a kitchen quote?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Some suppliers price the kitchen separately from fitting, so it is important to check exactly what the quote covers.
How long does it take to fit a new kitchen?
Many average kitchen fits take around two working weeks or less, but larger or more complex projects can take longer once other trades are involved.
Does moving appliances increase the cost?
Yes. Moving sinks, cookers, or extraction points can increase both labour time and the amount of plumbing, gas, or electrical work required.
What usually pushes the budget up most?
Premium worktops, integrated appliances, electrical upgrades, flooring, tiling, and layout changes are usually the biggest reasons total costs rise.
Should I get a fully itemised kitchen quote?
Yes. Itemised quotes make it much easier to compare unit supply, fitting labour, appliances, worktops, and any associated trade work.
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