How Much Does a Kitchen Renovation Cost in the UK? [2026]
Written by Tom Ellis · Senior Trades Editor
Last updated: July 2026
Last updated: July 2026 · United Kingdom
Quick Answer
Last updated: July 2026 · United Kingdom
A kitchen renovation in the UK costs between £5,000 and £50,000+, depending on the level of specification and scope of work. Most homeowners spend £10,000–£20,000 on a professionally fitted mid-range kitchen, including new units, worktops, appliances, tiling, and flooring. Budget projects start from £5,000 and high-end bespoke renovations regularly exceed £20,000–£50,000.
Kitchen Renovation Cost Summary 2026
| Project Type | Typical Cost (UK) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Budget renovation | £5,000–£10,000 | Stock units, basic appliances, partial DIY |
| Mid-range renovation | £10,000–£20,000 | Semi-custom units, mid-range appliances, professional fit |
| High-end renovation | £20,000–£50,000+ | Custom fitted, premium appliances, stone worktops |
| Unit replacement only | £4,000–£8,000 | Keeping existing plumbing and electrics in place |
| Full gut-and-refit (no extension) | £8,000–£25,000 | Includes tiling and flooring, new plumbing/electrics layout |
| Unit fitting labour only | £1,500–£3,500 | Kitchen fitter supplying their own time only |
| Worktop supply and fit | £800–£4,000 | Laminate at the lower end, quartz/granite at the top |
| Appliances (supply and install) | £800–£6,000 | Budget to premium integrated appliances |
| Electrician (kitchen circuits) | £500–£1,200 | New sockets, lighting, cooker circuit, Part P sign-off |
| Plumber (sink, dishwasher) | £400–£900 | Supply and waste connections, tap fitting |
| Tiler (splashback and walls) | £600–£1,500 | Including tile supply and adhesive/grout |
| Flooring (supply and fit) | £500–£2,000 | Vinyl, LVT, ceramic tiles, or engineered wood |
Prices are indicative national averages for the UK in 2026. Costs in London and the South East will typically be 15–40% higher. Prices exclude VAT unless stated.
What Is Included in a Kitchen Renovation?
The scope of a kitchen renovation can vary enormously — from a simple unit swap to a complete structural overhaul. Here is what you can expect a full renovation to cover:
- Strip-out and disposal: Removal and skip hire for old units, worktops, appliances, and flooring
- Unit supply and fitting: Base units, wall units, tall cabinets, drawers, and soft-close hinges
- Worktops: Supply, templating, cutting, and installation of laminate, wood, quartz, or stone surfaces
- Sink and tap: New sink bowl, mixer tap, waste fitting, and connection to existing plumbing
- Appliances: Oven, hob, extractor hood, dishwasher, fridge-freezer — supply, delivery, and installation
- Electrical work: Additional 13-amp sockets, USB outlets, under-cabinet lighting, cooker circuit, Part P Building Regulations compliance certificate
- Plumbing: Repositioning supply and waste pipes, dishwasher plumbing connection, boiling water tap supply if required
- Wall tiling: Splashback tiling between worktops and wall units, full-wall tiles where specified
- Flooring: Preparation and installation of LVT, ceramic tiles, vinyl sheet, or engineered hardwood
- Decoration: Skimming, filling, priming, and painting of walls and ceiling after works are complete
Factors That Affect Kitchen Renovation Cost
Several variables will push your kitchen renovation cost up or down. Understanding these factors helps you budget accurately and make informed trade-offs.
- Kitchen size: A small galley kitchen (under 8 m²) is significantly cheaper to renovate than a large open-plan family kitchen of 20 m² or more, requiring more units, longer worktops, and greater flooring area.
- Layout changes: Keeping the existing layout (sink, cooker, and appliances in the same positions) minimises plumbing and electrical costs. Moving the sink to a new location can add £400–£1,500 in plumbing costs alone.
- Cabinet brand and quality:Flat-pack stock units from retailers such as IKEA or B&Q are dramatically cheaper than semi-custom brands such as Howdens or Symphony, and both are far less expensive than fully bespoke handmade cabinetry.
- Worktop material: Your worktop choice is one of the biggest single cost levers. Laminate costs roughly £100–£300 fitted; quartz costs £800–£2,500; granite and porcelain can reach £1,500–£4,000 or more.
- Appliance specification: A set of budget appliances (oven, hob, extractor, fridge) can cost as little as £800 supplied and installed, while choosing integrated branded appliances from Siemens, Bosch, or Miele can push this category to £5,000–£6,000.
- Structural work: If your kitchen renovation involves removing a load-bearing wall, installing a steel beam, or altering the drainage layout, you will need an architect or structural engineer and significantly more budget — typically adding £3,000–£10,000.
- Region: Labour rates vary significantly across the UK. London tradespeople typically charge 30–40% more than the national average, while rates in the North East, Scotland, and Wales can be 10–15% below average.
- Project management: If you hire a main contractor to manage the whole project rather than contracting each tradesperson separately, expect a 10–15% project management fee on top of the combined trade costs.
Regional Cost Variation UK 2026
Labour is the biggest driver of regional cost differences. Materials tend to be priced nationally, but fitter and tradesperson day rates vary considerably across the UK. The table below uses a £15,000 mid-range renovation as the baseline to illustrate typical regional pricing.
| Region | Typical Cost (Mid-Range) | vs National Average |
|---|---|---|
| London | £19,500–£21,000 | +30–40% |
| South East | £17,250–£18,000 | +15–20% |
| East of England | £15,750–£16,500 | +5–10% |
| Midlands | £15,000 | National average (0%) |
| Yorkshire | £13,500–£14,250 | −5–10% |
| North West | £13,500–£14,250 | −5–10% |
| North East | £12,750–£13,500 | −10–15% |
| Scotland | £12,750–£13,500 | −10–15% |
| Wales | £12,750–£13,500 | −10–15% |
Figures based on a mid-range professionally fitted kitchen (£15,000 national average). Actual costs vary by project complexity and individual contractor rates.
How to Find a Good Kitchen Fitter in the UK
A kitchen renovation involves multiple trades — fitters, electricians, plumbers, tilers, and sometimes plasterers or structural engineers. Vetting each contractor carefully is essential to avoid costly mistakes or disputes.
There is no single mandatory accreditation scheme for kitchen fitters in the UK, but several markers indicate a trustworthy professional:
- Membership of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB): FMB members are independently vetted, carry adequate insurance, and are subject to a dispute resolution service. Look for the FMB logo and verify membership on the FMB website.
- NICEIC or NAPIT registration for electricians: All electrical work in a kitchen must comply with Part P of the Building Regulations. Only use a registered electrician who can self-certify their own work — ask to see their registration card and ensure you receive a completion certificate.
- Gas Safe registration: If your renovation involves connecting a new gas hob or range cooker, the final gas connection must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Verify the engineer's registration on the Gas Safe Register website.
- Public liability insurance: Always ask any contractor for proof of public liability insurance before they start work. A minimum of £1 million cover is standard; £2 million or more is preferable for larger projects.
- Get at least three written quotes: Prices can vary by 30–50% between different contractors for the same scope of work. Written quotes help you compare like for like and give you a basis for resolving disputes later.
- Check independent reviews: Use Checkatrade, Which? Trusted Traders, or Google Reviews to read verified customer feedback. Pay attention to reviews mentioning timekeeping, communication, and how problems were handled.
Three red flags to avoid:
- Asking for large cash deposits upfront: A reasonable deposit for materials is 10–25% of the total job value. Anyone demanding more than 50% before starting work is a significant risk — you have limited recourse if they disappear or do poor work.
- No written contract or quote: Reputable tradespeople always provide a written scope of works and quote. A verbal agreement is almost impossible to enforce if a dispute arises.
- Pressure to start immediately: Legitimate kitchen fitters are typically booked weeks in advance. High-pressure tactics to sign and start within a day or two are a warning sign of either poor quality or dishonest practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a new kitchen cost in the UK in 2026?
A new kitchen in the UK costs between £5,000 and £50,000+ depending on the specification and scope of work. A budget renovation using stock units and basic appliances with DIY installation typically costs £5,000–£10,000. A mid-range professionally fitted kitchen with semi-custom units and mid-range appliances falls between £10,000 and £20,000. High-end kitchens with custom-fitted cabinets, premium appliances, and stone worktops regularly exceed £20,000–£50,000. If you are simply replacing units while keeping existing plumbing and electrics, expect to pay £4,000–£8,000.
What is included in a kitchen renovation?
A full kitchen renovation typically includes the removal and disposal of existing units, supply and fitting of new cabinets and drawers, worktop supply and installation, new sink and tap fitting, appliance installation (oven, hob, extractor, dishwasher, fridge), electrical work including new sockets and lighting circuits, plumbing alterations for the sink and dishwasher, tiling of the splashback and walls, and new flooring. More comprehensive projects may also include plastering, structural alterations, underfloor heating, and repainting or replastering walls and ceilings.
How long does a kitchen renovation take?
A kitchen renovation typically takes between one and four weeks to complete, depending on the size of the kitchen and the scope of work involved. A straightforward unit replacement on a small kitchen might be completed in as little as five working days. A full gut-and-refit with new tiling, flooring, electrics, and plumbing usually takes two to three weeks. Projects that involve structural alterations, such as removing a wall or fitting a new extractor requiring roof penetration, can extend the timeline to four weeks or more.
Can I save money by fitting a kitchen myself?
Yes, DIY installation of kitchen units can save you £1,500–£3,500 in labour costs, but it comes with significant risks if you lack experience. Fitting units, worktops, and basic plumbing connections is achievable for a competent DIYer with the right tools. However, all electrical work must be carried out by a qualified electrician to comply with Part P of the Building Regulations, and any gas connections must be completed by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Mistakes in fitting, such as misaligned units or poorly cut worktops, can be costly to fix and may void manufacturer warranties.
Does a new kitchen add value to a house?
A new kitchen is one of the most effective home improvements for adding resale value, with estate agents estimating it can increase a property's value by 5–10% on average. The return on investment depends heavily on the quality of the renovation and the local property market — a high-end kitchen in a modest home may not recoup its full cost, while a well-specified kitchen in a higher-value area can add significantly more than the renovation cost. Mid-range renovations that are sympathetic to the property's price bracket tend to offer the best return, as buyers expect a functional, attractive kitchen without necessarily needing stone worktops and integrated appliances.
What worktops offer the best value in a UK kitchen?
Laminate worktops offer the best value for budget-conscious renovations, costing as little as £100–£300 fitted for an average kitchen and available in a wide range of realistic stone and wood finishes. Solid wood worktops sit in the mid-range at approximately £400–£1,200 fitted and add warmth and character, though they require regular oiling. Quartz composite worktops are the most popular choice for mid-to-high-end renovations at £800–£2,500 fitted, offering excellent durability and a premium aesthetic without the maintenance demands of natural stone. Granite and porcelain slabs are at the premium end, costing £1,500–£4,000 fitted, and are chosen primarily for their luxury appearance.
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