A new kitchen is one of the most common — and most expensive — home improvement projects in the UK. Whether you're replacing tired units in a terraced house or creating an open-plan kitchen-diner, costs can vary enormously. This guide breaks down what you can realistically expect to pay in 2025, what drives those costs up, and where you can sensibly save.
Average Kitchen Renovation Costs by Size
The size of your kitchen is the biggest factor in your budget. Here are typical ranges based on a full renovation (new units, worktops, appliances, and fitting):
Small kitchen (under 8m²) A compact kitchen — common in flats, terraced houses, and older semis — typically costs between £5,000 and £10,000. This usually covers mid-range units from suppliers like IKEA or Wickes, a basic worktop, and standard fitting costs.
Medium kitchen (8–15m²) The most common kitchen size in UK homes. Budget between £10,000 and £20,000 for a solid result — decent-quality units, a stone or quartz worktop, integrated appliances, and professional installation.
Large kitchen (15m²+) For larger kitchens, open-plan layouts, or premium finishes, costs typically run from £20,000 to £50,000+. Bespoke cabinetry, premium worktops (granite, marble), and high-spec appliances can push costs significantly higher.
These are mid-range estimates. A budget renovation using flat-pack units and off-the-shelf appliances can come in lower; a luxury fit-out from a bespoke kitchen designer will cost more.
Labour vs. Materials: Where Does the Money Go?
As a rough rule of thumb, labour accounts for around 30–40% of the total cost on a typical kitchen renovation.
Materials breakdown:
- Kitchen units: £1,500–£15,000+ depending on brand and quality
- Worktops: £500–£5,000+ (laminate at the low end, quartz or granite at the high end)
- Appliances: £1,000–£8,000+ (oven, hob, extractor, fridge-freezer, dishwasher)
- Tiling and flooring: £500–£3,000
Labour breakdown:
- Kitchen fitter: £150–£250 per day (most kitchens take 3–7 days to fit)
- Plumber: £200–£400 to move or update sink and pipework
- Electrician: £300–£600 for new sockets, lighting, and appliance connections
- Plasterer: £300–£600 if walls need skimming after old units come down
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
Many kitchen renovation budgets go over because of costs that weren't in the original quote. Here's what catches people out:
Rewiring and electrics. Building regulations require kitchen circuits to be up to standard. If your consumer unit is old or you're adding a kitchen island with new sockets, a Part P-certified electrician is legally required. Budget £300–£1,000.
Plumbing alterations. Moving the sink even half a metre requires re-routing water supply and waste pipes. If the boiler is in the kitchen or you're adding a dishwasher, further plumbing work adds up quickly.
Structural work. Removing a wall to create an open-plan space requires a structural engineer's assessment and likely a steel beam. This alone can add £2,000–£5,000 to the bill before a single unit goes in.
Plastering. When old tiles or units come off, walls often need replastering before anything new goes on. Easy to forget until the old kitchen is already out.
Disposal. Skip hire or man-and-van removal for the old kitchen and waste costs £150–£400.
Tips for Keeping Kitchen Renovation Costs Down
Keep the layout the same. Moving the sink or hob means moving plumbing and potentially gas pipework — that's expensive. A like-for-like replacement keeps labour costs low.
Choose flat-pack over rigid units. IKEA SEKTION or Wickes flat-pack units are a fraction of the cost of rigid-assembled cabinetry and just as functional. The difference is largely in appearance and assembly time.
Mix and match. Use budget-friendly units and a lower-cost worktop for base runs, and spend more on the feature island or breakfast bar that people actually see.
Source appliances independently. Kitchen designers often mark up appliances significantly. Buying from John Lewis, Currys, or AO directly can save several hundred pounds.
Get at least three quotes. Kitchen fitting prices vary considerably. A written, itemised quote also protects you if costs start to creep.
DIY or Hire a Professional?
Fitting flat-pack units, tiling, and painting are all tasks a capable DIYer can handle — and doing them yourself can save £1,000–£3,000. However, electrics (sockets, lighting) and gas work (hob installation) must be done by registered tradespeople. Plumbing should be handled by a qualified plumber unless you're confident with basic connections.
For a first-time renovator, fitting units incorrectly can cause long-term issues (doors that don't align, units that aren't level, worktops that won't sit flush). If in doubt, hire a fitter and do the finishing work yourself.
For a complete guide to the full kitchen renovation process — including workflow, Building Regs requirements, and how to find the right fitter — see our kitchen renovation planning guide UK.
For a deeper 2025 cost breakdown covering all four budget levels (budget refresh through bespoke), worktop material comparisons, itemised cost tables, and VAT position, see our Kitchen Renovation Cost Guide UK 2025.