Kitchen fitting is a difficult and tricky task that should always be left to the hands of professional fitters – but how much does kitchen installation cost and what is the average cost of kitchen installation in the UK?
Kitchens are comprised mainly of units or cupboards. Several kitchen units parts are immediately visible while others are concealed. The “carcass” is the part of the kitchen that you do not see when the door is shut. Furthermore, you will also notice the sides, shelves, back, and base panels if you open the door. On the other hand, the door or drawer fronts of a kitchen are the kitchen parts that you always see.
Depending on your needs, you can find either entire kitchen units that are ready to be fitted, or you can choose to buy the various kitchen unit components and assemble them yourself.
in this article
Kitchen fitting cost
The average cost of kitchen fitting in the UK is £5,000-£6,000
A kitchen is an essential part of every house, and a well-fitted kitchen is every homemaker’s dream. However, it becomes important to know the kitchen installation cost for the different kitchens available in the market when purchasing a new house.
Having this information at hand can help i) Know what questions to expect from the fitter ii) get an estimate of the price you can expect to pay iii) estimate the time the job is expected to take.
To have a medium-range kitchen unit fully fitted, expect to pay on average £3,500. The installation includes any electrical and plumbing work required plus budget Best Buy new appliances such as a washing machine, a built-in oven, a hob, a cooker hood, a dishwasher, and a fridge freezer.
For a bespoke fitted kitchen, the cost comes to £10,000+ (including labor). Along with understanding the advantages of a newly fitted kitchen offers, it is also good to know the cost of a new kitchen.
Factors affecting the overall kitchen installation cost
Kitchen installation cost depends on multiple factors, the first and foremost being the specifications of the kitchen. Whether you are looking for a top, mid or lower-spec kitchen determines the cost of a new kitchen. Some other factors are:
-
- Number of kitchen units to be fitted
- Type of Kitchen worktops
- Kind of kitchen doors and drawers
- Cost of other appliances
- Installation charges
The average cost of a new kitchen unit
The average cost for a medium-sized kitchen ranges from £1,500 to £3,000. However, several costly kitchen units can cost anywhere from £8,000 to £10,000. You can buy cheaper kitchen units for approximately £350 each. The prices include only VAT and fitting but not the labor cost for any preparation work such as removing the old kitchen, plastering, removing wallpaper, etc.
Note: In general, units with soft close and handle-free doors and drawers cost more.
Type of kitchen doors & drawers
The cost of a new kitchen also depends highly on the quality of doors and drawers that are to be fitted. While some base units come with drawers, some others do not. By wisely selecting base units with drawers, you can eliminate the need to purchase additional drawers.
There are cheap wood finish doors available for kitchens that you can purchase for £10. The quality of such doors might not be excellent, and the outer finish of the veneer can chip off easily. With a little extra money, who can purchase better quality doors with a thick surface that remains looking new for a long.
How much does it cost to tile kitchen walls?
The average cost of supplying and tiling a kitchen splashback is £400.
The cost of tiling kitchen walls depends on the tiles’ price and the area you want to cover. Better quality and more elaborate patterned tiles cost more. The average cost of supplying and titling a kitchen splashback comes approximately £400. Even though the cost might seem high, tiling the wall above the worktop gives style to your kitchen, protects the wall, and makes it easier to keep the area clean.
Kitchen tiles are available in a wide variety in the market. You can choose from a huge range of shapes, colors, and sizes to suit your splashback. If you have difficulty choosing the right one for your needs, consult a few professional fitters to give you ideas. You can also get inspiration from online remodeling blogs and magazines.
Another option is mosaics. They too look stylish, are sold in sheets, and do not need to be cut. The only disadvantages are that they are harder to clean (as they have more grouted joins ) and cost more than standard tiles per square metre.
*For old properties, do not forget to budget for the cost of removing the old tiles.
How much does it cost to fit kitchen flooring?
The average cost of supplying and tiling kitchen flooring comes to £50 per m2
Finding the right type of flooring for your kitchen is not that difficult. Look for a material that is both stylish and durable. There is a great variety of materials to choose from that can suit any budget and taste.
The most basic type of floor is vinyl. Many homeowners prefer it because it is stylish, waterproof, and easy to clean. Vinyl also comes in sheets making the installation easier and less labor-intensive, cutting down the costs.
Another mid-range flooring option is laminate. Laminate costs slightly more but is more durable and also scratch-proof. You can also find moisture-resistant products if you wish to. Laminate flooring installation and fitting are fairly easy for a professional. This mid-range option comes in a wide variety of styles, so you will be able to find exactly what you are looking for.
The most traditional kitchen flooring option is tiling. Tiles come in a huge variety of materials, styles, and patterns but are more expensive. A tiled floor looks elegant, sleek, and stylish. Good quality tiles are hard-wearing, scratch-proof, water-resistant, and easy to clean.
Regarding the cost, tiled floors are pricier as they take more time to install, plus the material costs more on a square meter basis.
*Consider the color of your tiles and grout carefully, as they can be difficult to clean.
How much does it cost to fit kitchen worktops?
Kitchen cabinets can vary in price hugely depending on the material you choose. Remember that your worktops and cabinets are going to be the showstopper of your kitchen. They need to be made of hard-wearing and resistant material to water, heat and also be able to withstand heavy usage.
The most popular materials are laminate, wood, granite, quartz, marble, Corian, and stainless steel. Granite prices range from £200-£450 per m2 compared to laminate which can cost as little as £50 per m2. Stainless-steel steel costs approximately £250 per m2, marble from 300 per m2, quartz cost per square meter ranges from £450 to £900, as it is a manufactured material, and timber can vary depending on the type of wood you use. Another widely used material is cabinet glass which fulfills the decorative and aesthetic purpose.
Kitchen appliances
When you decide on your appliances, it is important to select those with all the desired characteristics while thinking about their quality, performance, and look. If you are buying a full range of new appliances, expect to pay on average £1,500 – £2,000. Kitchen appliances that you may need to budget for are:
-
- Oven / Range cooker
- Hob
- Hood / Extractor
- Microwave
- Dishwasher
- Fridge / Freezer
- Sink and Tap
- Washing Machine / Tumble Dryer
- Other appliances which you may like to have are:
- American style cooler fridge-freezer
- Instant boiling hot water tap
- Waste disposal unit
- Water softener
- Coffee machine
- Wine cooler
It seems obvious, but in your planning stage, make sure you have enough room for the appliances you want and prioritize them should you not have enough space.
Kitchen installation & re-wiring costs
The installation of electrics and ‘Part P’ compliance updates may vary in price due to a high number of variables involved. Kitchen Installation costs may, therefore, range from £300 to £1,000. Re-wiring alone can cost anywhere between £150 and £1,000 based on the number of changes needed. The cost will increase if you want to rewire your circuits to protect them from the trip change or RCD (residual current device).
New kitchen installation charges (labor)
If you are looking for electrical and plumbing work to be done and fitting the new kitchen, it can cost an average labor charge of £3,400. Several kitchen set sellers offer free installation. But most likely, a labor charge that can range from £600 – 1,000 pounds will be applied to install the new kitchen.
Kitchen installation cost calculator
Depending on the size of the kitchen and the work to be done, the average cost of a new kitchen differs. The following table will help you estimate the cost of your project. All prices include VAT.
| Type of Work | Details and further information | Market Price | Price range | Estimated time for job completion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Kitchen Installation | For kitchen sizes up to 10′ x 6′ (3.05m x 1.83m). Removal of six double units and worktops. Install six double units (four base units, 1000mm; two wall units, 1000mm) and worktops (approx 4000mm in total). The decoration is not required. | £730 | £600-£1,100 | 1-2 days |
| Medium Kitchen Installation | For Kitchen sizes up to 10’10” x 10′ 7” (3.30m x 3.22m). Removal of eight double units and worktops. Installation of eight double units (five base units, 1000mm; three wall units, 1000mm) and worktops (approx 5000mm in total). The decoration is not required. | £980 | £800-£1,350 | 2–3 days |
| Large Kitchen Installation | For Kitchen sizes up to 17′ 6” x 12′ (5.33m x 3.66m). Removal of 12 double units and worktops. Installation of 12 double units (eight base units, 1000mm; four wall units, 1000mm) and worktops (approx 8000mm in total). The decoration is not required. | £1,350 | £1,110-£2,000 | 3-5 days |
| Replacement of kitchen cupboard doors – small | For Kitchen sizes up to 10′ x 6′ (3.05m x 1.83m). Removal of doors on six double units. Fitting of new doors on six double units (standard size of 1000mm). This is based on the assumption that the cupboard structure is strong and intact. | n/a | £100-£200 | 2–4 hours |
| Replacement of kitchen cupboard doors – medium | For Kitchen sizes up to 10′ 10” x 10′ 7” (3.30m x 3.22m). Removal of doors on eight double units. Fitting of new doors on eight double units (standard size 1000mm). This is based on the assumption that the cupboard structure is strong and intact. | £220 | £180-£325 | 5-10 hours |
| Replacement of kitchen cupboard doors – large | For Kitchen sizes up to 17′ 6” x 12′ (5.33m x 3.66m). Removal of doors on 12 double units. Fitting of new doors on 12 double units (standard 1000mm). This is based on the assumption that the cupboard structure is strong and intact. | £210 | £270-£390 | 1-2 days |
| Small Tile kitchen | For Kitchen sizes up to 10′ x 6′ (3.05m x 1.83m). A tile splash is installed above the worktops. The provision of tiles is by the customer, and the estimate is based on the assumption that the walls are flat and ready for tiling. | £280 | £250-£350 | 1–2 days |
| Medium Tile kitchen | For Kitchen sizes up to 10′ 10” x 10′ 7” (3.30m x 3.22m). A tile splash is installed above the worktops. The provision of tiles is by the customer, and the estimate is based on the assumption that the walls are flat and ready for tiling. | £340 | £250-£400 | 1–2 days |
| Large Tile kitchen | For Kitchen sizes up to 17′ 6″ x 12′ (5.33m x 3.66m). A tile splash is installed above the worktops. The provision of tiles is by the customer, and the estimate is based on the assumption that the walls are flat and ready for tiling. | £450 | £380-£560 | 2–3 days |
| Replacement of worktops for small kitchen | For Kitchen sizes up to 10′ x 6′ (3.05m x 1.83m). Removal of old worktops and installation of new worktop that is approximately 4000mm in length. The customer will have to provide the worktop. | £260 | £150-£24o | 6–8 hours |
| Replacement of worktops for medium kitchen | For Kitchen sizes up to 10’10” x 10’7” (3.30m x 3.22m). Removal of old worktops and installation of new worktop that is approximately 5000mm in length. The customer will have to provide the worktop. | £245 | £200-£380 | 6–10 hours |
| Replace of worktops for large kitchen | For Kitchen sizes up to 17′ 6” x 12′ (5.33m x 3.66m Removal of old worktops and installation of new worktop that is approximately 8000mm in length. The customer will have to provide the worktop. | n/a | £280-£560 | 1–2 days |
How to cut the cost of your new kitchen
Planning a new kitchen requires proper budget establishment – whether to add a new kitchen or modernize the existing one – before deciding on your new space look. This will help you come to a favorable conclusion than leaving you with options out of your price range.
It’s of great importance to know that wanting the best value for your money doesn’t mean you choose from cheap alternatives that you’ll later will unpleased with. This signifies making sure every penny of your budget goes towards a kitchen that pleases you.
Research and Compare Prices On Appliances, Cupboards, and Worktops
When keeping your kitchen costs down, the first rule is to do proper research, as you can save a significant amount of money on appliances, cupboards, and worktops. More straightforward products tend to be cheaper, so for a range of good quality units for an average kitchen, expect to pay around £3,000 – £5,000.
You can also save money when choosing worktop materials. So instead of wooden worktops, you can go for laminate ones as they are cheaper and available in many different styles and colors. Laminate worktops can cost £1000 – £1,500 less, saving you a significant amount of money. Marble and granite countertops are an even more expensive option so that you could be saving on average around £2,000.
Shop around carefully for appliances are they are the most expensive outlay for a new kitchen. Think carefully about what you need them for, and then decide about the style and brand. Estimate to pay around £2,000 for a full complement of appliances. If you do proper research, you can make huge savings.
The following advice could help you cut down on new kitchen costs significantly:
REUSE KITCHEN MATERIALS
Despite the old kitchen going in a skip, you can still find usable materials in it to keep costs to a minimum. Some of these usable materials can be reused and reworked with other newly purchased materials to make a more pleasant kitchen, thereby saving cost.
REDUCE WASTAGE TO REDUCE COSTS
The fact that your old kitchen is no longer up to your taste doesn’t mean it is scrap. You can reduce the waste by selling unused existing materials such as floorboards, doors, radiators, and units.
MIX AND MATCH KITCHEN FURNITURE
If fitting out your whole kitchen with bespoke units will be difficult, consider commissioning just a central feature, and make up the rest of the kitchen using standard, basic-quality units.
RETHINK EXISTING SPACE
Replicating and reutilization of existing space can fathom many of the frustrations you’ve been having with your kitchen. This eradicates pressure off the new kitchen regarding kitchen storage and usability, reducing costs and bringing disruption to a minimum.
REDUCE ANY STRUCTURAL ALTERATIONS
Value engineering can help reduce cost by linking the old and new spaces if there’s no need to extend your new kitchen so that they can flow seamlessly.
CHOOSE END-OF-LINE KITCHENS
If you wish to extend your kitchen, there might be liberty to beautify your new kitchen look, hereby opting for an End-of-Link kitchen. This is achieved by adding or removing a few units to suit your space but keep the plumbing and appliances in the same position to reduce costs.
AVOID MOVING UTILITY METERS AND SERVICES
Only if it’s of great importance to radically alter the orientation or usability of a kitchen, ensure to keep the sink, dishwasher, and cooker in the initial position if costly.
SHOP SMARTER
The expenses of kitchen units, worktops, doors, taps, sinks, and cooker hoods widely vary, and if you can wait for sales and invest more time researching prices, you can save £1,000s on the total cost.
FIT THE KITCHEN YOURSELF
The kitchen Installation itself can be a major contributor to cost. This cost can be decreased by installing the units and others yourself, which any average skilled DIYer should manage.
CHOOSE WHO TO WORK WITH WISELY
Seeking the right companies and tradespeople to work with could save you thousands, with even the exact kitchen varying in cost from various builders.
Improve your living space with a newly fitted kitchen
A newly fitted kitchen is a great way to improve your current living space without all the hassle of moving to another property. Not only are there many different kitchen designs these days tailored made to suit you, but some cheaper alternatives even have parts that come pre-packed and pre-assembled – so the installation takes hardly any time at all!
There are truly a wide range of styles and features for you to choose from – metallic fittings and dark tiles look great if you like sleek, modern designs, while wooden sideboards and worktops and old curtains and light-fittings offer a rustic look redolent of an old-English country house – but still retaining all the modern electric appliances you need to cook easily for you and your family!
How to plan your new kitchen
Before hiring a kitchen specialist or building contractor to start overhauling and refurbishing your existing kitchen, there are several things you need to think about carefully, as only by planning will you be able to have your dream kitchen.
Benefits of professional kitchen installation
Even if you’ve spent a fortune on your dream kitchen, the results can be frustrating if you get the wrong person to install it
On arrival, a professional, experienced, and fully-trained kitchen installer should be able to…
-
- Remove your old kitchen units and worktops and provide the necessary waste clearance and/or removal.
- Install, fit and assemble all worktops, units, cupboards, and drawers according to the blueprints and specifications.
- Screw and bolt down any new drawers, cupboards or fixtures, and fittings independent of the main units, ensuring they are securely and safely fitted for future use.
- Work with a plumber or water technician to ensure your new sink basin and taps are fully connected to the combi-boiler and/or main water supply and check that none of the taps or u-bends is leaking or showing other signs of wear and damage.
- Work with a fully qualified electrician to help safely fit all new lights, appliances (including a fan-assisted oven, washing machine, dishwasher, and/or fridge-freezer), and electrical outlets exactly where you want them, and make sure you are hooked up to the home usual electricity supply.
- Lay any new wall tiles and/or flooring that forms part of your kitchen refurbishment.
- Offer further advice about your kitchen’s interior design and/or decoration on completing the installation, perhaps even getting you in touch with some professionals in your local area.
- Offer a fully insured guarantee of anything between five to twenty-five years, which includes any follow-up maintenance and/or repairs if the thing should start to fall apart suddenly!
References
https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/a-new-kitchen-for-5k/
https://www.realhomes.com/advice/10-ways-cut-cost-new-kitchen
https://www.homebase.co.uk/ideas-advice/kitchen-and-bathroom/kitchen-fitting/kitchen-planning-and-installation
https://www.houzz.co.uk/ideabooks/81676734/list/insider-knowledge-and-tips-for-buying-kitchen-units-on-a-budget
https://www.wrenkitchens.com/new-kitchen-price-estimator
https://diapol.co.uk/blog/how-much-does-a-kitchen-worktop-cost/