How Much Does a Kitchen Installation Cost in the UK (2026 Guide)

Whether you are a self-employed kitchen fitter pricing your next job or a builder quoting a full refurbishment, getting kitchen installation costs right is essential. Underquote and you erode your margins. Overquote and you lose the job. This guide breaks down real-world kitchen installation costs in the UK for 2026, so you can price with confidence.

Average Kitchen Installation Costs in the UK

Kitchen installation costs vary widely depending on the size of the kitchen, the specification of units and worktops, and the scope of work involved. Here are typical price ranges for 2026:

Budget kitchen installation (flat-pack units, laminate worktops, basic tiling): £3,000 to £5,000 labour only
Mid-range kitchen (rigid units, quartz or solid surface worktops, splashback tiling, new flooring): £5,000 to £9,000 labour only
High-end kitchen (bespoke or handleless units, stone worktops, underfloor heating, full rewire and replumb): £9,000 to £18,000+ labour only

These figures cover labour and sundries only. The client typically supplies the kitchen units, appliances, worktops, and tiles separately, though some installers offer a supply-and-fit package.

What Is Included in a Kitchen Installation Quote?

A comprehensive kitchen installation quote should cover all the trades and tasks involved. Missing items from your quote is the fastest way to lose money on a kitchen job. A thorough quote typically includes:

Strip-out and disposal — removing the existing kitchen, capping services, skip hire
First fix plumbing — repositioning waste, hot and cold feeds, gas supply
First fix electrics — new circuits for oven, hob, extractor, additional sockets
Plastering and making good — walls and ceilings after strip-out
Unit assembly and fitting — base units, wall units, tall units, plinths, pelmets, cornices
Worktop templating and fitting — including cut-outs for sink and hob
Tiling — splashbacks, floor tiling if specified
Second fix plumbing — connecting sink, dishwasher, washing machine
Second fix electrics — connecting appliances, fitting sockets and switches
Painting and decorating — walls, ceiling, woodwork
Flooring — vinyl, LVT, or tiling
Snagging and handover — final adjustments, cleaning, client walkthrough

Cost Breakdown by Trade

If you are managing subcontractors or pricing individual elements, here is a rough breakdown for a typical mid-range kitchen in 2026:

Strip-out and skip: £400 to £800
Plumbing (first and second fix): £600 to £1,200
Electrics (first and second fix): £500 to £1,000
Plastering: £300 to £600
Kitchen fitting (units, worktops): £1,500 to £3,000
Tiling (splashback and floor): £400 to £900
Painting and decorating: £300 to £600
Flooring (LVT or vinyl): £300 to £700

Total labour for a mid-range kitchen therefore sits around £4,300 to £8,800, which aligns with the ranges above.

Factors That Affect Kitchen Installation Pricing

Kitchen size and layout

A galley kitchen with a simple run of base and wall units is far quicker to fit than an L-shaped or U-shaped layout with an island. More units, more cuts, more worktop joints, and more services all add time and cost.

Worktop material

Laminate worktops can be cut and fitted on site in a few hours. Quartz and granite need templating, off-site fabrication, and a separate fitting visit. Stone worktops typically add £150 to £300 in fitting labour beyond the material cost.

Structural alterations

Knocking through a wall to create an open-plan kitchen-diner is increasingly common. If your quote includes structural work such as removing a load-bearing wall and installing a steel beam, expect to add £1,500 to £4,000 depending on the span and specification.

Services relocation

Moving the sink to a different wall, relocating the boiler, or running new gas pipework all add significant cost. Budget £200 to £800 per service relocation depending on complexity.

Location

Labour rates vary across the UK. Kitchen installation in London and the South East typically costs 20 to 30 percent more than in the Midlands, North, or Wales. Adjust your rates accordingly to remain competitive in your area.

How to Price a Kitchen Installation Accurately

Pricing a kitchen accurately requires a methodical approach:

Site survey — always visit the property. Measure the room, check service positions, note access issues, and photograph everything.
Scope of works — agree exactly what is included and excluded. Put it in writing.
Itemised quote — break your quote into sections (strip-out, plumbing, electrics, fitting, tiling, decorating) so the client can see where the money goes.
Contingency — allow 5 to 10 percent for the unexpected. Kitchens always throw up surprises behind old units.
Programme — estimate the number of days on site. A typical mid-range kitchen takes 7 to 12 working days with overlapping trades.

Tools like MyQS can help you generate itemised, professional quotes quickly, so you spend less time on paperwork and more time on the tools.

Common Mistakes When Quoting Kitchen Installations

Forgetting disposal costs — skip hire or multiple tip runs add up fast
Not allowing for making good — old kitchens always leave damaged plaster, uneven floors, and exposed pipework
Underestimating appliance connection time — integrated appliances with custom panels take longer than freestanding
Ignoring Building Regulations — electrical work in kitchens falls under Part P, and boiler moves need Gas Safe certification
Quoting over the phone — never price a kitchen without a site visit

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a kitchen installation take?

A straightforward replacement kitchen with no layout changes takes around 5 to 7 working days. A full refit with new services, plastering, and flooring typically takes 8 to 14 working days depending on the size and specification.

Should I quote labour only or supply and fit?

Most independent kitchen fitters quote labour only, with the client purchasing their own kitchen from a supplier. However, offering supply-and-fit packages can increase your average job value and give you more control over the programme. If you supply, add a markup of 15 to 25 percent on materials to cover your time sourcing, checking deliveries, and handling returns.

Do I need Building Regulations sign-off for a kitchen installation?

If the work involves new electrical circuits (Part P), structural alterations (Part A), or changes to drainage (Part H), you will need Building Regulations approval. Electrical work must be carried out by a Part P registered electrician or inspected by Building Control. Gas work must be completed by a Gas Safe registered engineer. A simple like-for-like kitchen swap with no services changes does not usually require Building Regulations sign-off.

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