A new kitchen is one of the most popular home improvements in the UK, and one of the easiest to overspend on. A kitchen renovation typically costs £8,000 to £15,000 for a mid-range project, from around £5,000 for a budget refresh to £25,000 or more for bespoke units, stone worktops and premium appliances.
Where the money goes surprises many people. Units and worktops take the biggest share, but installation, plumbing, electrics, flooring and decorating add up quickly – and moving the sink, cooker or walls can push the kitchen budget up sharply.
This kitchen planning guide shows typical prices by budget level, how costs usually split, the trades and certificates involved, and practical ways to get the kitchen you want without blowing the budget.
Three budget levels
- Flat-pack or entry-level units
- Laminate worktops
- Same layout, standard appliances
- Rigid, pre-assembled units
- Solid wood or quartz-effect worktops
- Some layout changes, mid-range appliances
- Bespoke or handmade cabinetry
- Quartz or granite worktops
- Islands, premium appliances, structural work
Where the money typically goes
Choosing the right layout
Two parallel runs of units. Efficient for narrow rooms and small homes.
Units on two adjoining walls, leaving space for a table. Very flexible.
Units on three walls, giving maximum storage and worktop space.
A free-standing unit in the middle. Needs at least 1 metre of clearance around it.
Whatever the shape, designers talk about the working triangle between sink, hob and fridge. Keeping these three points reasonably close, without obstructions between them, makes the kitchen easier and safer to use every day.
Worktop options compared
| Material | Cost level | Pros and cons |
|---|---|---|
| Laminate | £ | Affordable and varied, but can chip and swell if water gets in |
| Solid wood | ££ | Warm look, can be sanded, but needs regular oiling |
| Quartz | £££ | Hard-wearing and low maintenance; templated and fitted by specialists |
| Granite | £££ | Natural stone, very durable, needs occasional sealing |
Planning your kitchen step by step
- Set a budget and keep a 10–15% contingency for surprises behind old units.
- Decide on the layout – galley, L-shape, U-shape or island – around the sink, hob and fridge.
- Measure carefully, including window heights, radiators, boiler position and doors.
- Get two or three designs and quotes with the same specification so you can compare fairly.
- Order units and appliances, allowing for delivery lead times.
- First fix: plumbing, electrics and any wall changes before units go in.
- Fit units, worktops and appliances, then tiling and flooring.
- Final checks and certificates.
Hidden costs that catch people out
Budgets often go wrong in the same places. Removing old units can reveal damp walls, uneven floors or rotten skirting that must be fixed first. Older homes may need new electrical circuits to meet current standards, and moving a boiler or gas supply adds cost quickly. Do not forget smaller items that add up, such as new plumbing for a dishwasher, extractor ducting to an outside wall, plastering, tiling, skip hire and decorating. Keeping a contingency of 10–15% means these surprises do not stop the project halfway.
Trades and certificates involved
- Electrician: new kitchen circuits and changes near sinks are often notifiable – ask for an Electrical Installation Certificate.
- Gas Safe engineer: any gas hob, oven or pipework work must be done by a registered engineer.
- Plumber: moving the sink, dishwasher or washing machine.
- Building control: needed if you remove a structural wall or create an open-plan space.
How long does a kitchen renovation take?
A straightforward replacement in the same layout typically takes one to two weeks on site. Projects that move walls, add an island or change plumbing and electrics can take three to six weeks. Order lead times for units, worktops and appliances can add several more weeks before work starts, so plan the timetable around delivery dates. Setting up a temporary kitchen in another room with a microwave, kettle and fridge makes the disruption much easier to live with.
Smart ways to save
Choosing a fitter or kitchen company
You can buy a kitchen and installation as a package from a retailer, or buy units yourself and hire an independent fitter. Packages are simpler and often include design help, while independent fitters can be cheaper and more flexible. Either way, check reviews, ask to see photos of finished work and agree a written schedule covering who is responsible for each trade, the payment stages and how changes will be priced.
Does a new kitchen add value?
A well-designed kitchen is one of the features buyers notice most, and an outdated or damaged kitchen can put people off a property. That said, spending far more than the value of the home justifies rarely pays back in full. If you plan to sell within a few years, a clean, neutral mid-range kitchen with good storage and quality worktops is usually the safest investment. If you are staying for the long term, it makes sense to prioritise the features that matter to how you cook and live, such as a larger fridge, extra workspace or a breakfast bar.
Budgets reflect typical UK kitchen renovation costs.
Independent guide – not linked to any kitchen retailer or fitter.
