How Much Does It Cost to Fit a Kitchen?

Thinking about a new kitchen but worried about the price? You’re not alone. Most homeowners ask the same thing: "How much to fit a kitchen?" The answer depends on a few key factors, but you can get a solid estimate without guessing.

What Makes Up the Kitchen Fit Price?

First, break the job into parts. Cabinets, countertops, appliances, labour, and extras like lighting or plumbing all add up. Cabinetry usually takes the biggest slice—high‑end wood can cost twice as much as prefabricated units. Countertops follow a similar pattern: laminate is cheap, quartz or granite run higher. Appliances are a separate line item, and the installer’s labour fee covers everything from moving walls to hooking up the sink.

Typical Price Ranges

On the low end, a basic kitchen fit can run £3,000‑£5,000. That includes stock cabinets, laminate worktops, and standard appliances. Mid‑range projects often sit between £7,000‑£12,000, featuring semi‑custom cabinets, quartz or solid‑surface countertops, and higher‑spec appliances. Luxury fits push past £15,000, with bespoke cabinets, top‑grade stone, designer fixtures, and possibly structural changes.

Keep in mind these numbers are averages for the UK. Your local market, the size of the kitchen, and how much work is needed to bring services up to code will shift the total.

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you visualise where the money goes:

• Cabinets: 30‑45% of total
• Worktops: 15‑25%
• Appliances: 10‑20%
• Labour (incl. plumbing & electrics): 20‑30%
• Extras (lighting, backsplashes, misc): 5‑10%

Knowing these percentages makes it easier to spot where you can save. For example, swapping a stone top for a high‑grade laminate can trim a few hundred pounds without a huge style sacrifice.

Another cost driver is the condition of your existing space. If the walls need re‑plastering, the floor must be level, or old pipes have to be replaced, those prep tasks add to the labour bill. Ask your installer for a separate line‑item for "site preparation" so you aren’t surprised later.

Don’t forget the hidden fees. Delivery charges, waste removal, and permits (if you’re moving a wall) can each add £100‑£500. A clear, itemised quote will list these so you can compare quotes fairly.

When you start talking to fitters, have these questions ready:

• What’s included in your labour rate?
• Do you handle waste disposal?
• Are there any extra costs for cutting cabinets or countertops on site?
• What’s the timeline from start to finish?
• Can you provide references from recent kitchen fits?

Getting answers up front saves time and money. A reputable fitter will be transparent about every charge.

Finally, set a realistic budget before you start. Add a 10‑15% contingency for unexpected issues—this is common practice in any renovation. With a clear budget and an itemised quote, you’ll know exactly how much you’ll spend and where you can make adjustments.

Bottom line: a typical kitchen fit runs from a few thousand pounds for a simple update to well over ten thousand for a premium remodel. Break the cost down, ask the right questions, and keep a small buffer for surprises. That way, you’ll get a kitchen that looks great and stays within your wallet’s limits.