By Costy Editorial Team 
Wondering about kitchen renovation costs in 2026? We break down average prices, hidden fees, and how to budget — from small updates to full remodels
Quick Cost Overview
Kitchen renovations are one of the most common — and most misunderstood — home improvements. Prices vary enormously depending on what you’re changing, the size of the space, and where in the UK you live. As a starting point, here’s what most homeowners can expect to pay.
| Renovation Type | What’s Typically Included | Estimated Cost | Timescale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic refresh | New doors, worktops, handles, taps | £2,000 – £5,000 | 2–4 days |
| Mid-range renovation | Full unit replacement, new appliances, flooring, tiling | £8,000 – £18,000 | 1–2 weeks |
| High-end renovation | Designer units, stone worktops, full replumb/rewire | £20,000 – £40,000+ | 3–5 weeks |
| Extension + kitchen | Structural work, new build space, full kitchen fit | £40,000 – £80,000+ | 8–16 weeks |
💡 Costy Tip
These figures include labour and materials. VAT is charged at 20% on most kitchen work — always confirm whether quotes are inclusive or exclusive of VAT before comparing.
What affects the Final Cost?
Two kitchens of identical size can cost very different amounts to renovate. Understanding the levers that drive price helps you make smarter decisions — and have a more productive conversation with any tradesperson you bring in.
Layout changes
Keeping your existing layout is by far the biggest single cost-saver. Moving where the sink, cooker, or dishwasher sit requires a plumber to relocate waste and supply pipes — adding £500 to £2,000+ to the bill. Moving a gas cooker also requires a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Unit and worktop quality
Flatpack units from the major retailers (IKEA, Howdens, Wickes) start from around £1,500–£3,000 for a full run. Bespoke units from a specialist supplier can cost 3–5× that. Worktops follow the same curve: laminate starts from around £100 per metre installed, solid quartz or granite can reach £500–£800 per metre.
Electrical and plumbing work
Any work that involves adding new sockets, moving consumer unit connections, or installing an extractor that requires new ducting needs to be done — and certified — by a qualified electrician. Budget £400–£1,200 for a typical kitchen electrical package.
Flooring and tiling
Allow £50–£120 per m² for supply and installation of mid-range porcelain tiles. Vinyl or LVT flooring typically runs £30–£70 per m² installed.
⚠️ Watch Out
Be wary of quotes that don’t include plastering, decorating, or removal of your old kitchen. These are often charged separately and can easily add £800–£2,000 to the total.
Labour Costs Breakdown
Labour typically accounts for 40–60% of a kitchen renovation budget. Here’s what individual trades usually charge on a day rate basis (UK averages, 2025).
| Trade | Typical Day Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen fitter | £200 – £350/day | Higher in London and South East |
| Plumber | £250 – £400/day | Gas Safe work commands a premium |
| Electrician | £250 – £380/day | Part P certification required |
| Plasterer | £180 – £280/day | Often needed after tiling or structural work |
| Tiler | £180 – £300/day | Large format tiles take longer to lay |
Questions to Ask Your Tradesperson
Getting multiple quotes is essential — but comparing quotes is only useful if they’re quoting for the same scope of work. These questions ensure there are no nasty surprises once work starts.
- Is this a fixed-price quote, or are there circumstances where day rates might apply?
- Are you Gas Safe registered? (Required if any gas appliances are involved)
- Do you carry public liability insurance — and can I see the certificate?
- Does your quote include removal and disposal of the existing kitchen?
- Who is responsible for sourcing materials — you or me?
- What happens if additional work is discovered once walls or floors are opened up?
- Will you provide a written contract before work starts?
- How do you handle snagging and what’s your process for fixing issues after completion?
- Can you provide references from two recent kitchen jobs I can contact?
📋 Good to Know
Always ask for a line-by-line breakdown of the quote — not just a single total. This makes it much easier to compare three quotes side by side and understand where differences in price are coming from.
How to Reduce Your Kitchen Renovation Costs
A few smart decisions early in the process can meaningfully reduce your total spend without compromising the quality of the finished result.
Keep the layout the same
Moving plumbing and gas adds cost quickly. If your current layout works, keeping the sink and cooker in the same positions is the single biggest saving you can make.
Buy your own appliances
Tradespeople often apply significant markups on appliances. Purchasing your own integrated oven, hob, fridge and dishwasher directly from a retailer during a sale can save £500–£1,500 versus using what the installer supplies.
Do the painting yourself
Decorating after a renovation is one of the easiest tasks to handle yourself and can save a full day’s labour charge (£200–£300).
Get three quotes, minimum
Homeowners who obtain three or more quotes pay less on average than those who go with the first trade they find. The middle quote — not the cheapest — is often the best value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions homeowners ask us most about kitchen renovation costs.
How much does a kitchen renovation cost in the UK?
A basic kitchen renovation typically costs between £5,000 and £10,000. A mid-range renovation runs £10,000 to £20,000, while a high-end or full structural renovation can exceed £30,000. The final cost depends on kitchen size, materials chosen, and how much structural or plumbing work is involved. You can get a tailored estimate here
What should be included in a kitchen renovation quote?
A detailed quote should include: supply and fit of units and worktops, plumbing, electrical work and lighting, flooring, tiling, plastering, decoration, and removal/disposal of the old kitchen. Always ask for a line-by-line breakdown so you can compare quotes fairly.
How long does a kitchen renovation take?
Most kitchen renovations take 1 to 3 weeks. A straightforward unit swap with no structural changes can be done in 5–7 days. Projects involving knocking through walls, moving plumbing, or rewiring can take 3–4 weeks or longer.
What questions should I ask a kitchen fitter before hiring?
Ask: Are you Gas Safe registered? Do you carry public liability insurance? Can you provide references? Is your quote fixed-price or day rate? Who sources materials? What happens if extra work is discovered once the job starts?
Can I reduce the cost of a kitchen renovation?
Yes — keep the existing layout, choose mid-range units over designer brands, supply your own appliances, do your own painting after the fitter leaves, and get at least three quotes to ensure competitive pricing.