{"id":20,"date":"2026-02-20T20:05:35","date_gmt":"2026-02-20T20:05:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.costy.com\/?p=20"},"modified":"2026-03-26T05:26:14","modified_gmt":"2026-03-26T05:26:14","slug":"kitchen-renovation-cost-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/costy.com\/articles\/2026\/02\/20\/kitchen-renovation-cost-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"How Much Does a Kitchen Renovation Cost in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Wondering about kitchen renovation costs in 2026? We break down average prices, hidden fees, and how to budget \u2014 from small updates to full remodels<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Quick Cost Overview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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Kitchen renovations are one of the most common \u2014 and most misunderstood \u2014 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.
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Click here for a Free Estimate<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Renovation Type<\/th>What’s Typically Included<\/th>Estimated Cost<\/th>Timescale<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Basic refresh<\/strong><\/td>New doors, worktops, handles, taps<\/td>\u00a32,000 \u2013 \u00a35,000<\/td>2\u20134 days<\/td><\/tr>
Mid-range renovation<\/strong><\/td>Full unit replacement, new appliances, flooring, tiling<\/td>\u00a38,000 \u2013 \u00a318,000<\/td>1\u20132 weeks<\/td><\/tr>
High-end renovation<\/strong><\/td>Designer units, stone worktops, full replumb\/rewire<\/td>\u00a320,000 \u2013 \u00a340,000+<\/td>3\u20135 weeks<\/td><\/tr>
Extension + kitchen<\/strong><\/td>Structural work, new build space, full kitchen fit<\/td>\u00a340,000 \u2013 \u00a380,000+<\/td>8\u201316 weeks<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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\ud83d\udca1 Costy Tip<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These figures include labour and materials. VAT is charged at 20% on most kitchen work \u2014 always confirm whether quotes are inclusive or exclusive of VAT before comparing.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

What affects the Final Cost?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Two kitchens of identical size can cost very different amounts to renovate. Understanding the levers that drive price helps you make smarter decisions \u2014 and have a more productive conversation with any tradesperson you bring in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Layout changes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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 \u2014 adding \u00a3500 to \u00a32,000+ to the bill. Moving a gas cooker also requires a Gas Safe registered engineer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unit and worktop quality<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Flatpack units from the major retailers (IKEA, Howdens, Wickes) start from around \u00a31,500\u2013\u00a33,000 for a full run. Bespoke units from a specialist supplier can cost 3\u20135\u00d7 that. Worktops follow the same curve: laminate starts from around \u00a3100 per metre installed, solid quartz or granite can reach \u00a3500\u2013\u00a3800 per metre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Electrical and plumbing work<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Any work that involves adding new sockets, moving consumer unit connections, or installing an extractor that requires new ducting needs to be done \u2014 and certified \u2014 by a qualified electrician. Budget \u00a3400\u2013\u00a31,200 for a typical kitchen electrical package.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flooring and tiling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Allow \u00a350\u2013\u00a3120 per m\u00b2 for supply and installation of mid-range porcelain tiles. Vinyl or LVT flooring typically runs \u00a330\u2013\u00a370 per m\u00b2 installed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u26a0\ufe0f Watch Out<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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 \u00a3800\u2013\u00a32,000 to the total.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Labour Costs Breakdown<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Labour typically accounts for 40\u201360% of a kitchen renovation budget. Here’s what individual trades usually charge on a day rate basis (UK averages, 2025).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trade<\/th>Typical Day Rate<\/th>Notes<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Kitchen fitter<\/td>\u00a3200 \u2013 \u00a3350\/day<\/td>Higher in London and South East<\/td><\/tr>
Plumber<\/td>\u00a3250 \u2013 \u00a3400\/day<\/td>Gas Safe work commands a premium<\/td><\/tr>
Electrician<\/td>\u00a3250 \u2013 \u00a3380\/day<\/td>Part P certification required<\/td><\/tr>
Plasterer<\/td>\u00a3180 \u2013 \u00a3280\/day<\/td>Often needed after tiling or structural work<\/td><\/tr>
Tiler<\/td>\u00a3180 \u2013 \u00a3300\/day<\/td>Large format tiles take longer to lay<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Questions to Ask Your Tradesperson<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Getting multiple quotes is essential \u2014 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n