Kitchen renovations can often be the most daunting part of a home renovation as they are considered the heart of your home and a space where memories are made, culinary delights are crafted, and families gather. However, when it comes to renovating a kitchen, one question looms: How much will a kitchen renovation cost in the UK?
Whether you’re planning a modest refresh or a complete overhaul, understanding the financial aspects of a kitchen renovation is vital for any homeowner in the United Kingdom.
The costs can vary widely depending on numerous factors, such as the extent of the renovation, materials used and the desired level of craftsmanship.
In this article, we will cover how much a kitchen renovation costs in the UK, how to save money on a kitchen renovation, what the kitchen renovation process is, and what ideas we have for your next renovation project.
Looking for something specific? Check out our interactive menu below:
- How Much Does A Kitchen Renovation Cost In the UK?
- How To Save Money On A Kitchen Renovation
- What Is The Kitchen Renovation Process?
- Our Kitchen Renovation Design Ideas
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How Much Does A Complete Kitchen Renovation Cost In The UK?
The average person should expect to pay around £6,600 for a complete kitchen renovation in the UK. However, the scope of costs for a kitchen renovation will differ depending on the size, layout and finish of the kitchen you want.
Some kitchens may cost as little as £3,500, while others will far exceed £10,000. It’s easy to get carried away with finishes and materialistic options while renovating, so we have broken down the costs for basic kitchen fixtures below.
Based on the average kitchen in the UK which is 20.12m2, here is a complete breakdown of prices for kitchen fixtures and installation.
Please note that these are based on minimum prices, and the figures will vary depending on how large or small your kitchen is, what materials and brands you intend to use etc.
Kitchen Fixture | Fixture Cost | Installation Cost | Kitchen Installation Time | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Oven & Hob | £299+ | £150+ | 2+ hours | £449+ |
| Microwave | £50+ | £5+ | 30+ minutes | £55+ |
| Washing Machine | £300+ | £100+ | 30+ minutes | £400+ |
| Dishwasher | £250+ | £50+ | 1+ hours | £55+ |
| Refrigerator & Freezer | £130+ | £40 – £110 | 5+ hours | £170+ |
| Kitchen Tiling | £20+ per m2 | £75 per m2 | 2 – 4 days | £1,900+ |
Kitchen Laminate Flooring | £7+ per m2 | £18 per m2 | 1 day | £500+ |
Kitchen Cabinets | £40+ per complete unit | £20+ per unit | 1+ hours | £60+ per unit |
Kitchen Countertops | £50+ per m2 | £20+ per m2 | 2+ hours | £1400+ |
Kitchen Sink & Mixers/Faucets | £450+ | £100+ | 2+ hours | £550+ |
Kitchen Island | £250+ | £20+ per m2 | 2+ days | £650+ |
Ceiling Lights | £100+ | £20+ | 45 minutes | £120+ |
| Plastering | £160+ | £15+ per hour | 2 days | £400+ |
How To Work Out Your Kitchen Renovation UK Budget
When you create a budget for your UK kitchen renovation, you should factor in if you need to take the room back to brick or get away with adding a modern fresh with a lick of paint. It would help if you also thought about the following:
- The size of your kitchen and the amount of refurbishment required.
- The quality of spec, brands or finish you want.
- How much work you are willing to DIY/Do-It-Yourself.
- The amount of plumbing and electrical wiring you already have.
- Whether you are creating a kitchen or a kitchen and dining space.
Based on the average UK kitchen, which is 20m2, and the average kitchen costing £6600, you should create a budget that caters for £330 per m2, plus a contingency fund.
Alternatively, if you are renovating an entire property and doing the kitchen, you could use the 5-15% rule, where you spend less than 5% of the home’s current value on the kitchen plus a contingency fund.
Is It Cheaper To Rebuild Or Renovate A Kitchen UK?
In the UK, the terms “rebuild” and “renovate” are used interchangeably, and while they do have similarities, they differ slightly in price and features.
A kitchen rebuild could cost you upwards of £10,000, depending on the size of your kitchen. At the same time, a kitchen renovation in the UK may cost you an average of £6,600.
A kitchen rebuild would involve returning the room to brick, removing all the plaster and starting again with the plumbing and electrical wiring. By doing this, you will be able to completely change the layout of the kitchen.
On the other hand, a kitchen renovation would involve updating, recycling and upcycling the original kitchen and giving it a new lease of life through paint updates and finishes. While also updating the existing kitchen features like fridges, freezers, mixers etc.
How To Save Money On A Kitchen Renovation UK?
If your kitchen renovation doesn’t make you feel a wave of calm once you open your kitchen doors, was it worth it? The money you spend on your kitchen remodel could make or break your bank account, so saving money where and when you can is crucial.
When renovating a kitchen, one of the easiest ways to save money is to keep the plumbing and electrical features in their current place and tackle the room’s aesthetics.
But, if you renovate an entire property, a kitchen rebuild may be more practical.
Here are some ways to save on your budget while carrying out a kitchen renovation:
1. Budget Carefully
Before starting renovation, create a detailed plan and establish a realistic budget. Research the costs of materials, fixtures, appliances and labour to understand what to expect clearly.
Having a well-thought-out budget will help you prioritise your expenses and avoid overspending.
We recommend creating a Schedule of Work with your contractor to help you define what exactly needs to be done and what quality. The Schedule of Works will help you later down the line if there are any disputes between what you agreed upon at the start of the process.
2. Upcycle Existing Fixtures
Instead of replacing every kitchen fixture, consider refacing them or giving them a fresh lick of paint.
Upcycling kitchen cabinet doors can be a great cost saver, as you can get a new look with the same framework in place. This can significantly reduce the costs compared to installing brand-new cabinets.
If the old kitchen design has tired tiles, you could paint the kitchen tiles, or upcycling could also be used to rejuvenate any tired chairs, tables or old house fittings with new patterns, finishes or colours — get creative!
3. Opt For Alternatives
While high-end luxury materials and finishes may be tempting, they also have a heavy price tag. We recommend that you look for more affordable alternatives that still offer durability and looks.
For example, consider laminate or quartz countertops instead of marble. Similarly, consider alternative flooring options like vinyl or laminate that mimic the look of pricier materials like hardwood or tile.
4. DIY The Kitchen
The ultimate way to save money on a kitchen remodel is to do the work yourself, which could save you up to 60% of the cost of a kitchen due to installation costs.
Most of the work done by a kitchen fitter could be done by yourself as long as you have the time and skills to do so.
However, it would help if you left any technical renovations like plumbing or electrical work to a trained plumber or electrician.
5. Buy Second Hand
We always recommend that you consider more affordable options when renovating a property by going to antique shows, car boot sales or charity shops to find second-hand fixtures for your home.
Appliances, especially, can be a massive expense in a kitchen renovation in the UK, so you should look for pre-owned or discounted appliances still in working condition.
Alternatively, if you want to buy new, you can save money in the long run by opting for energy-saving appliances.
What’s The Cheapest Way To Get A New Kitchen?
The cheapest way to get a new kitchen would be to use a Kitchen supplier or retailer like Wickes, B&Q or IKEA. They offer standard flat-pack furniture, which can be easily assembled and relatively cheap.
If you want to journey away from the normal, you could paint the flat pack furniture with a colour that matches your style.
If you have a small kitchen project, consider picking up a second-hand kitchen and upcycling the kitchen cabinetry to reduce costs.
How Often Should You Replace A Kitchen UK?
Most kitchens that have been professionally fitted should have a lifespan of about 20 years. However, many people find they need to renovate their kitchen every 15 years because:
- The kitchen is dated to the point that they hate being in the space and would get a takeaway for every meal instead of cooking for themselves.
- Significant damage like cracked tiles, leaky plumbing or uneven flooring has become a trip hazard.
- The appliances in their kitchen need to be fixed; for example, the oven is cooking their food unevenly.
- More storage or counter space must be required to function correctly within the kitchen.
- They are looking to sell their property and wish to add value.
How Much Do Kitchen Utensils & Appliances Cost?
If you are renovating or doing a complete kitchen makeover, consider buying new kitchen equipment to match your overall style. The amount or quality of appliances you choose will significantly affect your new kitchen cost.
Here is a minimum price list for kitchen appliances which are often used in the modern family home:
| Kitchen Appliance/Utensil | Cost (Minium) |
| Air Fryer | £100+ |
| Bread Maker | £100+ |
| Slow Cooker | £50+ |
| Toaster | £25+ |
| Kettle | £20+ |
| Kitchen Scales | £15+ |
| Coffee Maker | £300+ |
| Hand Blender | £35+ |
| Cookware / Saucepans | £30+ |
| Cooking Utensils | £30+ |
| Bakeware | £30+ |
| Blender | £100+ |
| Knife Set | £20+ |
| Cutlery Set | £5+ |
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What Is The Kitchen Renovation UK Process?
The kitchen renovation cost in the United Kingdom will significantly depend on the length, scope of work, quality of finish and experience of kitchen specialists.
If you want to install a bespoke kitchen, the cost will be considerably more expensive than if you bought a kitchen kit from B&Q or IKEA.
To aid you in deciding how much a new kitchen costs and how much you should budget for, we have created a checklist for a kitchen renovation project:
1. Find Kitchen Specialists
Before you start the kitchen renovation process, you should contact multiple trade specialists or contractors and get a quote. By gathering numerous quotes from various contractors, you can make sure you pay a competitive price for your dream kitchen.
You can find the right kitchen contractor for you by listening to word-of-mouth suggestions from friends and family or by checking Google and looking at the online reviews of a trading firm.
Hire Architects Or Structural Engineers
Most modern kitchen renovations in the UK involve extending the existing kitchen space by building an extension or knocking through walls.
Both will need an architect or structural engineer to help guide you through the structural changes and organise the contractors to aid in this.
Architects are used when a homeowner requires an extension or a solution to current housing plans. At the same time, a structural engineer will help a homeowner knock down internal walls while ensuring that the house does not collapse.
Draw A Plan Of Your Full Kitchen
Even if you are going to hire an architect or designer to create in-depth designs for your new kitchen, we recommend that you try it. By making plans for your renovation, you can start picturing yourself in the kitchen, which will help with the interior design process later.
The kitchen renovation UK design should show the positions of new kitchen units, furniture, and any plumbing or electrical wiring changes. You should note where the existing plumbing & wiring is.
Once you have confirmed a contractor, you should use the time before building to conduct surveys and create a Schedule of Works using your entire kitchen plan.
2. Design The Kitchen
Most kitchen designs will be done mainly by an architect or designer but with your input on your preferences and styles.
You will need to decide what functionality and style you want for your kitchen and what practicalities you want it to achieve; for example, if you want a kitchen and dining space to host friends and family.
Create A Wishlist
We recommend using Interior Design magazines or social platforms like Pinterest or Instagram to create boards and collections of your favourite kitchen designs. Many of the posts will have a shopping feature attached to them so you can easily find the kitchen units.
The collections and boards are easily shareable and can be sent to your designer or architect. We recommend sticking to one style or colour scheme.
Set A Budget
As we have mentioned previously, the average kitchen renovation in the UK will cost a minimum of £330m2, but this will vary depending on the scale of your kitchen and the level of quality you want.
You should add a 10% contingency to this budget in case of unforeseen issues with materials or the kitchen itself.
Consider Functionality
When you design your kitchen, you will need to work out the kitchen layout and how you will use the space.
Most kitchens are the heart of the home, where families and friends come together, and happy memories are made, so it needs to be practical and enjoyable.
For a growing family, you must consider storage, as something is better than a cluttered kitchen. Considering the functionality of storage is a must.
Measure The Space
Most kitchens are multi-use spaces and will double up as a place to work, eat, and party. This is why you will need to consider the kitchen layout when you measure your kitchen.
Most modern kitchens will include an island of some form, which has a diverse range of applications as it can be used for storage, for the sink, to hide any bins, and to be a place to prepare your meals.
You will need to measure the space as accurately as possible, as the designers and architects will use the measurements as their base quote. They will make their measurements later in the design process as well.
When planning the perfect kitchen layout, you should use the triangle method. This is where the kitchen sink, hob/oven and waste disposal are within a triangle perimeter — if you were to stand in the centre of the triangle, then you could easily swivel between the three.
Some people like to include the refrigerator & freezer in the triangle method instead of their bins, but it’s entirely up to you!
Consider where the natural light and thoroughfares are within the kitchen, and ensure you place any seating towards the natural light.
The Design Choices
There are plenty of design choices when choosing your next kitchen, from cabinetry style, proportion, scale, symmetry, kitchen colours, and what appliances, storage and kitchen worktops you need.
These design choices will ultimately boil down to whether you want a modern or traditional kitchen.
If you are opting for a modern kitchen, you could sway towards flat-fronted cabinets and a minimalistic appeal. At the same time, a traditional kitchen could include farmhouse shaker-style cabinets with brassware mixers.
Whatever kitchen style you decide on, you must consider what lighting you want in your kitchen. Most kitchens will have lighting in the cupboards and above any countertops and less light where there is plenty of natural light.
You will also need to consider what kitchen flooring you desire. There are many options, from porcelain tiles to stone tiles, wood tiles, engineered timber flooring, and luxury vinyl flooring.
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3. The Kitchen Build
When the contractors start the kitchen build, they will use the Schedule of Works to identify all the work and materials needed for the project. You may even opt for a JCT Contract if the build is significantly large.
To avoid the severe cost of kitchens, you should do as much work yourself and find kitchen units second-hand or upcycled from your old kitchen.
You should leave anything that requires technical skill, like plumbing or electrical wiring, to the professionals.
They will dismantle the old kitchen, remove the electrical appliances first, and then any furniture and items connected to the plumbing (ensuring that the main’s electricity and water supply are off).
Once all the kitchen furniture and electrical appliances have been removed from the kitchen, then the contractors will remove the old floor or wall tiles before modifying the plumbing and electrical wiring systems.
Once all the plumbing and electrical wiring systems have been modified and installed, then the contractors will begin to work to renovate your walls.
The materials you choose for your kitchen walls should be durable, as they will endure high temperatures, humidity and accidental knocks.
If you only paint the kitchen walls, you should ensure the walls are smooth, and the paint has been formulated to withstand humidity.
To avoid damaging your floors, the walls should be completed first. The contractors will ensure the floor coverings are laid onto a solid, flat surface.
Install The Kitchen Units
Once the kitchen has been painted, the floor has been covered, the wall tiling has been laid, and the plumbing/electrics have been modified, the contractors will install the kitchen units.
This is a pretty straightforward operation as most kitchen furniture is built for a purpose, and if you have measured the kitchen right, then it should all slot into place.
Do You Lay Flooring Before Fitting A Kitchen?
To avoid damaging your flooring, you should lay the flooring after you have painted or tiled your kitchen but before you fit the kitchen. While fitting the kitchen, be careful around the newly fitted floor. You can add a protective layer above the freshly laid flooring.
How Long Does It Take To Refit A Kitchen UK?
The average kitchen renovation UK will take around 3-5 days to complete, but this will largely depend on the scale of work and size of the kitchen. If the kitchen has been removed to brick, the renovation will take significantly longer.
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Our Kitchen Renovation Design Ideas
Pinterest is ultimately the best source of inspiration when planning the kitchen of your dreams. This is why we have collected some of the best kitchen designs based on aesthetics and functionality.
This collection is a treasure trove of captivating kitchen ideas, from contemporary and minimalist concepts to rustic charm and eclectic vibes.
You don’t have to be a kitchen designer to get some of these installed; there are plenty of carpenters out there who will build these themselves!
Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of innovative layouts, trendy colour palettes, cutting-edge appliances and clever storage solutions.
Tom is a Digital Content Writer passionate about sustainable property & property trends. Regardless of the subject, he will always write blogs of the best calibre. Read more about Tom here.
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