Last updated on December 4th, 2024
How much does kitchen fitting cost?
This cost guide was written in partnership with our professional estimators here at Checkatrade. Our estimators are Chartered Members (MRICS) of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and Members of the Chartered Institute of Building (MCIOB).
Fast Facts
- The average cost of fitting a new kitchen is £3,500
- Kitchen fitting costs will be determined by the size, scope, and specification of your kitchen
- Labour rates for kitchen fitters vary significantly across the UK
- Kitchen fitting will typically take around 2 weeks
A brand new kitchen will transform any tired space. Even better, it can add around 6-8% value to your home. But budgeting for a kitchen renovation isn’t just about the materials – you also need to factor in the cost of kitchen installation.
In many cases, your kitchen fitter will be employed by the business you purchase your kitchen from. Alternatively, you can hire an independent kitchen fitter.
In this guide, we help you calculate the average cost of fitting your new kitchen based on its size and specifications and typical labour costs.
We also outline what kitchen fitter quotes normally include and how to save on kitchen fitting costs.
How much does kitchen fitting cost?
| Cost provided | Unit | Price range (low - high) | Average cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fit an average-sized family kitchen | Per job | £2,000 - £6,000 | £3,500 |
| Kitchen worktop fitting cost | Per job | £300 - £1,000 | £500 |
| Kitchen fitter | Per day | £250 - £350 | £300 |
| Skip hire for kitchen removal | Per week | £200-£250 | £225 |
Last updated: November 2024
Our costs are ballpark averages – get a local tradesperson to quote now
The average cost of fitting a new kitchen is £3,500.
This cost does not include the supply of the kitchen itself, appliances, and accessories and will depend on the complexity of the installation and your location.
This estimate is based on an average-sized family kitchen and includes labour costs only for a kitchen fitter to:
- Remove your old kitchen units
- Fit new units and worktops
- Install new appliances, sinks, and taps
- Plastering and painting
- Tiling walls and floors
For more information to help price up the material costs of your new kitchen, head over to our new kitchen cost guide.
Kitchen installation costs by size
In the following sections, you’ll find a more detailed breakdown of kitchen fitting costs (labour only) for the various aspects of the project.
Kitchen installation costs for a mid-range kitchen by size:
- For a small kitchen with 8 cabinets and 3 appliances £2,000
- For a medium-sized kitchen with 12 cabinets and 3 appliances £3,500
- For a large kitchen with 16 cabinets and 3 appliances £5,000
Kitchen fitting cost per unit in the UK
Installing kitchen units typically costs £120 per unit/cabinet, depending on the specification and style of your units.
How much to fit a kitchen worktop?
The cost of fitting worktops ranges from £300 - £1,000. More expensive materials such as marble are heavier and can take longer to install than a wood or composite worktop.
Average cost to fit kitchen sinks, taps, and appliances
Sink installation costs normally range between £100 - £300 depending on whether you opt for a basic or more premium style.
- Budget taps typically cost around £50
- Pull-out spray taps cost in the region of £100 to install
- While boiling water taps might set you back £150
Installation costs for your appliances vary depending on whether you’re replacing like-for-like or switching fuel type. You may need the services of an electrician or Gas Safe engineer.
A like-for-like oven replacement costs around £150.
Plastering and painting
Plastering costs will vary – plastering a small room costs around £1,100, but to skim plaster a wall will cost in the region of £24 per m².
A painter and decorator costs around £325 per day.
Tiling walls and floors
Labour costs for tiling are normally in the region of £300 per day.
Extra costs to budget for
Lighting
- For an electrician to install approximately six recessed spotlights in your kitchen ceiling, budget around £200
- Under cabinet lighting (for approximately four lights) will set you back around £265
Tip: Save on the cost of under cabinet lighting by using rechargeable, self-adhesive LED lights.
Extractor fan
Adequate ventilation is essential in rooms prone to moisture, such as kitchens and bathrooms. The cost of installing an extractor fan in a kitchen is around £60.
Plumbing and heating
You’ll need a plumber to connect taps and appliances to your water supply. Plumber’s charge around £50 per hour. They’ll usually charge around £300 to replace a large radiator.
Underfloor heating will set you back around £95 - £110 per m² for a wet system or around £60 - £85 per m² for electric underfloor heating. Costs are inclusive of materials and labour, based on a renovation project, not a new build property.
Find and book your trade with us and we'll guarantee their work up to £1,000*.
What’s normally included in kitchen installation costs?
To help keep a handle on your budget, it’s important to understand what’s included in the cost of kitchen fitting – and what’s not.
Ask your kitchen fitter for an itemised quote so you can be sure of what you’re getting.
However, as a general rule of thumb, you can expect your kitchen fitter cost to include:
- Removing your existing kitchen
- Fitting your new units and worktops
- Installing your sinks, taps, and appliances
- Painting and plastering (if requested)
- Tiling walls and floors (if requested)
A kitchen fitter won’t collect or store your kitchen or provide any missing parts.
With kitchen fitting, you’ll typically pay extra for:
- A plumber to connect taps and appliances to the mains supply
- An electrician to install lights, an extractor fan, and any electrical appliances, for example, an oven
- A gas engineer to disconnect/connect any gas appliances
- A builder to complete any structural work
Once your current kitchen has been dismantled, you can either look at recycling options via your local council (if it still has a little life left) or dispose of it in a skip. On average, skip hire will cost you around £320 for 7 days.
Average kitchen fitter costs (labour only)
Depending on where you are in the country, you will notice a difference in the labour costs to fit a kitchen.
Kitchen fitter costs in London and the South East are typically higher than elsewhere in the UK.
On average, a kitchen fitter tends to charge:
- Between £250 - £350 per day
- Or £37 per hour
Some companies have multi-skilled tradespeople who fit kitchens and take care of the electrical and plumbing work. In this case, expect to pay a higher day rate than the figures quoted above.
As mentioned previously, ask exactly what your kitchen fitter will be doing on your particular project and what’s included in their quote. That way, you won’t be faced with any nasty surprises.
How long does it take to fit a kitchen?
The average time it takes to fit a kitchen is 10 days (2 full weeks). However, this timeframe will depend on the size and scope of the job.
Get a quote for the installation of your new kitchen
The total labour cost for fitting a kitchen will vary, according to the various factors we’ve outlined above.
To get a fair and competitive price for the job, we recommend:
- Getting a selection of kitchen fitter quotes from approved installers and compare them like-for-like
- Asking questions if you’re unsure what the quote includes
- Asking to see references and examples of their previous work
Search your postcode to find reliable kitchen fitters in your area.
Short on time? Use our request a quote feature to share a few details about the work you need and we’ll send it out to trusted tradespeople in your local area.
Kitchen fitting cost calculator
The costs included in this guide aim to give you ballpark costs for the labour cost of fitting a new kitchen depending on its size and specifications.
When it comes to requesting a quote, you’ll need to:
- Measure the size of your kitchen
- Decide how many and what type of units you need
- Choose the specifications of the units and your worktops
- Think about any special features, fixtures, and fittings that you want
Choose kitchen elements
Additional items (specify quantity of each)
Your new kitchen would approximately cost:
Working with professional estimators, we collate cost estimates for the common home improvement and repair jobs in the UK. All the costs are estimates only and for accurate costs for your particular requirements, you are encouraged to reach out to professional tradespeople to receive a quote for your job. Read our disclaimer for more information.
Factors that affect kitchen fitting costs
The total cost of fitting a kitchen depends on several factors, including:
- The size and specification of the kitchen being fitted
- The number of units and appliances
- The complexity of the layout
- The area to be tiled (floor and walls)
- Any plastering or painting needed before the kitchen is fitted
- Your location
How to save on kitchen fitting costs
Kitchen fitting is a job best left to the professionals for a quality, long-lasting result. However, there are ways to make kitchen fitting services more affordable.
1. Remove existing units yourself
With a few basic tools (and a willing pair of extra hands!) dismantling a kitchen can be a great way to save a bit of money on kitchen fitting costs. We have a handy guide to walk you through the process.
2. Choose what you need carefully
From the scope of the work to the specification of the materials and finishes, there are ways to be savvy when renovating your kitchen. To reduce kitchen fitting costs, consider:
- Keeping or reusing parts of your existing kitchen. For example, keep the carcasses of the units and replace the cupboard and drawer fronts and handles
- Finding a second-hand or ex-display kitchen
- Choosing less expensive appliances
- Materials that mimic the look of more expensive styles
- Minimising layout changes
3. Compare quotes from local kitchen fitters
Kitchen fitting can be a significant cost, so shop around to ensure you get a good price.
Get a selection of kitchen fitter quotes, compare them like-for-like, and make sure you’re clear on what the quote includes.
Using a trusted directory such as Checkatrade, you can be sure you’re hiring a kitchen fitter that we’ve checked and approved.
Don’t forget, you can read customer reviews and see examples of their previous work on their Checkatrade profile, making it easier to find quality trades you can trust.
FAQs
Why use a kitchen fitter?
Kitchen fitters are independent professionals who will install your new kitchen.
Kitchen fitters provide what’s called a ‘dry fit’. This includes building your units and fitting them, along with all kitchen furniture including the sink, taps, appliances, and all fittings.
Crucially, kitchen fitters will not connect devices to the mains supplies or configure them for use.
The benefits of using a kitchen fitter
There are significant benefits to be gained from using a kitchen fitter and other professional tradespeople, rather than paying one business to completely supply and fit your new kitchen. These include:
- Greater control over all aspects of the design and fit of the kitchen
- Management of the timeline
- Greater accountability, with tradespeople working for you
- The ability to mix-and-match products from different suppliers
- Potentially lower costs from using individual trades
What do I need to provide for my kitchen fitter?
Kitchen fitter costs do not include any time spent waiting for parts to be delivered. It’s up to you to ensure that you have everything that your kitchen fitter needs to complete the job without delay. This includes (but is not limited to):
- Kitchen designs
- Kitchen units
- Worktops
- Tiles
- Appliances
- Fixtures and fittings
Your kitchen fitting cost will include transport to your home and the supply of all tools required to complete the job.
Can I fit my kitchen myself?
Fitting a kitchen is a job for a professional. While many kitchen units may be flat-packed and easy to assemble, fitting a kitchen from scratch is a challenging job.
We always recommend hiring an experienced professional to fit your new kitchen.
Working with professional estimators, we collate cost estimates for the common home improvement and repair jobs in the UK.
All the costs are estimates only. For accurate costs for your particular requirements, you are encouraged to reach out to professional tradespeople to receive a quote for your job.
Our estimators are Chartered Members (MRICS) of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and Members of the Chartered Institute of Building (MCIOB). See full disclaimer.
Rumi
Very practical clear and useful info. Thx.
Saira Pike
A useful ' basic' guide to kitchen installation. Great for someone who has one idea where to start!