Kitchen Renovation Cost Guide UK 2025: Complete Price Breakdown & Planning

Kitchen Renovation Cost Overview UK 2025

Kitchen renovations represent one of the most significant home improvement investments, with UK homeowners spending between £8,000 and £50,000+ on complete kitchen transformations in 2025. Whether you're planning a budget refresh or a luxury complete redesign, understanding the full cost breakdown is crucial for successful project planning and avoiding expensive surprises.

This comprehensive guide covers everything from unit and appliance costs to labour, plumbing, electrical work, and hidden expenses. We'll help you navigate the complexities of kitchen renovation pricing, understand what affects costs, and make informed decisions about your investment.

Quick Cost Summary 2025:

• Budget kitchen renovation: £8,000-£15,000
• Mid-range kitchen renovation: £15,000-£30,000
• Luxury kitchen renovation: £30,000-£60,000+
• Kitchen units and worktops: 30-40% of budget
• Labour costs: 40-50% of total project

Kitchen Renovation Cost Breakdown by Budget

Budget Kitchen Renovation (£8,000-£15,000)

Key Components:

• Basic fitted units: £2,500-£4,500
• Laminate worktops: £300-£800
• Standard appliances: £2,000-£3,500
• Basic flooring: £400-£1,000
• Simple tiling: £300-£800
• Labour costs: £3,000-£6,000
• Plumbing and electrical: £1,000-£2,000

Budget Kitchen Features:

• Standard carcass units with basic handles
• Laminate or basic solid wood worktops
• Mid-range appliances from established brands
• Vinyl or ceramic tile flooring
• Basic subway or ceramic wall tiles
• Standard sinks and taps

Mid-Range Kitchen Renovation (£15,000-£30,000)

Key Components:

• Quality fitted units: £4,500-£8,000
• Quartz or granite worktops: £1,200-£3,000
• Premium appliances: £4,000-£8,000
• Quality flooring: £1,000-£2,500
• Designer tiling: £800-£2,000
• Labour costs: £6,000-£12,000
• Enhanced services: £2,000-£4,000

Mid-Range Kitchen Features:

• Soft-close doors and drawers
• Engineered stone or granite worktops
• Integrated appliances with premium features
• Natural stone or engineered wood flooring
• Metro tiles or natural stone splashbacks
• Designer sinks and mixer taps
• Under-unit lighting

Luxury Kitchen Renovation (£30,000-£60,000+)

Key Components:

• Bespoke cabinetry: £12,000-£20,000
• Premium stone worktops: £3,000-£6,000
• High-end appliances: £8,000-£15,000
• Luxury flooring: £2,500-£6,000
• Premium tiling and finishes: £2,000-£5,000
• Specialist labour: £12,000-£20,000
• Advanced services and features: £4,000-£10,000

Luxury Kitchen Features:

• Hand-painted or solid wood cabinets
• Marble, granite, or bespoke worktop materials
• Professional-grade integrated appliances
• Natural stone or premium engineered flooring
• Bespoke splashbacks and feature walls
• Designer fixtures and fittings
• Smart home integration and automation

Kitchen Units and Cabinetry Costs

Unit Types and Pricing

Flat-Pack Units (DIY Assembly):

• Basic range: £100-£200 per linear meter
• Mid-range: £200-£400 per linear meter
• Premium flat-pack: £400-£600 per linear meter
• Assembly costs: £100-£200 per linear meter

Rigid Units (Pre-assembled):

• Standard quality: £300-£500 per linear meter
• High quality: £500-£800 per linear meter
• Premium brands: £800-£1,200 per linear meter
• Installation included: Usually in quoted price

Bespoke/Made-to-Measure:

• Painted MDF: £800-£1,200 per linear meter
• Solid wood: £1,200-£2,000 per linear meter
• Hand-painted traditional: £1,500-£3,000 per linear meter
• Ultra-luxury bespoke: £2,000-£5,000+ per linear meter

Door Styles and Finishes

Popular Door Options:

• Laminate doors: £30-£80 per door
• Vinyl wrapped doors: £50-£120 per door
• Painted MDF: £80-£200 per door
• Solid wood doors: £150-£400 per door
• Handleless/integrated: +£20-£50 per door

Hardware and Accessories:

• Soft-close hinges: £15-£30 per door
• Drawer runners (soft-close): £25-£60 each
• Handles and knobs: £5-£50 each
• Internal fittings: £50-£200 per unit

Worktop Materials and Costs

Worktop Options by Material

Laminate Worktops:

• Standard laminate: £20-£40 per linear meter
• Premium laminate: £40-£80 per linear meter
• Installation: £100-£200 per installation
• Pros: Budget-friendly, wide choice of designs
• Cons: Can chip, limited heat resistance

Solid Wood Worktops:

• Oak worktops: £60-£150 per linear meter
• Walnut worktops: £100-£250 per linear meter
• Bamboo worktops: £50-£120 per linear meter
• Installation: £200-£400 per project
• Annual maintenance: £50-£150 (oiling/treatment)

Granite Worktops:

• Standard granite: £150-£300 per m²
• Premium granite: £300-£600 per m²
• Exotic granite: £500-£1,000+ per m²
• Template and installation: £200-£500 per project

Quartz Worktops:

• Standard engineered quartz: £200-£400 per m²
• Premium brands (Silestone, Caesarstone): £400-£700 per m²
• Ultra-premium quartz: £600-£1,200+ per m²
• Template and installation: £300-£600 per project

Alternative Materials:

• Solid surface (Corian): £200-£500 per m²
• Concrete worktops: £150-£400 per m²
• Stainless steel: £100-£300 per m²
• Marble worktops: £300-£800+ per m²

Kitchen Appliance Costs

Essential Appliances

Ovens and Hobs:

• Electric oven (built-in): £300-£1,200
• Gas oven (built-in): £400-£1,500
• Range cookers: £800-£5,000+
• Induction hobs: £300-£1,500
• Gas hobs: £200-£1,000
• Professional-style ranges: £2,000-£15,000+

Refrigeration:

• Integrated fridge-freezer: £500-£2,000
• American-style fridge-freezer: £800-£3,000
• Built-in wine coolers: £400-£2,000
• Integrated fridges only: £400-£1,500

Dishwashers:

• Standard integrated dishwasher: £300-£800
• Premium integrated models: £600-£1,500
• Compact/slimline models: £250-£600
• Commercial-style dishwashers: £1,000-£3,000

Additional Appliances

• Microwaves (built-in): £200-£800
• Coffee machines (integrated): £800-£3,000
• Warming drawers: £400-£1,200
• Kitchen extractor fans/hoods: £150-£2,000
• Waste disposal units: £100-£400

Flooring Options and Costs

Kitchen Flooring Materials

Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT):

• Standard LVT: £25-£50 per m²
• Premium LVT: £40-£80 per m²
• Installation: £15-£30 per m²
• Pros: Water-resistant, comfortable underfoot
• Cons: Can be punctured by sharp objects

Ceramic and Porcelain Tiles:

• Standard ceramic tiles: £15-£40 per m²
• Porcelain tiles: £25-£80 per m²
• Designer/large format tiles: £40-£150+ per m²
• Installation: £20-£40 per m²

Natural Stone:

• Limestone tiles: £30-£80 per m²
• Travertine tiles: £25-£60 per m²
• Slate tiles: £25-£70 per m²
• Marble tiles: £40-£200+ per m²
• Installation: £30-£50 per m²

Engineered Wood:

• Oak engineered flooring: £30-£80 per m²
• Walnut engineered flooring: £40-£120 per m²
• Installation: £20-£40 per m²
• Water-resistant treatments: +£10-£20 per m²

Kitchen Tiling and Splashback Costs

Wall Tiling Options

Ceramic Wall Tiles:

• Basic ceramic tiles: £15-£40 per m²
• Metro/subway tiles: £20-£60 per m²
• Handmade ceramic tiles: £40-£120 per m²
• Installation: £25-£45 per m²

Natural Stone Tiles:

• Marble tiles: £40-£150 per m²
• Travertine tiles: £25-£80 per m²
• Slate tiles: £30-£90 per m²
• Installation: £35-£55 per m²

Alternative Splashback Materials:

• Stainless steel: £60-£150 per m²
• Glass splashbacks: £80-£300 per m²
• Stone slabs: £100-£400 per m²
• Mirrored splashbacks: £50-£150 per m²

Plumbing and Electrical Costs

Plumbing Work

Basic Plumbing Tasks:

• Sink installation: £150-£400
• Dishwasher connection: £100-£250
• Washing machine connection: £80-£200
• Boiler relocation: £500-£1,500
• New water supply runs: £200-£600

Complex Plumbing:

• Complete re-plumb: £1,000-£3,000
• New gas supply (hob/oven): £300-£800
• Waste pipe modifications: £200-£800
• Water pressure improvements: £400-£1,200

Electrical Work

Standard Electrical Tasks:

• New consumer unit compliance: £300-£600
• Additional sockets: £80-£150 each
• Under-unit lighting: £200-£600
• Extractor fan installation: £150-£400
• Appliance circuits: £100-£250 each

Advanced Electrical Features:

• Smart home integration: £500-£2,000
• Kitchen island electrics: £300-£800
• Mood lighting systems: £400-£1,200
• USB charging points: £50-£120 each

Labour Costs and Timeline

Professional Trades Required

Kitchen Fitter:

• Daily rate: £250-£400
• Project duration: 5-15 days
• Skills: Unit installation, worktop fitting

Plumber:

• Daily rate: £200-£350
• Time required: 2-5 days
• Skills: Water supply, waste, gas connections

Electrician:

• Daily rate: £200-£350
• Time required: 2-4 days
• Skills: Circuits, appliance connections, lighting

Tiler:

• Daily rate: £150-£300
• Time required: 3-8 days
• Skills: Wall tiling, flooring installation

Installation Timeline

Small Kitchen Renovation (2-3 weeks):

• Week 1: Demolition, first fix plumbing/electrical
• Week 2: Unit installation, worktop fitting
• Week 3: Tiling, appliances, finishing touches

Large Kitchen Renovation (4-6 weeks):

• Week 1-2: Demolition, structural work, first fix
• Week 3-4: Flooring, unit installation, worktops
• Week 5-6: Tiling, appliances, second fix, decoration

Kitchen Sinks and Taps

Kitchen Sink Options

Sink Materials and Costs:

• Stainless steel sinks: £80-£600
• Granite composite sinks: £200-£800
• Ceramic/fireclay sinks: £150-£1,000
• Natural stone sinks: £300-£1,500
• Copper sinks: £400-£2,000

Sink Configuration Options:

• Single bowl: Most economical option
• 1.5 bowl: Additional prep/washing space
• Double bowl: Maximum versatility
• Undermount installation: +£100-£300
• Belfast/farmhouse style: +£200-£600

Kitchen Taps

Tap Types and Pricing:

• Basic mixer taps: £50-£200
• Pull-out spray taps: £100-£400
• Professional-style taps: £200-£800
• Boiling water taps: £800-£2,500
• Filter taps (integrated): £300-£800

Kitchen Lighting Costs

Lighting Types and Options

General Lighting:

• Recessed downlights: £30-£100 each
• Pendant lights: £50-£500 each
• Track lighting systems: £100-£500 per system
• Chandelier/statement lights: £200-£2,000+

Task Lighting:

• Under-unit LED strips: £20-£60 per meter
• Over-island pendant lights: £100-£800 each
• Cabinet interior lighting: £15-£40 per unit
• Toe-kick lighting: £15-£30 per meter

Installation and Controls:

• Basic dimmer switches: £20-£80 each
• Smart lighting controls: £80-£300 per zone
• Motion sensors: £30-£120 each
• Professional installation: £200-£800 total

Regional Cost Variations

London and South East (+20-30%)

• Higher labour rates: Premium for skilled trades
• Material delivery costs: Additional transport charges
• Planning complexities: Building regulations compliance
• Market demand: Limited contractor availability

Northern England and Scotland (-10-15%)

• Competitive labour rates: Good availability
• Regional suppliers: Competitive material pricing
• Local craftspeople: Traditional skills availability

Wales and Southwest (National Average)

• Balanced market: Standard UK pricing
• Good contractor choice: Established networks
• Material availability: Comprehensive supply chains

Hidden Costs and Unexpected Expenses

Structural Issues

• Wall removal (load-bearing): £1,000-£3,000
• Ceiling lowering/raising: £500-£2,000
• Floor leveling: £300-£1,000
• Beam installation: £800-£2,500

Services Upgrades

• Electrical consumer unit upgrade: £400-£800
• Gas supply upgrade: £500-£1,500
• Water pressure improvements: £400-£1,200
• Ventilation upgrades: £200-£800

Planning and Permissions

• Building regulations (if structural): £150-£500
• Party wall agreements: £700-£2,000
• Structural engineer fees: £500-£1,500
• Planning permission (rare): £462 + professional fees

Kitchen Design Trends 2025

Popular Design Elements

• Kitchen islands: Multi-functional centerpieces
• Open shelving: Display and storage combination
• Two-tone cabinetry: Contrasting upper and lower units
• Statement backsplashes: Bold patterns and materials
• Integrated appliances: Seamless aesthetic

Color and Material Trends

• Warm neutrals: Sage green, warm greys, cream
• Natural materials: Wood grain, natural stone
• Mixed metals: Brass, copper, and steel combinations
• Textured finishes: Fluted doors, ribbed surfaces

Return on Investment

Property Value Impact

• Budget renovation: 60-80% cost recovery
• Mid-range renovation: 70-90% cost recovery
• Luxury renovation: 50-70% cost recovery
• Market appeal factor: Significant buyer interest increase

Features That Add Most Value

1. Modern, efficient layout
2. Quality appliances and fixtures
3. Ample storage solutions
4. Durable, attractive finishes
5. Good lighting design
6. Energy-efficient features

Choosing the Right Contractor

Essential Contractor Qualities

• Kitchen specialization: Specific experience with kitchens
• Multi-trade coordination: Managing all aspects
• Design capabilities: 3D visualization and planning
• Insurance coverage: Comprehensive public liability
• Portfolio quality: Recent, relevant examples

Questions to Ask Kitchen Contractors

1. How many kitchens do you install per year?
2. Can you provide 3D design visualizations?
3. Do you coordinate all trades or use subcontractors?
4. What warranty do you provide on installation?
5. Can you handle building regulations if required?
6. How do you manage project timelines?
7. What happens if complications arise?
8. Can I see recent completed projects?

Red Flags to Avoid

• No specialist kitchen experience
• Cannot provide design services
• Unusually low quotes (25%+ below others)
• Poor quality portfolio examples
• No project management capabilities
• Pressure for large upfront payments
• Limited warranty offerings

Getting Professional Quotes

When planning your kitchen renovation, obtaining detailed quotes from experienced kitchen specialists is crucial for accurate budgeting and successful project completion.

What Should Professional Kitchen Quotes Include?

• Detailed design and layout plans
• Complete specification of units, worktops, and appliances
• Labour breakdown by trade and timeline
• All services work (plumbing, electrical, gas)
• Decoration and finishing costs
• Project management and coordination
• Waste removal and site preparation
• Warranty terms and aftercare

Professional kitchen companies will survey your space, discuss your requirements in detail, and provide comprehensive quotes that reflect all aspects of your project, including potential complications and variations.

Kitchen Renovation Planning Checklist

Pre-Planning Phase

• Set realistic budget with 20% contingency
• Measure space and assess existing layout
• Research kitchen styles and gather inspiration
• Consider family lifestyle and cooking needs
• Check structural limitations and possibilities
• Plan temporary kitchen arrangements

Design and Planning

• Create detailed layout plans
• Select units, worktops, and appliances
• Choose flooring and wall finishes
• Plan lighting and electrical requirements
• Consider plumbing and gas modifications
• Obtain multiple contractor quotes

Installation Phase

• Clear kitchen and protect other areas
• Monitor progress against agreed timeline
• Ensure building control inspections (if required)
• Check quality at each installation stage
• Test all appliances and systems
• Complete final snagging and handover

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a kitchen renovation cost in the UK?

Kitchen renovation costs range from £8,000 for basic renovations to £60,000+ for luxury installations. Most homeowners spend £15,000-£30,000 on mid-range renovations including units, appliances, worktops, and professional installation.

How long does a kitchen renovation take?

Kitchen renovations typically take 2-3 weeks for standard projects and 4-6 weeks for complex renovations. Timeline depends on kitchen size, structural changes required, and appliance availability.

Do I need planning permission for kitchen renovation?

Most kitchen renovations don't require planning permission as they're internal modifications. However, structural changes, extensions, or changes to listed buildings may require permissions.

Can I live in my house during kitchen renovation?

Yes, but it requires careful planning. Set up a temporary kitchen with essential appliances, plan meal alternatives, and ensure contractors have alternative access for dusty/noisy work.

What's the most expensive part of kitchen renovation?

Labour typically represents 40-50% of total costs, followed by cabinets and worktops (30-40%), and appliances (15-25%). The exact breakdown varies by project scope and specification.

Should I choose integrated appliances?

Integrated appliances create a seamless look and are popular in modern kitchens. They typically cost £200-£500 more than freestanding equivalents but add significant aesthetic value.

How can I save money on kitchen renovation?

Save money by keeping the existing layout, choosing mid-range appliances, mixing high and low-cost materials strategically, and doing some preparation work yourself while leaving technical work to professionals.

What should I do first in kitchen renovation?

Start with planning and design, then demolition, followed by structural/first fix work (plumbing, electrical), then installation of units, worktops, and appliances, finishing with tiling and decoration.