How Much Does a Newly Fitted Kitchen Cost in 2024?

Starting a project as big as fitting a new kitchen is equally exciting and daunting. While it’s easy to get caught up obsessing over those dream products, it’s just as important to be prepared for the reality of costs. Renovating your kitchen can be pricey, and unless you’re a DIY whiz, you’ll likely need a professional to fit your new units, worktops, and appliances.

Some tasks, like tiling, are DIY-friendly, even for beginners. But others, like installing taps, ovens, extractor fans, or handling electrical work, are better left to the experts, and for good reason! Not only can mistakes lead to costly repairs, but some jobs, like installing fridges or large countertops, involve heavy lifting and are simply impractical to manage alone. Professional help will ensure these tasks are completed safely and correctly.

If coping with budgeting feels overwhelming, don’t worry. We’ve created this  guide, based on input from kitchen fitters and professionals across the UK, to give you a realistic idea of what a new kitchen installation might set you back in 2024. Plus, we’ve added a few money-saving tips for good measure.

These cost predictions have been calculated based on an average price released by multiple professional plumbers and electricians, from January 2024.

DIY vs. Professional Help: Where to Draw the Line

While many homeowners enjoy getting hands-on with their renovations, it’s important to recognise which tasks can reasonably be done yourself and which should be left to the pros. Here’s a quick guide:

DIY-Friendly Tasks:

• Tiling: As long as you have the right tools and a bit of patience, tiling walls or floors can be tackled by beginners. However, larger areas may take time, so only commit if you’re ready for a detailed project.
• Painting and decorating: Giving your kitchen a fresh coat of paint is one of the most DIY-accessible jobs, perfect for saving costs without compromising quality.
• Assembling flat-pack cabinets: If you’re handy with a screwdriver and can follow instructions, assembling flat-pack units from popular retailers like IKEA is manageable for most people.

Tasks Best Left to Professionals:

• Electrical work: Whether it’s installing new lighting, rewiring for appliances, or setting up extractor fans, electrical work should always be left to a licensed electrician. The safety risks and building code regulations make this a job for the experts.
• Plumbing: Installing sinks, taps, or dishwashers often requires precise connections to existing plumbing systems, and errors could result in leaks or water damage. Hiring a plumber will prevent costly mistakes.
• Heavy lifting: Large appliances like fridges or hefty countertops may seem manageable, but lifting and positioning these items can be dangerous without the right equipment. Contractors have the tools and experience to handle them safely.

 So, how much does it cost to install a kitchen? Read on...

How Much Should You Pay for a Kitchen Installation?

Before getting into the numbers, let’s understand why kitchen costs can vary so much. Every kitchen is unique, and the price you pay will depend on your specific needs. Based on the average UK kitchen size of 13-14 square metres, here’s what you can expect:

The average kitchen installation cost is around £3,500, covering:

• Removing your old kitchen
• Fitting new kitchen units and worktops
• Installing sinks, taps, and appliances
• Painting, plastering, and tiling walls and floors

However, this estimate might not include extras like:

• Plumbing for taps and appliances
• Electrical work like lighting or ventilation
• Structural changes, such as moving walls or doors

Always remember, unforeseen issues like structural damage or outdated wiring could push the price up. It’s smart to leave some room in your budget for surprises.

Location Matters

Kitchen installation costs can vary significantly depending on where you live. Here’s how geography can impact your budget:

• High-cost areas: Cities like London and the South East tend to have higher labour costs due to demand and wages. Expect to pay a premium for kitchen installation in these areas.
• Lower-cost areas: In cities like Birmingham or Manchester, competition between fitters may drive down costs. Quotes could be slightly more affordable than in the capital.
• Rural or remote areas: If you live in a more isolated region, such as a village or an island, you might face higher costs due to the limited number of available contractors and increased travel expenses.

How to Find Reliable Contractors:

• Get multiple quotes: Always compare at least three quotes from local fitters. This helps ensure you’re paying a fair price for your location.
• Search for reviews: Check platforms like Trustpilot or MyBuilder for contractor reviews. See what previous clients have said about the quality of work, timeliness, and overall satisfaction.
• Check local availability of materials: Some regions may have limited access to certain materials, which can affect costs. If your area lacks nearby suppliers, you may have to pay more for delivery or wait longer for materials to arrive.

 Average Cost of a New Kitchen 

Tiles and Flooring

Tiling can really pull your kitchen’s look together. And the good news? It's often one of the more affordable options compared to traditional flooring. Tiling typically costs £250-£300 per day, with labour ranging from £15-£25 per square metre. For an average 13-square-metre kitchen, tiling should cost roughly £250-£300.

Before you get started, measure the area carefully to avoid any jump scares when the invoice arrives. Tile can be cheaper than traditional flooring, making it a great option for those on a budget.

Taps and Sinks

While DIY tiling is achievable for most, fitting taps and sinks is a different story. If you’re not careful, a botched job can lead to dripping, leaks, and even damage to other parts of your kitchen. That’s why many people choose to hire a professional plumber — and we don’t blame them!

• Tap installation: £80-£120 depending on complexity

• Sink installation: £40-£50 per hour; 2-4 hours total, costing about £200.

Boiling water taps, which are often seen as a luxury, are just as cheap to install as regular taps. They typically take around an hour to fit, and while they cost more to purchase, their installation costs are similar to standard taps.

Ovens, Stoves, Fridges, and Extractor Fans

When it comes to appliances, installation costs vary depending on whether you’re replacing like-for-like or switching types:

• Electric oven installation: £100-£150 (more if rewiring is needed)

• Stove installation: £100-£150 (higher if new wiring is required)

• Fridge installation: £50-£100 unless pipes need moving

Extractor fans are vital for maintaining air quality in your kitchen by removing smoke, steam, and cooking odours. Their installation typically costs between £190-£220, taking 2-4 hours to complete.

Worktop installation: £100 per square metre; fitting a worktop can cost over £1,000.

Worktops, though expensive, can last decades, so consider them a long-term investment.

Heating

If your kitchen renovation includes heating upgrades, here are rough benchmarks:

• Radiator installation: £300-£360; takes 2-4 hours

• Underfloor heating: £130-£165 per square metre; takes 5 hours to 2 days, depending on the area covered

  These additional features can increase comfort and improve the overall functionality of your kitchen.

Additional Costs

Beyond the basics, you may need to budget for a few other tasks, depending on the depth of your renovation:

Lighting installation: £100-£200; takes 2-3 hours.

Dishwasher installation: £50-£90; takes about an hour.

Save Money on Waste

Kitchen renovations can be messy, and some fitters charge extra for waste removal. Here are a few options to save money and manage waste effectively:

• Dismantle yourself: If you're comfortable with DIY, removing your old kitchen could save your fitter some work and lower your overall quote. Just be careful not to damage structural elements.

• Hire a skip: Hiring a skip or a waste bag for disposal can be cost-effective. The price of skips will vary based on size and location, so compare several local services.

• Council recycling services: You could also look into disposing of the waste yourself through your local council’s recycling services. This can help cut costs, but be careful if you’re not experienced with demolition work.

• Asbestos and hazardous materials: If you live in an older home, be aware of asbestos in insulation, flooring, or walls. If asbestos is discovered during renovation, you’ll need to hire a specialist to remove it safely — this can significantly increase costs.

By managing waste disposal effectively, you can potentially lower the overall costs of your kitchen renovation, but ensure safety is prioritised.

Don’t Skimp on the Finish

As the saying goes, “You get what you pay for.” While cutting corners on materials and workmanship may seem like an easy way to save, it can lead to disappointment in the long run. Cheap materials and poor workmanship can cause issues later, so it's worth investing in quality from the outset. A skilled kitchen fitter and durable materials will ensure your kitchen not only looks great but also stands the test of time.

Steer Clear of Cowboys

Hiring the wrong fitter can lead to delays, shoddy workmanship, and extra costs. Always do your research! Check reviews, get multiple quotes, and avoid the temptation to go with the cheapest option. If a price seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Top tip: Treat your contractors well. Offering them tea or coffee (with some of your best bickys) goes a long way in ensuring they feel appreciated and may even keep morale high during the project!

Prep Your Home for Contractors

Once you’ve hired your kitchen fitter, there are a few things you can do to help the project run smoothly:

• Storage: If your new appliances and materials are being delivered before the installation starts, make sure you have enough storage space. Whether it’s a garage or a spare room, plan where everything will go ahead of time.

• Inspect Deliveries: Don’t wait until installation day to check your items. As soon as they arrive, inspect everything for damage so you can return faulty goods in time.

• Parking: If you live in an area with limited parking, discuss this with your fitter beforehand. Offering to cover parking fees or arranging permits can prevent unnecessary delays.

• Access: Will you be at home while the work is being done? If not, make arrangements for how the fitters will access your home.

Final Tips:

• Research contractors: Make sure to check contractor reviews and reputation before hiring. This will help you avoid delays, shoddy workmanship, or extra costs down the line.

• Get multiple quotes: Always get a few quotes to find the best price for your budget.

• Have materials on-site: Ensure all your materials are on-site before the work starts to avoid delays.

• Leave room in your budget: Always account for unexpected costs. Unforeseen issues can and do happen during kitchen renovations, and a little financial cushion can help avoid budget stress.

How We Can Help:

At Victorian Plumbing, we offer a range of durable, stylish kitchen products to fit your budget and taste. Whether you're looking for scratch-resistant worktops or easy-to-clean sinks, we’ve got everything you need to create a kitchen you’ll love for years to come.

Why Us?

Our products are designed to last, making your kitchen not only beautiful but practical for everyday use.

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Don’t forget to check out our buying guides and blog for more expert tips and inspiration on making the best choices for your kitchen renovation!