Cost guide for a new kitchen

A new fitted kitchen is one of the most sought-after home improvements in the UK. Kitchens are often the hub of the home, where families prepare meals together and socialise, so it’s no wonder that homeowners want to keep their kitchens looking fresh and on-trend. But how much does a new kitchen cost?

There are a few factors that will impact the cost of a builder to fit a new kitchen. The size of your kitchen, whether you want high-end or budget units and appliances and the kind of worktops you choose will all make a difference. But the average new kitchen cost, including labour, is around £10,500.

So what do you need to consider when you’re budgeting for a new kitchen? We’ve put together a complete guide to the cost of a new kitchen so you can plan accordingly. 

Do I need a kitchen designer?

Whether you need a kitchen designer or not ultimately depends on your budget. If you’re looking for a high-end kitchen, around £5,000 of your costs could be on a designer. But if you’re replacing your kitchen like-for-like, you can save money on design costs by working with tradespeople directly.

However, working with a professional kitchen designer will help you to see how far your budget will stretch. They can also help you to find the right layout for your kitchen, which can be useful if you’re not happy with the way your kitchen works at the moment. 

Kitchen worktop costs

Kitchen worktops can make or break a kitchen. Choose the right ones and your kitchen will shine and stand out, but choose the wrong ones and it can look dull and drab. The cost of your worktops will depend on the material you choose. Here’s an idea of how much you should expect to pay for your kitchen worktops, excluding fitting:

Laminate worktops

Laminate worktops are a great option if you’ve got a low budget. You can choose colours to mimic materials like wood or granite, but they won’t last as long and they can get damaged easily.

Wood worktops

Wooden worktops can look beautiful, but they require regular maintenance. You’ll need to oil them regularly and ensure that they’re waterproof to prevent them from getting damaged. This can make them a very expensive option as you’ll need to factor in the cost of materials to maintain them.

Granite worktops

Granite is a gorgeous natural stone that will be unique with every cut. It’s extremely durable and doesn’t scratch easily, making it perfect for kitchens. Granite worktops come sealed as they’re porous, but if the seal begins to fade you might find that your worktops will get stained. 

Quartz worktops

Quartz is man-made but looks like a natural product. It’s very hard-wearing so is ideal for busy kitchens. It won’t look as good as granite, but you can get it in lots of different colours and patterns to suit any kitchen. Quartz isn’t porous like granite so is extremely hygienic.

How to choose the right kitchen appliances

If you’re getting a new fitted kitchen, you’ll probably want to update your appliances too. You’ll need to decide whether you want integrated or freestanding appliances. 

It’s worth considering that a typical range of appliances, including a washing machine, built-in oven, hob, cooker hood, dishwasher and fridge freezer can cost anywhere between £1,500 and £5,000 - maybe more if you want top-of-the-range appliances. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular and highest-rated models:

Best built in ovens

Best hobs

Best dishwashers

Best fridge freezers

How long does fitting a new kitchen take?

How long your new kitchen takes to be installed will depend on the complexity of the project. If you have a small galley kitchen, a tradesperson should be able to fit it within 2-3 days. If you have a medium to large kitchen, you should it expect it to take up to 2 weeks.

The amount of work you’re having done will also impact the time it takes to fit your new kitchen. If you’re having new units, flooring, tiling and splashbacks and building work such as knocking walls through or installing new plumbing, it could take weeks or months. 

Speak to a professional about the work you’d like done for your new kitchen to get an accurate idea of how long it will take to complete.

Kitchen supply costs

If you’re thinking about getting your own supplies for your new kitchen, take a look to see how much you can expect to spend on each different part of your kitchen:

Get competitive quotes

A new fitted kitchen is a significant investment, so make sure you get a range of quotes from reputable tradespeople. A kitchen installation company will be able to tell you how long it will take to complete and give you recommendations on units, appliances and worktops.

Post a job on HaMuch to get quotes from reliable kitchen fitters today.

Estimates for common kitchen fitter jobs;

Rates for other trades