A kitchen is the heart of any home, and renovating it can add significant value and functionality to your property. However, a kitchen replacement is a multi-trade project involving fitting, plumbing, electrics, tiling, and sometimes gas work. This makes understanding and planning your budget critical.
In this 2026 cost guide, we look at average kitchen installation labor fees, unit and worktop costs, fitter day rates, and how to get quotes from verified kitchen installation specialists on GetBuilder.
Average cost of a new kitchen installation (Fitting Only)
For professional labor to fit a new kitchen, the average cost ranges between £2,000 and £6,000 depending on the kitchen size and layout complexity. This covers removing the old units, assembling and hanging new units, fitting worktops, and hooking up basic appliances:
- Small Kitchen (Fitting Only): Expect to pay £2,000 to £3,200 in labor fees.
- Medium Kitchen (Fitting Only): Expect to pay £3,200 to £4,500 in labor fees.
- Large Kitchen (Fitting Only): Expect to pay £4,500 to £6,500 in labor fees.
Total project costs: Kitchen + Installation
If you are planning a complete renovation including the cost of units, appliances, worktops, and labor, your budget will fall into one of three tiers:
| Kitchen Class | What is Included? | Average Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Flat-pack cabinets, laminate worktops, standard appliances, basic installation | £6,200 - £16,800 |
| Mid-Range | Rigid cabinets, quartz or solid wood worktops, mid-tier appliances, complete fitting | £11,500 - £35,000 |
| High-End / Bespoke | Custom cabinetry, granite/marble worktops, premium appliances, advanced wiring and tiling | £15,000 - £50,000+ |
Kitchen fitter day rates and trade labor costs
A professional kitchen fitter charges an average day rate of £250 to £350 per day in labor fees. Because a new kitchen requires other trades, you may also need to budget for the following day rates:
- Electrician: £250 - £350 per day (needed to relocate plug sockets, install cooker circuits, and fit spotlights).
- Plumber: £220 - £320 per day (needed to hook up sinks, taps, and dishwashers).
- Gas Safe Engineer: £280 - £380 per day (essential for gas hob connections).
- Plasterer: £200 - £300 per day (to smooth walls after old tiles are hacked off).
Factors affecting your new kitchen budget
To keep your kitchen renovation project as cost-effective as possible, keep the following variables in mind:
- Keep layout plumbing unchanged: Relocating sinks, boilers, or gas stoves require rerouting pipes, which can add £1,000 to £2,500 to your project cost. Keeping sinks and hobs in their original locations avoids this expense.
- Worktop materials: Laminate worktops are cost-effective at £30 - £60 per linear metre, whereas Quartz, Granite, and Solid Oak cost £200 - £550 per linear metre due to custom templating and cutting requirements.
- Waste removal: Disposing of your old kitchen typically costs £250 to £400 for skip hire or commercial waste clearance.
How to hire a kitchen fitter on GetBuilder
To ensure your cabinets are hung perfectly straight and joints are seamless, hiring a professional kitchen installer is recommended. Follow these steps to find the right fitter:
- Check previous work: Look for smooth joinery seams and ask to see previous portfolio photos.
- Set a contingency fund: Always keep a 10% to 15% contingency in your budget to cover unexpected issues like hidden damp or out-of-date wiring discovered during rip-out.
- Use GetBuilder: Post your project details for free on GetBuilder to compare quotes from verified local kitchen fitters. You can inspect checked ratings, read reviews, and hire securely.
