Set realistic expectations for 2025 by seeing the UK price range at a glance. Basic refreshes sit around £1,000–£5,000, full updates usually fall between £2,000–£18,000, and bespoke, high-end projects can reach ~£35,000.
Decisions on design, materials and who manages the project drive the final price. Units, cabinets and worktops take a large slice of spend, while labour and fitting add up fast.
Remember the non-financial impact: even modest refurbishments often disrupt cooking and washing for days or weeks. Plan for contingencies such as hidden repairs or extra electrical work.
This guide will compare itemised figures, layout changes and routes for hiring trades. Use it to match your budget to value, prioritise durable surfaces and efficient appliances, and keep the project achievable.
Key Takeaways
- UK ranges vary from modest makeovers to premium bespoke work.
- Material choice and project scope control most of the spend.
- Expect disruption to daily home routines during fitting.
- Prioritise durable worktops, storage and efficient appliances for value.
- Plan contingencies to avoid unexpected price rises.
What UK homeowners really mean by kitchen renovation in 2025
Before choosing scope, decide whether you want a full refit or a targeted refresh. Some homeowners want a complete new layout; others aim for fast, visible upgrades that refresh the look.
Remodel versus makeover: what changes and what it costs
Remodel means replacing the whole old room. This can include moving sinks, ovens or gas lines and often needs trades such as plumbers, electricians and plasterers. Typical budgets for a full new kitchen range from £2,000–£18,000, rising for bespoke fits.
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Makeover swaps visible elements to revive the style. Think new doors, drawer fronts, handles or a fresh worktop. Prices usually sit from £1,000–£5,000, with smaller upgrades (handles only) from £200–£300 and door-and-handle refreshes around £500–£1,000.
- Size and space affect choice: compact rooms suit quick makeovers.
- Layout changes push price up; keeping services put spend down.
- Match scope to your goals: if carcasses are sound, a makeover can transform the look on a tight budget.
Get clear quotes that state whether you’re paying for a makeover or a full remodel so comparisons are fair and like-for-like.
Kitchen renovation cost UK 2025: current price ranges and what drives them
Today’s market shows a clear split between budget makeovers and premium bespoke fits. Below are the common UK ranges for 2025 and the main factors that push totals up or down.
Typical totals span from a makeover at about £1,000–£5,000, to a full new kitchen or remodel between £2,000 and £18,000. Bespoke commissions with premium finishes can climb to roughly £35,000 depending on scope and fittings.
What really moves the needle
- Size — Larger rooms need more units, longer worktops and extra flooring, which raises material and labour spends.
- Design — Custom cabinets, intricate detail and premium finishes increase totals compared with standard ranges.
- Materials — Laminate is budget-friendly; stone, solid wood or composite worktops add significant value and price.
- Services — Moving sinks, ovens or gas lines triggers plumbing and electrical work, specialist trades and often wall or floor rework.
- Labour route — An all-in fitting package gives predictable timelines and guarantees. Hiring separate trades can lower bills but needs tight coordination and contingency planning.
Quick comparison
| Project type | Typical range | Main drivers | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Makeover | £1,000–£5,000 | Doors, handles, small worktop swap | Fast refresh, limited disruption |
| New kitchen / Remodel | £2,000–£18,000 | Units, appliances, layout changes | Full replacement, layout update |
| Bespoke / Premium | Up to ~£35,000 | Custom cabinetry, high-end materials, major service moves | High-spec finishes, tailored design |
Tip: Request itemised quotes that separate units, doors, worktops, appliances, labour, disposal and any plumbing or electrical extras. That makes comparison fair and shows where most of the costs sit.
For more detailed UK figures and example quotes, see this trusted guide or this spending overview.
trusted builders price guide | spend overview
How much should a kitchen renovation cost
Set a simple budget framework to guide choices on units, surfaces and fittings. That makes it easier to compare quotes and pick the right option for your home and timeline.
At-a-glance ranges
Makeover: £1,000–£5,000 — ideal for new doors, handles and small worktop swaps.
New kitchen / Remodel: £2,000–£18,000+ — covers units, worktops, appliances and fitting.
Premium bespoke: Up to ~£35,000 for custom cabinetry, high-end finishes and tailored design.
Where your money goes
Cabinets and units usually take the largest share, followed by worktops and fitting. Labour, installation and disposal add up quickly.
- Doors and quality: Mid-range doors often balance price and durability better than the cheapest option.
- New appliances: Adding one or two can nudge totals, especially if service changes are needed.
- Layout: Keeping services in place avoids costly plumbing and electrical moves.
- Allowance: Plan for disposal and unforeseen remedial work once old fittings come out.
“Get two or three like-for-like quotes with clear line items to compare price and scope fairly.”
Tip: Choose a coherent design package — units, handles, worktops and splashbacks — that looks joined-up without defaulting to the most expensive finishes.
Itemised kitchen costs: cabinets, doors, worktops, appliances and flooring
Breaking spend down by element lets you target quality without overspending.
Start with visible items. That gives the best return on style for modest budgets.
Cabinets, doors and handles
Keep sound carcasses and fit new doors and handles to save. Handle-only updates can be ~£200–£300. Replacing doors plus handles is often around £500–£1,000 for an average room.
Full units add labour and material but give more storage and layout change options. Choose quality hinges and runners for longevity.
Worktops and splashbacks
Laminate is budget-friendly and quick to fit. Wood brings warmth but needs upkeep. Tiles on splashbacks are versatile and can be cost-effective when sized correctly.
Appliances and plumbing fixtures
Match sinks and taps to worktops for neat seals. Check extraction and ventilation for cookers before ordering appliances to avoid rework.
Flooring choices
Options run from sheet vinyl and laminate to hardwood. Preparation, levelling and door clearances affect installation time and price.
“Ask suppliers to break out material and fitting costs so you can see where to invest.”
| Element | Typical marker | Key note |
|---|---|---|
| Handles | £200–£300 | Fast style lift, low waste |
| Doors + handles | £500–£1,000 | Keeps carcasses, good value |
| Worktops | Varies by material | Laminate budget, wood upkeep, stone premium |
| Flooring | Depends on prep | Levelling and thresholds matter |
Small kitchen, smart budget: realistic costs for compact spaces
Compact rooms reward careful planning; tiny changes can transform feel.
A small kitchen makeover often fits within the £1,000–£5,000 range because it focuses on visible swaps rather than full rework.
Keeping the layout to save on plumbing and electrics
Leave sinks, cookers and wiring in place to cut trades time and disruption. That simple choice helps you save money and shortens the timeline.
Accurate measuring is vital. Order standard units where possible to avoid bespoke cuts that raise totals and cause delays.
Smart options that deliver big visual gains
- New doors and handles for instant style lift
- Fresh worktops and a matched splashback for cohesion
- Slimline or integrated storage to make the most of limited space
Small projects often finish within days, reducing inconvenience. Still, include a small contingency for hidden wall repairs when old tiles or units are removed.
| Area | Typical focus | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Doors & handles | Replace fronts only | Low waste, fast refresh |
| Worktops & splashback | Swap visible surfaces | High impact for moderate spend |
| Storage | Slimline/integrated units | Maximises space without reconfiguration |
Labour, fitting and project management: choosing the right route
Deciding between a single fitting package and separate trades sets the tone for the whole project. An all-in-one supplier bundles supply, scheduling and installation under one quote. That often reduces fuss and gives one point of contact for snags.
Hiring independent builders can lower the initial bill but raises coordination demands. Delays between delivery and fitters, or waiting for plaster to dry, push up the overall time and may add extra cost.
All-in-one fitting versus sourcing your own trades
All-in-one: Predictable timelines, single contract and usually a fitter warranty.
Separate trades: Often cheaper on paper but needs active project management and more contingency.
Average fitting costs and how timelines affect price
Expect fitting to form a sizeable line on any quote. Poor sequencing or storage delays can cause repeated visits and higher labour charges.
Quality, warranties and compliance for gas, water and electrics
Verify credentials for gas, water and electrics and insist on written warranties for workmanship and parts. Appliance installations, especially gas cookers and extraction, need specialist fitters to meet safety rules.
“Choose clear scope documents and a shared schedule to reduce misunderstandings and keep the project on budget.”
- Include disposal, capping and basic plastering in the fitting quote to avoid extras.
- Higher quality fixings and neat scribing add labour but deliver a better finish.
- Use milestone payments tied to completed stages and request references or recent visits.
| Route | Pros | Cons | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| All-in-one fitting | Single point of contact; guaranteed schedule; fitter warranties | May be pricier than DIY sourcing | Those wanting less coordination and firm timelines |
| Separate trades | Potentially lower quotes; flexible sourcing | More coordination; higher risk of delays | Experienced project managers or tight budgets |
| Hybrid | Supplier fits key items; specialist hired for gas or electrical work | Needs clear scope split; requires oversight | When compliance items need certified installers |
Layout changes, plumbing and electrics: when prices jump
Small layout tweaks can cascade into larger works that affect both time and spend. Moving water, gas or power points often drags in extra trades, parts and mandatory checks.
Moving sinks, ovens and gas lines: what to factor in
Relocating a sink or an oven needs new pipework, extra fittings and sometimes re-routing gas lines. That raises labour and material bills and requires a gas-safe engineer for certification.
Electrical rewiring and socket moves must be planned before units arrive so installers fit to the final layout. Ask for written confirmation that service moves and certification are included in the quote.
Wall prep and plastering after unit and tile removal
Removing cupboards or tiles commonly exposes damaged plaster. Replastering and drying time add days to the programme and may not be in a standard fitting package.
- Document the final layout precisely to avoid mid-project changes.
- Confirm who is liable for wall prep in the contract to prevent gaps between trades.
- Keep a contingency for hidden issues behind units, like failing plaster or old wiring.
“Plan service moves early, get written scopes and ensure compliant sign-offs for gas and electrical work.”
| Work | Impact | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Relocate sink/oven | Higher labour and parts | Include plumbing and gas in quote |
| Socket/extractor moves | Rewiring & certification | Schedule before cabinet fit |
| Tile/unit removal | Plaster repair & drying | Agree wall prep responsibility |
Time, disruption and home life: planning for the inconvenience cost
Works in the heart of the home quickly ripple through family life and weekly routines. Expect limited access to cookers, sinks and washing machines. Plan practical steps before trades arrive to reduce stress and unexpected expense.
Set up a temporary zone with a kettle, microwave and essentials so meals are easy. Store food and fragile items safely and move valuables from adjacent rooms before work begins.
Sequence deliveries closely with fitting to compress downtime. Ask your installer to confirm milestones so everyone knows when sinks, appliances and surfaces will be back in use.
- Agree access times and simple house rules to protect pets and children.
- Schedule the noisiest work when household routines can adapt.
- Use protective coverings and basic dust management to keep the rest of the home tidy.
Keep a small budget buffer for unexpected extra days without services. Calm, clear planning makes living through a new kitchen project far more bearable and keeps the focus on the finish.
“Plan temporary setups and clear milestones to reduce disruption and preserve daily life.”
Budgeting your dream kitchen: setting, tracking and controlling spend
Start by setting a clear spending plan that lists every element of the project. That simple step brings clarity and keeps money under control during design choices and orders.
Create a line-by-line budget
Build a spreadsheet with entries for units, doors and drawers, worktops, sinks and taps, appliances, labour, fitting and disposal.
Add allowances for plumbing, electrical work and plastering. Include contingency of 10–15% for hidden issues.
Get comparable quotes
Ask suppliers for like-for-like estimates: same layout, material grade, fittings and lead times. That makes price comparisons fair and honest.
- Request separate line items for new appliances and specialist installation fees.
- Log deposits, staged payments and delivery windows to protect cash flow.
- Freeze the scope before ordering to avoid late changes that lift the final price.
“Document any layout tweaks in drawings that all trades reference to avoid rework.”
| Line | Typical note | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Units & doors | Quality hinges/runners | Durability over cosmetic saves |
| Worktops | Finish and lead time | Can delay the whole project |
| Labour & fitting | Package vs separate trades | Warranty and scheduling impact |
Ways to save money without compromising the look
An intelligent shortlist of changes delivers the biggest value for the least money. Sell old units and usable appliances online to recoup funds. That cash can cover handles, finishes or a better worktop.
Sell or reuse what you can
Keep sound carcasses and reuse cabinets where possible. Listing old units reduces waste and gives you extra money for finishing touches.
Swap doors and drawer fronts
Replacing doors and handles offers a fast style upgrade for hundreds rather than thousands. Handle-only work often sits around £200–£300, while full door swaps commonly total £500–£1,000.
Value-led material swaps
Choose quality laminate worktops and durable tiles instead of premium veneers. These materials deliver a fresh look and lower outlay.
DIY versus pro jobs
Do simple painting and handle changes yourself. Leave gas, water and electrical work to qualified trades to avoid risks and extra money later.
| Save step | Typical saving | When to pick it |
|---|---|---|
| Sell old units | £100–£800 recoup | Carcasses sound, appliances reusable |
| Replace doors & handles | £200–£1,000 | Style lift, low disruption |
| Material swap (laminate/tiles) | £200–£1,500 | High look for lower spend |
“Prioritise visible surfaces—doors, worktops and flooring—to maximise perceived value per pound spent.”
Conclusion
A clear plan that links design choices to daily use makes the end result both beautiful and practical.
Match ambition to realistic figures: a targeted makeover often sits in the lower range, while a full new kitchen moves into higher brackets. Keep services and layout where possible to tame time and bills.
Prioritise kitchen design that helps flow and storage. Pick materials—laminate, tiles or wood—and appliances that suit how you live and clean. Upgrade visible elements and spend on quality cabinets, hinges and worktops for longevity.
Shortlist two or three suppliers for like-for-like quotes. Compare warranties, lead times and aftercare, and keep a modest contingency for surprises behind the wall.
Next step: set a budget, agree your scope, then request detailed quotes covering everything from cabinets to flooring. With clear planning and good partners, your dream kitchen is within reach—practical, stylish and right for your home.
FAQ
What is a typical price range for a full kitchen update in the UK in 2025?
Typical totals span widely. Small makeovers start from around £1,000–£5,000, standard new installs usually sit between £2,000–£18,000, and premium bespoke projects can reach up to £35,000 or more depending on size, materials and appliances.
Which items take the biggest slice of the budget?
Most budgets are eaten by cabinets and worktops, followed by appliances, labour and finishing touches such as tiling, lighting and handles. High-end integrated appliances and stone worktops significantly raise the total.
How much should I expect to pay for cabinets and doors?
Costs vary: ready-to-assemble or flat-pack units keep costs down, while bespoke or painted timber units cost substantially more. Replacing doors and drawer fronts is a cost-effective alternative to full new units.
What are affordable worktop options versus premium choices?
Laminate and engineered wood offer the best value. Mid-range includes quartz and solid wood. Granite and high-grade quartzite are premium choices and increase price considerably.
How do appliance selections affect the overall spend?
Choosing basic freestanding appliances reduces upfront spend. Built-in, induction hobs, range cookers, and integrated refrigeration add cost. Energy-efficient models save running costs long term.
How much should I budget for flooring and splashbacks?
Vinyl and laminate are wallet-friendly and quick to fit. Porcelain and stone tiles cost more and need skilled fitting. Factor in subfloor prep, which can add to labour and materials.
Can keeping the existing layout save money?
Yes. Retaining the current layout avoids major plumbing and electrical relocation, which are among the most expensive works. Small tweaks to layout often achieve better value than full reconfiguration.
When does moving plumbing or gas lines significantly increase the cost?
Costs jump when sinks, dishwashers or cookers move to different walls, or when extending drainage and gas lines. Expect higher fees for certified gas engineers and plumbers plus wall openings and reinstatement.
What are realistic fitting and labour costs to expect?
Labour varies by region and complexity. Simple installations are cheaper; full replacements with electrical and plumbing work attract specialist trades and project management fees. Allow a healthy contingency for unforeseen issues.
How long will a typical project take and how does time affect price?
A basic refresh can take days; a full install often takes two to six weeks. Longer timelines increase labour, temporary living inconvenience and potentially storage costs for appliances or furniture.
What warranties and compliance should I insist on?
Ask for guarantees on workmanship, appliance warranties from manufacturers such as Bosch or Beko, and certification for gas and electrical work. Proper certification protects resale value and safety.
How can I create a realistic line-by-line budget?
List units, worktops, appliances, labour, plumbing, electrics, flooring, tiling and disposal. Get itemised quotes that match your spec and compare like-for-like. Add a contingency of about 10–20% for surprises.
What are effective ways to save money without compromising style?
Reface cabinets or replace doors, choose quality laminates or engineered wood instead of solid stone, source energy-efficient appliances with good warranties, and sell or recycle old units to offset costs.
Is it better to hire a full kitchen fitter or manage several trades myself?
An all-in-one firm simplifies coordination and often offers guarantees, but sourcing trades can save money if you have the time and know-how. For gas and electrics, always use accredited professionals for safety and compliance.
What extra costs should homeowners plan for during demolition and wall prep?
Allow for plastering, dust protection, removal of old units, skip hire and disposal fees. Hidden issues such as damp, rotten joists or asbestos can add substantial unexpected costs.
How should I get comparable quotes from suppliers and installers?
Provide clear, like-for-like specifications and drawings. Compare materials, appliance models, lead times and warranties. Check reviews and ask for references from projects similar in scale and style.
What are smart material swaps to maintain appearance on a budget?
Use premium-look laminates, engineered stone alternatives, painted MDF instead of solid timber, and chrome or brushed steel fittings rather than expensive designer hardware to achieve a classy finish for less.
How do I budget for small, smart spaces differently?
Compact projects still need quality components but use less material and smaller appliances. Keep services in place, choose space-saving units and focus spend on high-impact items like worktops and lighting.
Can I reduce costs with DIY, and what should I leave to professionals?
Painting, fitting splashbacks and removing old units are doable for many. Leave gas, complex electrics, structural changes and major plumbing to certified trades to avoid safety risks and failed compliance.
Which additional keywords are useful for this topic?
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