Kitchen Fitting Cost

How much is a new kitchen in the UK?

Kitchen fitting costs depend on the size of the space, the style of the units you want, the number of units you need, and the overall complexity of the job.

Kitchen installation costs start at around £500 for a small job with little complexity, but the cost of fitting a kitchen can extend to £1,500 or more for larger or more complex jobs.

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This guide has everything you need to know, including average kitchen fitting costs for different types of renovations, as well a breakdown of kitchen prices (units, worktops, flooring, appliances), and much more!

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How Much to Fit a Kitchen?

New kitchen costs can be split into two parts:

• the kitchen itself
• the installation

Both of these costs can vary dramatically depending on the size, complexity and quality of the kitchen you choose to purchase.

Similarly, your location can play a significant part in how much the fitting of the kitchen will cost.

So, how much is it to fit a kitchen?

Let's start with what a small kitchen costs to fit:

The price for a small kitchen (measuring approximately 3m by 3m) fitting would be about £500. For the materials, it would begin at around £2,000 and can increase to £3,500.

For a medium sized kitchen (of around 15m²), the fitting prices are £1000 and the material costs will be £3,350 and increase to just over £5,850.

For a large kitchen...

...you should pay between £6,000 – £10,000 on average for materials and £1,500 for fitting fees.

New Kitchen Fitting Prices

In the table below, you'll find the average costs of different-sized and quality kitchens:

Also...

...See here about having just your kitchen units or your kitchen worktops replaced.

New Kitchen Cost Based on Quality

Here is an overview of the costs of a kitchen depending on the quality you choose:

Basic New Kitchen Cost

Starting prices for basic quality fixtures for a complete kitchen begin as low as £700 if you shop around.

However, on average you can expect to pay around £2,000 – £5,000 for brand new basic kitchen materials.

Medium Quality New Kitchen Cost

Did you know the most commonly chosen quality level for kitchens nationally is medium quality?

The price for medium quality begins at around £1,000 and increases to around £2,500.

A standard UK medium sized kitchen measuring approximately 15m², including fitting, would cost around £2,500 – £5,800 for the materials, and increase to around £3,000 – £8,000 with labour costs.

Premium Quality New Kitchen Cost

Premium quality prices begin at around £3,500 for a small kitchen, then increase to around £9,000+ for a larger kitchen.

Labour Costs & Timescales

The following will show you all the labour costs and also the durations of the fitting:

Costs of Hiring Tradesmen to Fit a Kitchen

When hiring any tradesman for interior construction work, you need to consider what specific jobs are actually required, as not all tradesmen can handle the same types of work.

Fitting the kitchen would often be undertaken by a single kitchen fitter.

However, a general builder could also be considered for the job, as their skills are often relatable.

Also, when considering remodelling your kitchen, you may need to consider what tradesmen will be needed for the additional work; this can include electricians, plumbers, carpet/flooring specialists, and even decorators.

Kitchen Fitter Cost

The day rate for a kitchen fitter often starts at around £150 per day, depending on their qualifications and specialities.

General Builder Cost

A general builder will usually cost around £150 – £200 per day to hire, depending on the level of job required, the skills they possess, and the amount of experience.

Carpenter Cost

These tradesmen can be hired when you decide to include any custom construction out of wood, including any customised cupboards, worktop fitting, and even wood flooring.

A carpenter will usually cost you around £150 per day.

Carpet Fitter Cost

Fitting flooring to your kitchen can be as simple as fitting a carpet unless you require lino or wood style flooring.

A Carpet Fitter will usually cost around £90 – £100 per day to hire, depending on experience and level of skill.

Electrician Cost

The day rate for an electrician often starts at around £150 per day, depending on their qualifications and specialties.

Plumber Costs

The day rate for a plumber often starts at around £150 per day, depending on their qualifications and specialties.

Labourer Costs

The most inexpensive form of tradesman, a labourer, should not be overlooked when costing a remodelling job. Usually, a specialist will provide their own personal labourer; however, even so, you should be mindful of the costs of hiring them.

The day rate of a simple labourer will usually be £90 per day. They are used for all the heavy lifting work, moving materials, and jobs which do not require a specific skill.

Timescales

One of the most important factors when deciding if you are going to remodel your kitchen within your home is obviously going to be timescale. How long a job is going to actually take to complete will affect the final cost of the work.

Timescale is one of the most important factors in planning a construction job, as the longer a job takes, the longer you will be required to pay your selected tradesman.

There are a few simple factors which will affect the timescale of remodelling a kitchen.

The most obvious being the size of the space in which the kitchen is to be fitted, the current condition of the space (i.e. is it currently clear or has an old kitchen already in place), and if there are complications encountered while fitting the kitchen.

Take a look at the table below at the durations below:

Additional Kitchen Fitting Costs

Here are the additional costs of fitting a kitchen that you need to consider:

Appliances

Stoves, fridges, ovens, and dishwashers are just a few various appliances which could be added to a new kitchen.

Due to the number of appliances there are to choose from, there is no set or approximate cost that can be predicted without a budget in mind.

For example ovens come in prices from £150 for a basic style all the way up to £5,000+ for computerised "smart" self-cleaning varieties.

Lights and Power

Every Kitchen will require power and lighting in order to be habitable. Lighting price can vary depending on the size of the kitchen, existing fittings, and the design of the new light fittings chosen.

Smart Systems

A "Smart-System" kitchen is now becoming an increasingly popular choice when fitting a completely new kitchen. The system is run on a computer-style interface that connects all your smart appliances.

For example, if you are replacing your kitchen appliances with smart equipped systems, it will cost around £3,500 for the basic package. This package would include a smart oven (£500), fridge freezer (£1,000), coffee machine (£250), lighting (£500), and heating/hot water system (£1,000).

Windows

For comfort and natural lighting, it is often a good idea to have windows in a kitchen.

Therefore, if your current space, where the new kitchen is to be fitted, does not have windows, it may be a good idea to fit some. The most common form of windows in modern kitchens is the UPVC style.

These windows are constructed of a plastic material frame and can be bought as a matching set with any existing UPVC doors and windows within the property.

For a set of UPVC windows (two large windows) prices will usually start at around £500 and if including a new door can often be found for around £600.

Cost Factors of Kitchen Installation

The cost of materials and appliances usually takes the largest chunk out of your kitchen remodelling budget. The cost of new kitchen appliances will vastly outweigh any other costs during the project.

Additional materials such as electrics, flooring, decorations, and labour will often only take up a fraction of the budget in comparison. The appliances costs easily surpass the price of labour, when higher quality styles are selected for the installation.

When deciding on the components, the choices available are extremely wide-ranging, with a choice of style including colour, shape, material, and even finish.

The desired final look will determine many of these factors; however, it is always best to keep a strict budget in mind before beginning preparations and shop around for the best-priced materials.

Kitchen Quality

Quality of the final appearance, level of technology, and usability of the space factor into the final cost of a new kitchen greatly.

For a medium kitchen (15m²) with a full new cupboard, appliances, and work surfaces completed, if basic quality non-smart appliances are used, costs will begin at around £2,500 - £4,000.

However, for the same property, yet with premium quality kitchen with smart appliances (such as a smart oven at £1,000) it would increase the price to around £8,000.

Waste Removal Cost

Another cost to account for is the disposal of waste during the installation process. Waste disposal will usually consist of simply hiring a skip. A skip is a large metal container used like a bin, for the disposal of building waste.

Skip hire costs begins at around £150 for a single skip hired for a week. Included in the price of the hire is usually the cost of collection and disposal of the waste.

Finally, flooring and decoration is a very important consideration, which should not be overlooked within the planning stages of a project.

Decoration

Once the kitchen has been fitted, it will often require some form of decoration to be carried out. Decorations such as tiled wall coverings, paint, and stone, lino, or tile flooring will increase the build time considerably, increasing not only the labour costs but also the construction time required in general.

Often, when a kitchen is fitted, it will be required to paint or decorate the space to fit the desired design or aesthetic look required.

What's Involved in Fitting a Kitchen?

Budgeting

The first step is going to be planning a budget. This is a very important step, as there is no point in starting a project you cannot afford to complete it. Factors such as materials, labour, and additional expenses need to be calculated at this stage.

Planning

In the planning stages, you will need to decide which style of kitchen you are going to construct, the level of quality you want, and the types of tradesmen you will have to hire.

After you have made these decisions, you may have to hire a specialist to draw up a plan for the project if not using a prefabricated kitchen.

Quotes

Quotes are vital to any construction project, as not all tradesmen charge the same rates for the same job. It is always best to get at least three quotes from three different companies in order to ensure you are getting the very best for your money.

Preparing the Space

Now the actual work begins. Firstly, if there is already an old kitchen in place, the site will need to be cleared. Then, the area in which the cupboards are to be installed will need measuring correctly.

Next surfaces will need to be cleaned and prepared for the installation of the cupboards, worktops, and any other fitted fixture. If removing the old kitchen, it is important to remove all the debris and dispose of it, often within a skip.

Construction

The construction stage will vary drastically depending on your chosen style of kitchen.

If a simple pre-built kit has been planned, this will be when the kitchen units will be installed, any new pipes fitted, and if new electrics required; the wires chased into their spaces.

Worktops

With the cupboards now installed, it is time to install your chosen kitchen worktops. This step can vary depending on the style of the worktops but, generally, will follow the same steps.

Fitting the Appliances

Electric cookers, gas cookers, hobs, ovens, fridges, washing machines, dishwashers, additional lights, and any plumbing (such as a sink and taps) will now all need to be installed as required.

The oven and hobs are just as important as the sink and taps; however, most ovens and hobs will be able to be fitted by a qualified gas plumber (if gas) or electrician (if electric) in just a single day.

Lights and other electrical devices will require an electrician to install, and the kitchen sink and taps will require a plumber to fit them.

Decoration

The next step in the process is the aesthetics. Laying any flooring, such as lino, wood, or tilling.

Then, the walls will need to be painted or tiled (as required), the cupboards painted or stained (if required), and any finishing touches to make the new kitchen have the desired appearance which you have desired.

What Are the Benefits of Fitting a New Kitchen?

"The home is where the heart is" and "the heart is where the hearth is". Therefore, the kitchen is one of the most important rooms in any property. Often, the first image that comes to mind when dreaming of your dream home is a beautiful kitchen.

From classic farm style wood burning ovens, tweed curtains and duck tiles to ultra-modern worktops, self-cleaning smart-ovens, and computerised fridges, a dream kitchen can vary wildly depending on the person dreaming of it.

Regardless of your chosen style, there is a universal list of benefits which remodelling a kitchen can bring to any household.

Improved Practicality and Function

It's sad to say, but an awful lot of kitchens do not have a great deal of function. They can often be soulless, outdated, and most likely just aimed at preparing food. However, when planning a new kitchen a person is able to change these issues quite easily.

It is possible to increase the functionality of the kitchen, making it into much more than just another room in your home. Firstly, the kitchen is often the most used room within any home. Therefore, it is important to keep this in mind when designing a remodel.

Do you wish to have a homely feel, a place you can sit and just read a book, or would you prefer something more akin to a commercial kitchen, full to the brim with gadgets? The choice is yours; however, it should be carefully thought out and planned before the construction begins.

Looking for some inspiration?

Read our guide with hundreds of kitchen ideas!

Modernising or Updating

As previously mentioned a kitchen can quickly become outdated and in much need of modernisation. Depending on your chosen preferred style, this may just involve the need for new appliances and a touch of paint.

However, if you wish to take the ultra-modern approach by installing smart appliances, you must give a little thought to future-proofing.

"Future-proofing" is the practice of buying an item or appliance that is at the top end of the technology market; this will mean the appliance will not likely be replaced by a better newer model any time soon, making your new appliance obsolete.

This can be difficult depending on your budget; however, there is no perfect way to go about this other than extensive research into the available appliances and possible future advancements.

Reducing Energy Consumption

Whether it's to save money or with the environment in mind, reducing your energy consumption can be a great benefit to updating and remodelling a kitchen.

Most modern appliances will use less energy than their older counterparts due to an increase in technology. However, this is not always the case and should be checked before purchasing the newest fancy oven/fridge freezer.

Creating More Space/Storage

The final and most obvious benefit, which is often overlooked, is the ability to create more storage with your new kitchen.

From adding larger cupboards, hidden spaces, or just reducing the sizing of your older oversized appliances, creating new space within your kitchen is often an easy task.

This, in turn, can transform the space from an average room, used mainly to prepare food, into a perfect dream kitchen, used for a multitude of tasks.

Will Fitting a New Kitchen Add Value to My Home?

A well-designed and carefully constructed kitchen will often actually increase the value of a property.

Adding new updated appliances or increasing the overall aesthetic appeal will, more often than not, help to increase the value and appeal of the property when it comes time to put it on the market.

A simple modernised kitchen space can add as much as 10% to the overall price. This would mean that a property valued at £150,000 with an old kitchen could increase to around £165,000, meaning a return on the investment of around £15,000 easily covering the cost of the project.

On the other hand, a poorly planned kitchen remodel can actually reduce the overall value of the property. This is why it is always important to properly plan the project, use the correct recommended materials, and hire qualified, skilled tradesmen to complete the work.

Can I Fit a Kitchen Myself?

DIY is not always an option. A basic prebuilt kitchen can be self-installed; however, this is not a simple undertaking and will require many new skills to be learnt.

From carpentry, accurate measuring, and plumbing to tiling, decorating, and floor laying; unless you are the type of person that just has to do it yourself, it will be cheaper to simply hire a qualified and skilled tradesman.

Hiring a tradesman to remodel a kitchen does not mean you cannot attempt various simple jobs yourself. Painting the cupboards, sealing the worktops, and even helping out the hired tradesman are all things you could try installing once the difficult parts are completed.

However, one feature that you should never try to undertake yourself (without qualifications) is electrical and gas work.

Electrical and gas work is extremely dangerous, both during installation and afterwards; therefore, always hire a qualified electrician to install electrical equipment and a gas engineer to install gas equipment.

Do I Need an Architect to Design a New Kitchen?

When planning a kitchen remodel, building plans or drawings may need to be created. Usually, a specialist designer or architect can create these plans in order to make sure the correct materials and the correct style are used and you get the results you want.

Bear in mind this will, however, take up a large section of the overall labour budget, considering it will be one of the smaller jobs involved. The cost to hire an architect or specialist designer is usually around £200 per day.

However, they would usually charge by a completed job rather than per day. This would be around £1,000 – £2,500 for a completed design, drawing, and technical specifications.

Alternatively, you could ask your carpenter (if hired) to draw up the plans for your cupboards and worktops. This process can also be performed by your general builder or kitchen fitted (depending on your choice of hire), obviously dependant on their skill set.

Having your already hired tradesmen create the plans they have to work to will allow a great level of ease for them to install and save you a reasonable amount of money in the long run.

Can I Have an Open Plan Kitchen?

So you have decided to have a new kitchen installed, but now you are wondering what style to choose. Well, an extremely common style of kitchen in the modern age is an open plan type.

An open-plan kitchen is often a space which leads from your dining room (or living room on occasion) directly into the kitchen area. This open space is often a direct result of removing walls or creating an extension.

This open style can increase the cost of the overall project if the space is not currently available. Removing a wall can increase the build time by at least 5 days, increasing the costs by a minimum of £2,000.

Furthermore, if an extension to the house is required, this is a new construction project on its own, with a very high-cost price, when compared to just remodelling the kitchen alone. The average cheapest extension will cost around £5,000 to complete and take around 3 weeks.

Cost of New Kitchen Units

There are three main materials which are used to make kitchen cupboards. Depending on your desired finish, ease of installation, or budget limitations, there are multiple styles of kitchen cupboards to choose from.

Chipboard

Chipboard is constructed from small wood particles mixed with epoxy resin, which are pressed together under intense heat and pressure to produce a rigid board. This is the cheapest, most budget-friendly material used in the creation of kitchen cupboards.

For example, for a double floor level cupboard, prices begin at around £66 and will increase to around £150 for a basic full-length larder-sized cupboard. Over counter cupboards can be purchased for around £50 for a single unit and increase to around £75 for more complex double varieties.

MDF

Medium-density fibre board, also known as MDF, is also a budget-friendly material that is often used in the construction of kitchen cupboards. However, if not properly painted and looked after, it is not as hard-wearing as other materials and thus will not last as long.

Gaining in popularity in recent years, MDF prices begin is around £70 for a floor-standing double unit, increasing to around £250 for the largest larder varieties. Over-the-counter cupboards can often be found for as little as £45 for single styles and increase to around £80 for the double more fancy styles.

Solid Wood

By far the most expensive material for cupboard making, solid wood is also the hardest-wearing and longest-lasting. A good quality solid wood cupboard, if properly stained (or painted) and maintained, can last for up to 20+ years.

Depending on the type of wood used to build the cupboards, the price can drastically change. For example for soft wood (Pine) cupboards prices will often begin at around £150 for a floor standing double cupboard and increase to around £750 for the largest of larder styles.

However, for a hardwood (Oak) cupboard, prices will usually begin at around £250 for the smallest single unit over counter cupboards, £500 for double standing cupboards, and up to £2,000 for the free-standing large larder styles.

Cupboard Material Costs

Cost of New Kitchen Worktops

When deciding on which worktop to choose for your new kitchen there are six main materials used in construction. Depending on the finished look you require and your budget restraints, there are multiple varying styles of kitchen worktops to choose from.

Laminated Chipboard Worktop Cost

Laminated chipboard is by far the cheapest variety and most common style of worktop on the market today. Much like the chipboard used in creating kitchen cupboards, it is made up of small particles of wood fused together under heat and pressure, with resins.

The difference in that laminated chipboard is that it is then covered in a thin plastic layer, which increases its durability and makes it waterproof.

The lamination layer can come in multiple finishes and also can often be used to mimic other more expensive materials such as stone, granite, or even solid wood.

The average sizes these worktops come in are 3m lengths with an average width of 600mm. Larger sizes are available; however, these are classed as more of a specialist order and, therefore, will have an increased price.

For example, for a 3m x 600mm x 38mm average-sized laminated chipboard worktop, prices begin at around £80 and will increase to around £150 for a more fancy style (such as faux granite or marble).

Solid Wood Worktop Cost

Unlike kitchen cupboards, solid wood is not the most expensive material used for kitchen worktops. Also, it is not a good idea to use softwood in construction. Therefore, oak is the most common wood used in construction.

Also, unlike chipboard, solid wood worktops can come in almost any size required, only really limited by the size of trees available and the budget you have at your disposal.

There is, as always, a common size which is widely available and the most popular sold; 2m, 3m, and 4m lengths. These lengths then come in a variety of widths; 620mm, 720mm, and 960mm. The thickness, however, is often standardised to around 40mm.

The price for an Oak worktop will often begin at around £150 for a smaller sized piece (2m x 620mm x 40mm) and increase to around £500 for the largest of sizes (4m x 960mm x 40mm).

However, custom-cut variety and sizes are available, though this increases the price drastically. For a custom cut hand selected piece of Oak measuring 6m x 960mm x 40mm can be found for £750.

Corian Worktop Cost

Invented by the company DuPont, Corian is an acrylic polymer and alumina trihydrate derived from bauxite ore. Corian is known for its strength and versatility as a worktop material.

It also has an extremely wide range of finishes boasting around 100 different colours of finish. If fitted correctly, Corian can be joined together to create inconspicuous seams and a sleek, hygienic, non-porous surface.

The futuristic nature of the product and 10-year guarantee does, however, increase the cost price considerably. For example for a 3m x 620mm x 32mm single worktop will cost around £1,200 for the basic colours and increase to around £1,500 of the sparkly varieties.

Granite and Marble Worktop Costs

By far, the most luxurious, and therefore expensive, styles of worktops on the market are granite and marble. Granite and marble are cut and milled directly from natural stone, usually mined from a quarry using specialist equipment.

Marble and granite are both porous materials and, therefore, will need to be sealed periodically. This sealing will need to be performed every 5 years or so in order to make the surface waterproof.

If the proper sealing is not performed correctly, then the surface can likely become stained from spillages.

Granite is harder and more resilient than marble; however, marble tends to be a little more decorative. As a result, marble is often associated with decadence and rich, expensive kitchens.

For example the price of a standard sized (3m x 620mm x 32mm) piece of marble will begin at around £250 increasing up to around £1,500 for a more specialised style or colouring. Granite will often begin at around £450 and will increase to around £2,500 for the same-sized piece. This price difference is due to the increased durability of granite, as the harder the material, the harder it is to work with and thus the more expensive it is to manufacture.

Cost of New Kitchen Flooring

When deciding on which floor to install in your new kitchen, there are four common materials used. Depending on the finished look you require and your budget restraints, there are multiple varying styles of kitchen floor to choose.

Laminate Flooring Cost

Laminate flooring is a covering often a composite material pressed and finished to look like solid wood flooring.

Often created with a "tongue and groove" fixture method, water resistant, cost effective, and easy to find, laminate floor is one of the most common styles of flooring to use in a kitchen built with a fixed budget.

Depending on the style of finish you choose, the costs of laminate flooring will begin at around £12 per m² and can increase to around £45 per m² for a higher quality finish.

The downside to laminate flooring is it does not tend to last as long as the solid wood flooring it is mimicking, with the average life expectancy of laminate being around 10 - 15 years if maintained properly.

Tile Flooring Cost

The most common form of kitchen floor is the tile floor. Tiles are made from a variety of materials, from ceramic, stone, or clay, to composite, marble, or even concrete.

When using tiles to cover a floor, the installation is not as easy as laminate flooring; however, tile will, on average, last 20 - 30 years if taken care of properly.

The average costs of tiles will begin at around £10 per m² for the tiles alone, and increase to £25 per m² installed. For a nicer set of tiles, such as marble or composite, prices will often begin at around £30 per m² and increase to £70 per m² installed.

Vinyl Flooring Cost

Being the simplest form of flooring to fit to a kitchen, vinyl flooring is the least hard wearing of the varieties available. Similar to carpet, vinyl is sold on a roll, spread onto the floor, and then glued into place.

The advantages of vinyl flooring are it is instantly waterproof, can be fitted within a few hours (even using a DIY method), is available in multiple styles and finishes, and is the cheapest flooring option available for kitchens.

The price for vinyl flooring will begin at around £9 per m² and will increase to around £25 per m² for more elaborate popular patterns, such as faux wood, and chequer boards.

Solid Wood Flooring Cost

By far, one of the most expensive flooring styles is solid wood. Solid wood flooring is made of planks of wood (like floorboards), laid and fitted to the floor, very similar to laminated flooring.

The difference between solid wood and laminated flooring, other than price, is the hardwearing nature of solid wood. While laminate will, on average, last around 10 - 15 years, solid wood will, on average, last 25 - 35+ years, if maintained correctly.

The price of a solid wood floor will begin at around £30 per m² and can increase to over £100 per m² depending on your choice of wood used. For example an Oak wood solid floor will cost around £40 per m², whereas a rosewood will begin at around £75 per m².

Cost of New Kitchen Appliances

Fridges, freezers, ovens, and dishwashers are just a few of the appliances that will probably be needed in a new kitchen.

There is however almost a limitless number of different equipment, that when installed to your new kitchen will help to change it from a simple room, to the useful fully working kitchen space of your dreams.

Fridges and Freezers

Two of the most important appliances to have in a modern home are the fridge and freezer. They are such a common appliance that they will often come together as a single unit, called a fridge freezer.

With prices starting at around £100 for a smaller unit and increasing to over £3,000 for a super deluxe smart fridge, the choices of different styles of fridge freezer are vast.

If you wanted to separate them, however, a fridge on its own will cost around £60 - £750 depending on the size and features you require. Features such as an ice-maker, smart sensors, or even a built-in virtual assistant, such as Amazon's Alexa, will increase the overall price.

For a separate freezer, you have two main options: either a free-standing upright freezer or a chest freezer. Prices for an upright will begin at around £60 and increase to around £700 depending on the features required.

Chest freezers, however, are a little more expensive due to their increased capacity. For example, a standard-sized chest freezer will begin at around £150 and increase in price to around £750 depending on the make and features required.

Ovens and Hobs

The oven is arguably the most important feature of any kitchen, as having the ability to cook food is paramount for a kitchen to be considered a kitchen.

A combined oven and hob set-up is often called a cooker, available in gas and electric styles; these cookers are the most widely available appliance fitted to a kitchen.

Modern kitchens, however, have begun to fit these appliances separately, with the oven often being built into a cupboard and the hob built into the worktop. This is obviously down to your own personal preference and budget constraints.

Gas cookers begin at around £150 for a basic oven and hob combination and increase to around £750 for the higher quality separated varieties. In the more modern kitchens, gas is being phased out and replaced with electric versions.

With smart self-cleaning cookers being sold, electric ovens and hobs are often available with a much higher number of features.

An electric oven and hob combination will often start at around £150 for the most basic styles; however, this can increase to around £5,000 for the self-cleaning feature packed induction varieties.

Dishwashers

No one likes to wash dishes, and this is why the dishwasher was invented. Much like a washing machine, the dishwasher has become an extremely popular addition to the average kitchen.

Once an appliance for only the rich, the cost of a dishwasher has fallen sharply over the last ten years. Beginning at around £100 for a basic small model and increasing to around £750 for a deluxe smart double version, there is a style and size of the dishwasher to suit nearly all modern household budgets.

Washing Machines and Dryers

The washing machine is not always something a person may consider a kitchen appliance; however, it is becoming increasingly popular to install them into a kitchen.

This is often a decision made to save space, where the creation of a utility room is not an option.

Washing machines begin at around £150 for a modern 9kg sized version and can increase to around £900 for a smart self setting 25kg model. Many different features and setting are available to choose from, including the overall colour and look of the washing machine itself. Some modern washing machines also include a dryer function to save you having to purchase a dryer separately.

If you do need to buy a dryer, costs begin at around £150 for a basic 3kg dryer and increase to around £500 for a self setting model full of features such as "auto-dry" functions.

Building Regulations for Kitchen Installations

Our UK Construction Statistics page can provide you with the latest updates on building regulations and trends that may affect your new kitchen project.

When remodelling a kitchen with new appliances, units, flooring, and worktops, it will not generally require the approval of building regulations. Only if the room did not originally have a kitchen fitted within it will the building regulations need to be consulted for approval.

This is to make sure the space has the correct drainage and ventilation as required by law.

Electrical and fire safety is also a concern when creating a kitchen in a room that did not originally have a kitchen fitted within it.

If you have any concerns as to whether or not your remodel will require building approval, it is always a good idea to contact your local authority as they can advise you on your responsibilities.

How to Keep Your Kitchen Fitting Costs Down

The budget of a kitchen is a very important factor of the remodelling process.

Saving money is important regardless of the size of the budget available; however, those on a fixed or limited budget will benefit the most from certain cost-saving actions.

Reuse or Sell

The chances are you will already have a kitchen present (at least in some form), at the beginning of your remodel. This is a great opportunity to save some money in the process by either reusing the existing appliances or selling them to offset the cost of new ones.

For example a second hand fridge can fetch around £75 and a cooker around £60 if sold online or in the newspaper.

Selling your old appliances can, on average, offset around 50% of the new appliance costs if sold for a reasonable price.

Cost Saving Selections

Saving money can also come in the form of which items you select for your new kitchen. By shopping around to find the time you desire, there is a chance you will be able to find it cheaper.

Not all shops price there items the same; a fixture costing £50 in one shop may only be £35 in another. Therefore it is always worth looking in a variety of shops before deciding on the item you wish to buy.

Stick to the Plan

Plans are made for a reason, and when considering the plan of a budget, it was made to save you money and allow you enough funds to complete the project.

If you fail to stick to the budget plan, you may end up with a half-finished kitchen and a lack of funds to complete it how you desire.

It may be a good idea to write down the exact items you wish to purchase, find the lowest prices available for them, and then add up the list to find out exactly what you will be expected to spend on them. This way, before you even make your first purchase, you can be fully aware of how much everything is going to cost and if it will be within your budget as a whole.

Sales

Never overlook the possibility and usefulness of a sale. Sales for kitchen fixtures, appliances, and even fittings come up all the time. From internet searches with a website such as Google, to heading to your local appliance stores and just asking directly, a sale is likely to be just round the corner.

Buying appliances and fixtures in a kitchen sale will often save you up to around 50% off the original price. This could mean saving money or even being able to upgrade your original choice of appliance to a newer, higher standard, feature full model.

However, the important factor to consider in a sale is not to overspend on your budget. Just because there is up to 50% off does not mean you should go and purchase items you do not require and have not calculated within your current budget.

Maintaining and Repairing a Kitchen

The maintenance of a kitchen is much like any other room within your home, with a few exceptions.

Much like the bathroom, the plumbing needs to be checked annually for leaks and corrosion, then the electrical/gas appliances need to be kept clean, and the cupboards will need a good clean at least bi-annually (twice a year).

This maintenance work can all be performed by the homeowner. Firstly, checking for leaks and corrosion is a simple task. You will just need to visually inspect the joints and fixtures for signs of water dripping.

If none is found, then there is no issue. If you do find a leak, then a plumber may be required to fix it by replacing the joint or fixture.

Faults with appliances do not often come up; however, if they do, you should consult the manual that came with the appliance when it was purchased. Often fridges, freezers, cookers, etc, all come with guarantees. Therefore, if they do develop a fault, you may be able to have it fixed or replaced for free under the guarantee in place.

How Do You Clean Kitchen Units and Worktops?

Cleaning is an essential part of day-to-day life. From scrubbing the surfaces and washing up the dinner plates to vacuuming and dusting, owning a home is a never-ending cycle of cleaning.

Kitchens are no exception to this cleaning cycle. Cupboards, appliances, worktops and even the floors will need cleaning from time to time, not only to enhance hygiene but also to prolong the lifespan of the specific area.

Cupboards and Worktops

Cleaning a cupboard, worktop, or unit can be as simple as getting a warm soapy cloth/sponge and scrubbing the internal and external area until the present dirt has been removed.

Then, after applying the soapy water, rinse the cloth or sponge in clean water and re-wipe the unit until all the soap has been removed.

If there are stains or excessive levels of dirt, you could use a scrubbing sponge, or a "Scotchbrite" green scrubbing pad (£2 a pack of six). These are designed to remove heavy dirt, but you must be careful as they can easily damage a surface if used too roughly.

Appliances

Though appliances such as hobs or ovens will suffer from a higher level of use and, therefore, are subjected to a larger degree of dirt, a "Scotchbrite" pad should be avoided. These will lightly scratch and scuff your appliance and can even remove paint.

Therefore, if heavy levels of dirt and grime (often grease) are present, it's probably best to try a commercially available cleaner. Many brand names are available at differing prices, specialities, and appliance-specific formulas. So it is always best to have in mind which specific job you require the cleaner to undertake.

For example, for a dirty, heavily greased oven, then you may look to purchase an oven cleaning spray. These sprays cost around £5 per bottle for a brand name variety and around £2 per bottle for the supermarket's own brand.

Most will simply need to be sprayed onto the dirt and left to break it down. After a set amount of time (shown on the bottle instructions) you will then most likely need to wipe it away with warm water.

Cost of Kitchen Removal

The removal of a kitchen is a thing which may need to be considered before you remodel. If you have an old, dilapidated kitchen already on your property, you may wish to replace it with a newer, nicer-looking build.

Units from a simple small kitchen (12m²) can usually be torn out by almost anyone. However, a larger kitchen with pipes and electrics, which may need removing, is, by far, more complex. Either size will require a few basic elements, such as a skip or waste removal, labour, and basic cleaning supplies. Skip hire will usually cost around £200 for a single skip, hired for a week, with pick up and disposal. This may not be large enough for a large kitchen.

Often, when removing a larger kitchen, you will be best served by hiring a tradesman such as a general builder. They can usually provide all the tools needed and even dispose of the waste produced.

An average builder will be able to complete an old kitchen removal within 3 days. This means it would cost you an average of £500, including the skip hire costs and labour.

Checklist: Hiring a Kitchen Fitter

• Depending on the tradesman hired, these can be in the form of CSCS certification, City and Guild levels, or even college gained qualifications such as HNC’s.
• The most important consideration when hiring any tradesman is the insurance. Make sure they possess, at the least, third party liability, which covers building work. At best, you want to find a tradesman who has personal injury, property damage, and work guarantee cover.
• Evidence of previous work is also a good consideration when hiring any tradesman. If they have references from previous clients, photos, or a portfolio of their work, it will prove they are proud of the level of skill they can provide.
• Does the tradesman offer any form of guarantee for the work they are going to undertake? Most will offer in some form or another to make sure you are happy with the job before they finish. However, it can be worth looking for a tradesman who offers a 5 year guarantee or greater. Then if any problems arise in the future due to any faults in the building process, you are covered, and they will fix their mistakes at no expense to you.

FAQs

Sources

https://www.planningportal.co.uk/permission/common-projects/kitchens-and-bathrooms/is-building-regulations-approval-needed-for-work-to-a-kitchen-or-bathroom
https://www.cotswoldco.com/kitchen-furniture/
https://onestopworktops.co.uk/product-category/laminate-worktops
https://www.elledecor.com/home-remodeling-renovating/home-renovation/advice/a1658/how-to-choose-the-best-kitchen-cabinets-tips/
https://sebringdesignbuild.com/how-long-does-a-kitchen-remodel-really-take-a-realistic-schedule/
https://www.omegaplc.co.uk/the-feed/aftercare/how-to-clean-kitchen-worktops
https://bank.marksandspencer.com/personal-loans/adding-value-to-your-house/