Planning a new kitchen is easier when you can see how each decision may affect the budget. This kitchen fitting cost calculator UK guide gives you a practical early estimate based on kitchen size, layout, materials, labour and optional plumbing or electrical work. It is intended for early planning rather than a fixed quotation: prices vary with the condition of the room, product specification, access and the amount of preparation required.
Kitchen fitting cost calculator UK
To use the calculator, choose the options that most closely match your project, then add the relevant figures. Start with the number of kitchen units rather than the overall floor area, as fitting costs are often linked to the number and type of cabinets, appliances and worktop sections. The figures below are rough UK planning allowances only. Every project differs, so request a free, no-obligation quote for accurate pricing.
- Kitchen size: small, up to around 8 units; medium, around 9 to 14 units; or large, around 15 to 20 units.
- Layout: a straightforward single-wall or galley layout; an L-shaped layout; or a U-shaped layout with more corners and cuts.
- Materials: entry-level or flat-pack cabinets; mid-range cabinets and laminate worktops; or higher-spec cabinets with premium worktops.
- Labour: cabinet installation, worktop fitting, appliance installation, plinths, handles, adjustments and making good.
- Plumbing: retain the existing sink, dishwasher and washing machine positions, or allow for moving one or more water and waste connections.
- Electrical work: retain the existing points, or allow for additional sockets, lighting, appliance supplies or circuit alterations.
Illustrative cost bands
- As a rough guide, a small, straightforward kitchen may typically cost around £4,000 to £8,000 for cabinets, basic worktops and fitting, before major plumbing, electrical changes, flooring or decoration.
- As a rough guide, a medium kitchen may typically cost around £7,000 to £14,000 for a mid-range installation with standard worktops and typical fitting requirements.
- As a rough guide, a large or higher-spec kitchen may typically cost around £12,000 to £25,000 or more where there are more units, an island, premium worktops, bespoke details or extensive preparation.
- As a rough guide, modest additional plumbing changes may typically cost around £300 to £1,500, depending on how far services must move and whether floors or walls need opening.
- As a rough guide, additional electrical work may typically cost around £400 to £2,000 for extra sockets, lighting and appliance connections; more complex work may cost more.
How to calculate your estimated kitchen fitting cost
A simple calculation is: materials and cabinets + worktops + labour + plumbing changes + electrical changes + preparation and finishing. For example only, a medium kitchen might allow £6,000 for cabinets and worktops, £3,000 for fitting, £600 for plumbing and £800 for electrical work. This would give an early estimate of £10,400 before flooring, plastering, decorating or unexpected repairs. These are rough planning figures, not a standard price: every project differs, so obtain a free, no-obligation quote for accurate pricing.
What kitchen fitting labour normally includes
Kitchen fitting labour can cover assembling and securing cabinets, levelling units, fitting doors and drawers, installing plinths, fitting handles, cutting and joining worktops, and connecting appliances where appropriate. It may also include removing the old kitchen, protecting nearby areas and making minor adjustments. Ask for a written breakdown so you can see whether waste removal, appliance connections, silicone finishing and final cleaning are included.
- Cabinet installation: more units, tall housings, corner mechanisms and an island can increase the time required.
- Worktops: laminate can often be cut on site, while solid timber, stone or compact surfaces may require specialist templating and fabrication.
- Layout changes: moving a sink, dishwasher, cooker or radiator can add preparation, service alterations and reinstatement work.
- Room condition: uneven floors, damaged plaster, poor walls, old wiring and hidden leaks can affect the final cost.
- Finishing work: tiling, flooring, painting, splashbacks and decorating may be separate from the basic cabinet fitting allowance.
How kitchen size and layout affect the estimate
A small kitchen is not always the cheapest to fit. Limited access, awkward corners and several appliances packed into a compact space can make installation slower. A galley kitchen may have fewer units but can still require careful levelling and detailed worktop joins. L-shaped and U-shaped kitchens often involve more corner units, return panels and worktop cuts. An island adds cabinets, panels, worktop, flooring considerations and sometimes new electrical supplies, so it should be treated as a separate part of the estimate.
Plumbing and electrical costs to include
Keeping the sink and appliances close to their existing positions can help control costs, although the condition of the current connections still needs checking. Moving services may involve lifting flooring, opening walls or altering pipework and cables. Electrical requirements depend on the appliances and the existing installation. Your estimate should identify whether it includes socket changes, lighting, extractor connections, cooker supplies and any inspection or certification needed for the work. Do not rely on a calculator alone where the existing installation has not been inspected.
Getting a more accurate kitchen installation estimate
Before comparing quotes, prepare a basic plan showing room dimensions, doors, windows, radiators, existing service points and appliance positions. List which items you are supplying and which the installer is supplying. Also state whether the project includes removal and disposal, plaster repairs, tiling, flooring, decorating and appliance connections. This makes quotations easier to compare and can reduce the risk of important work being left out.
For homeowners in and around Watford, a site visit can help replace a broad calculator range with a project-specific figure. BMB Renovation provides kitchen fitting and renovation, with plumbing, tiling, electrical and cabinet installation handled in-house. You can learn more about kitchen renovation in Watford, review the wider kitchen fitting service, or request a free, no-obligation quote.