The short answer
Plan a kitchen in this order: set a budget, measure the room, choose a layout, plan storage and appliances, pick worktops and finishes, check the regulations, then get itemised quotes. Doing it in this order avoids expensive changes of mind later. Allow a realistic budget — a new kitchen typically costs £5,000–£10,000 at the budget end, £10,000–£20,000 mid-range and £20,000–£40,000+ at the high end. See the pillar cost guide for the full breakdown.
Planning is where a kitchen project succeeds or fails. Time spent on measuring, layout and budget up front saves money and stress during the fit. This guide takes you through the planning steps in a sensible order, with links to the detailed guides for each stage.
Planning at a glance
- Set a realistic budget first
- Measure everything to scale
- Choose a layout that fits the room
- Plan storage and appliances
- Check Building Regulations
- Get itemised quotes
Step 1 — set a budget and a contingency
Decide what you can spend and add a contingency of around 10–15% for surprises uncovered once the old kitchen is removed — hidden damp, dated wiring or uneven walls are common. Knowing your budget shapes every other decision, from the units to the worktops. See luxury vs budget to understand what each tier buys.
Step 2 — measure the room accurately
Measure the room precisely, including the width and height of every wall, the position of doors, windows, radiators, the soil pipe, water supply, gas point and sockets. These services constrain where the sink and hob can go without extra cost. Draw it to scale or have a designer do it; small measuring errors cause big problems when units arrive.
Step 3 — choose a layout and storage
With measurements in hand, choose a layout that suits the room — galley, L-shaped, U-shaped, island or open-plan — and plan storage around how you actually cook. See layout ideas and units and cabinets for the detail. Think about where bins, recycling and everyday items live before the cabinets are ordered.
| Stage | What to decide | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Total spend plus 10–15% contingency | New kitchen cost |
| Layout | Which layout suits the room | Layout ideas |
| Worktops | Laminate, wood, quartz or granite | Worktops compared |
| Appliances | Integrated vs freestanding, package | Appliances cost |
| Regs | Electrical Part P, gas, ventilation | Building Regulations |
Step 4 — pick worktops, appliances and finishes
Choose worktops to match budget and use — laminate is hard-wearing and affordable, quartz and granite are premium — and decide on appliances, integrated or freestanding. See worktops compared and appliance costs. Order samples and view them in your own light before committing.
Step 5 — get itemised quotes and choose a fitter
With a plan in place, get itemised quotes you can compare like for like, and choose a fitter on track record and references rather than price alone. See how to choose a fitter and signs of a bad fitter. A clear plan makes quotes more accurate and comparison fairer. This is general information; your project's right order may vary with its scale and condition.
Compare kitchen quotes
Once your plan is ready, compare itemised quotes from kitchen design and fitting specialists in your area.
Frequently asked questions
What is the first step in planning a kitchen?
Set a realistic budget, including a contingency of around 10–15% for surprises uncovered once the old kitchen is removed. Your budget shapes every other decision, so it should come before layout, units and finishes.
How long does it take to plan a kitchen?
Planning typically takes a few weeks from first measurements to signed-off design, depending on how many showrooms or designers you visit and lead times on units. Allow extra time if you are knocking through walls or relocating services.
Should I design the kitchen myself or use a designer?
You can sketch a plan yourself, but a kitchen designer — in a showroom or independent — will produce a plan to scale, spot layout problems and specify units that fit. Many provide design as part of a supply-and-fit package.
How much contingency should I allow?
Around 10–15% of the budget is a sensible contingency. Removing an old kitchen often reveals hidden issues such as damp, dated wiring or uneven walls that need fixing before the new kitchen goes in.
Sources & further reading
- KBSA (Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association) — guidance on kitchen design and planning
- GOV.UK / Building Regulations — electrical, ventilation and structural requirements
- Gas Safe Register — rules for gas hobs and appliances
- TrustMark — finding and checking registered tradespeople
This is general information, not advice for your specific property or installation. The right order and timings vary with the scale and condition of your project.