A kitchen fitter installing new units and a worktop in a UK home
Independent UK new kitchen guidance

Straight answers about new kitchens.

No sales pitch, no scare tactics — just clear, accurate guidance on kitchen costs, units and worktops, layouts and design, the regulations that apply, and how to choose a kitchen design and fitting specialist. Sourced from the KBSA, Building Regulations and government guidance.

Free · no obligationSourced from KBSA & Building Regulations
KBSA & Building Regulations sourced Independent guide, not a fitter Free, no-obligation quote enquiry

In 40 seconds

A new kitchen typically costs £5,000–£10,000 for budget, £10,000–£20,000 mid-range, and £20,000–£40,000+ at the high end in 2026, all-in for units, worktops, appliances and fitting. Fitting labour alone is usually £3,000–£6,000 over one to three weeks, plus separate trades for electrics, plumbing, plastering and tiling. The biggest cost drivers are unit quality, worktop material, appliances and how much the layout changes. Electrical work is notifiable under Building Regulations Part P, and removing a wall for an open-plan diner may need building control and a structural engineer. A planning application is usually not needed for an internal refit. Get at least three itemised quotes from a kitchen design and fitting specialist, check membership of bodies like the KBSA and TrustMark, and confirm who certifies the electrical work.

£10k–20k
typical mid-range kitchen, all-in
1–3 weeks
typical installation time
Part P
electrical work is notifiable under Building Regs
0
obligation — comparing quotes is free
The answer library

Every question people actually ask about a new kitchen.

Organised the way you think about it — what a kitchen costs and why, what drives the price, how to plan the layout, what regulations and process apply, and how to choose the right specialist to fit it.

Cost & pricing

Realistic 2026 prices for a new kitchen by budget, size and specification — so you can compare quotes fairly.

Pillar guide

How much does a new kitchen cost in the UK?

Typical 2026 all-in prices for budget, mid-range and luxury kitchens — and what drives the difference.

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Cost

How much does kitchen fitting labour cost?

Fitter day rates, the trades involved and what a labour-only quote should cover.

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Cost

What is the average cost of a kitchen by size?

Small, medium and large kitchens — how unit count and run length change the total.

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Cost

How much does a small kitchen renovation cost?

What a galley or compact kitchen really costs to replace — and where the money goes.

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Cost

Luxury vs budget kitchen: what does the extra money buy?

Carcass quality, worktops, appliances and finish — what separates a £6k kitchen from a £30k one.

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What drives the price

Units, worktops, appliances and flooring — the four big line items and how the choices change the bill.

Components

Kitchen units and cabinets explained

Carcass thickness, rigid vs flat-pack, soft-close and door finishes — what drives unit cost.

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Components

Kitchen worktops compared: laminate vs quartz vs granite vs solid wood

Price per metre, durability and upkeep for the four most common worktop materials.

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Components

How much do kitchen appliances cost?

Ovens, hobs, extractors, fridges and dishwashers — integrated vs freestanding and what to budget.

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Components

Kitchen flooring options and cost

LVT, tile, engineered wood and laminate — price, durability and which suits a kitchen.

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Layout & design

From the working triangle to islands and open-plan diners — how to plan a kitchen that works day to day.

Design

Kitchen layout ideas: which one works for your room?

Galley, L-shape, U-shape and island layouts — matched to room size and how you cook.

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Design

How to plan a kitchen, step by step

Measuring up, the working triangle, zones and services — how to get the design right first time.

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Design

Kitchen island cost: is it worth it?

What an island adds, the minimum space it needs, and the services that drive the cost up.

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Design

Open-plan kitchen-diner: what to consider before you knock through

Structural work, ventilation, heating and noise — what changes when you open up the space.

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Process, regs & planning

Planning permission, Building Regulations, timelines and what to expect — the rules and the run of the job.

Regulations

Do I need planning permission for a new kitchen?

When an internal refit is exempt and when an extension, flat or listed building changes the answer.

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Regulations

Building Regulations for a new kitchen

Electrics under Part P, gas, ventilation and drainage — what is notifiable and who certifies it.

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Process

How long does a kitchen installation take?

A typical fit runs one to three weeks — here is what adds time and why.

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Process

What to expect during a kitchen fit

Strip-out to snagging, day by day — the order of trades and what a good fit looks like.

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Value, choosing & quotes

Resale value, choosing a fitter and getting quotes — how to choose well once you know what you need.

Value

Does a new kitchen add value to your home?

One of the highest-ROI improvements — but when over-spec stops paying back.

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Choosing

How to choose a kitchen fitter

Accreditations, references, contracts and red flags — a practical checklist before you commit.

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Choosing

Kitchen showrooms vs independent fitters: which is right for you?

National showrooms, local studios and independent fitters — the trade-offs on price and service.

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Choosing

Signs of a bad kitchen fitter

The warning signs — in the quote, on site and in the contract — that should give you pause.

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Quotes

How do I get kitchen quotes — and how should I compare them?

What to tell specialists, what a good quote looks like, and how to compare fairly.

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How it works

From first idea to fitted kitchen, in three steps.

You don’t need a finished design before you enquire. A kitchen design and fitting specialist will assess your room, help you plan the layout and specification, and give you a fully itemised quote.

  1. Tell us about your kitchen. A short, no-obligation enquiry — your room size, what you have now and what you’re looking for. The more detail you give, the more accurate the quotes.
  2. Get quotes from kitchen specialists. We connect you with kitchen design and fitting specialists in your area who will carry out a site visit and give you a fully itemised supply-and-fit quote.
  3. Compare and choose with confidence. Review the quotes side by side — units, worktops, appliances, scope and price — and choose the specialist you trust. No pressure, no obligation.

Ready to compare kitchen quotes?

Getting at least three quotes from kitchen design and fitting specialists is the single best thing you can do to ensure a fair price and a properly specified kitchen. It’s free to enquire and there’s no obligation to proceed.

Free to use. No obligation. We are an independent guide, not a kitchen fitter.