If you are researching kitchen fitting cost in London, the headline figure can be difficult to interpret. A small replacement kitchen may need only straightforward cabinet installation, while a larger renovation could involve rewiring, new plumbing, plastering, flooring and structural changes. As a rough UK guide, a modest fully fitted kitchen may typically start from around £8,000, while a more comprehensive mid-range renovation may fall around £15,000–£30,000. Larger or premium projects may exceed £30,000. Every kitchen project differs, so these are planning ranges only; request a free, no-obligation quote for accurate pricing.
Typical kitchen fitting costs by room size
The size of the room affects both the number of units and the amount of labour. A compact galley kitchen may cost less overall, although restricted access can make installation slower. An open-plan or large kitchen can cost more where it includes additional cabinets, worktop, flooring, lighting and preparation. The following are rough typical UK budgeting ranges only. Every project differs, so obtain a free, no-obligation quote based on the room, specification and required work.
- Small kitchen or galley layout: as a rough guide, typically around £8,000–£15,000 for a complete, straightforward renovation with mid-range units and standard finishes.
- Medium kitchen: as a rough guide, typically around £15,000–£25,000 where there are more cabinets, appliances, worktop space and some alterations to services.
- Large or open-plan kitchen: as a rough guide, typically around £25,000–£40,000 or more, particularly where walls are removed, flooring is extended or premium materials are selected.
- Fitting-only projects: as a rough guide, labour may typically be around £3,000–£10,000, depending on the number of units, worktop type, appliances and preparation required. This may exclude the kitchen, appliances and finishing materials.
What is included in the labour cost?
Kitchen fitting is more than fixing doors to cabinets. Labour may cover removing the existing kitchen, protecting surrounding areas, assembling and levelling units, fitting worktops, connecting appliances, installing sinks and taps, tiling, decorating and making good. Plumbing and electrical work may be needed before the cabinets go in. Ask whether each trade is included in the quote or priced separately, and whether waste removal, delivery and final adjustments are covered.
How complexity changes the price
- A like-for-like replacement with services in the same positions is often simpler than changing the layout.
- Moving a sink, dishwasher, cooker or radiator can require plumbing, drainage, gas or electrical work.
- Removing a wall or opening the kitchen into another room can introduce structural, design and making-good costs.
- Uneven floors, damaged walls, old wiring and concealed leaks may only become clear after the existing kitchen is removed.
- Tight access, upper-floor delivery and limited parking can add time, so mention these constraints during the survey.
Materials: where your kitchen budget goes
Cabinet construction, door style and worktop material can have a substantial effect on the final price. Flat-pack or entry-level units can reduce the initial spend, while rigid cabinets, custom sizes and bespoke storage can increase it. Laminate worktops are often more economical than solid timber, quartz, granite or porcelain. Handles, sinks, taps, splashbacks and internal storage accessories can also add up, even when each individual choice seems modest.
- Units and doors: these can be a significant product cost, especially with tall housings, pan drawers and made-to-measure cabinets.
- Worktops: laminate is often a lower-cost option; timber and compact laminate may cost more, while stone and porcelain can require specialist templating and installation.
- Appliances: allow for ovens, hobs, extraction, fridge-freezers, dishwashers and washing machines if they are being replaced rather than reused.
- Finishes: include splashbacks, wall tiling, flooring, paint, lighting, sockets, handles, sinks and taps rather than treating them as afterthoughts.
Common extras to include in a London kitchen budget
A realistic budget should include more than the cabinets and basic installation. Flooring may need to continue into an adjoining dining or living area, and old plaster can require repair after units are removed. Extra sockets, under-cabinet lighting and upgraded extraction are generally easier to plan before the new kitchen is fitted. If you are considering a broader project, compare the scope with a professional kitchen renovation service rather than requesting a fitting-only price.
- Removal and disposal of the old kitchen
- Plastering, decorating and wall preparation
- Floor preparation, new flooring or levelling compound
- Additional sockets, lighting and consumer-unit or circuit work where required
- Plumbing, drainage, radiator or gas alterations
- Worktop templating, upstands, end panels and fitting
- Building work, structural design and making good for open-plan layouts
- Delivery, access equipment, parking costs and a contingency for hidden defects
How to keep your kitchen fitting cost under control
Start with a written scope that lists the layout, appliances, finishes and every trade required. Keeping the sink, cooker and dishwasher in their existing positions can reduce disruption, although it should not override a poor layout. Choose the worktop and appliances early because their dimensions affect cabinet planning. Obtain comparable quotations based on the same specification, check what is excluded and confirm whether prices include VAT. Consider setting aside a contingency, particularly in older properties where concealed pipework, wiring and uneven surfaces may need attention.
For homeowners in Watford, Hertfordshire and nearby North London areas, BMB Renovation provides kitchen fitting and renovation, with plumbing, tiling, electrical and cabinet installation handled in-house. The company is based at 157 Judge Street, Watford WD24 5AN, and serves Watford, Bushey, Rickmansworth, St Albans, Hemel Hempstead, Borehamwood, Harrow, Croxley Green, Luton and Bedford. You can review the kitchen fitting service or request a free, no-obligation quote based on your actual room and specification.