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A new kitchen can transform your home. Whether you’re upgrading a worn-out space or planning a complete overhaul, the cost of a kitchen renovation is something you’ll want to know upfront. Sadly, it’s not a simple answer. Costs can range from a few thousand pounds to well over twenty grand and much more if you want to extend your space. A lot of budget spend is down to your tastes, brand needs and whether you like luxury.
What really affects the price of a new kitchen and how can you budget wisely, and what you can expect if you want to extend your kitchen too. Find out…
It’s not just about the size of the space. A bigger kitchen will cost more, but that’s just one piece of the puzzle. You’ve got materials, labour, layout changes and your choice of appliances. Each of these plays a huge role in shaping the final bill:
Size of the KitchenThe bigger the kitchen the more it will cost. This might seem obvious, but it’s worth saying. More space means more cupboards, more worktops and more flooring. A small kitchen might cost around £5,000 to £10,000 for a basic refit, while a larger one could start at £15,000 and climb much higher. But it’s not just about size, it’s also about what goes into that space.
Materials make a big difference. Laminate worktops will cost you a fraction of what granite or marble would. And when it comes to appliances, a basic oven and fridge won’t hurt your budget, but go for integrated or smart appliances and the price jumps quickly. You might be looking at a simple oven for £300 or a high-end smart fridge for over £2,000. Brand also plays a part here, the all singing and dancing hide and slide from Neff will cost three times that of it’s competitors. In fact, Miele, Samsung, Rangemaster, Neff and Smeg appliances are seen as high end and hold a premium for their price.
Labour costs can’t be ignored. This is where a chunk of your budget will go. Depending on where you live, tradesmen might charge anywhere between £150 and £250 a day. Electricians, plumbers, tilers add up and charge different rates. If you’re moving plumbing or rewiring expect to pay more than keeping your layout as is.
Changing your kitchen around is one of the most expensive parts of a kitchen renovation. If you want to move the sink or switch the position of your hob, it’s going to need extra plumbing or gas work. Keeping everything in its place can help cut costs, but if a new layout is what you want then budget for the extra work.
If you dream of something special like a bespoke kitchen island or custom cabinetry, that’s where the costs really start to add up. While these features can give your kitchen a unique feel, they come with a price. Bespoke cupboards or hand-crafted units can quickly push your renovation from mid-range to high-end.
It helps to know what to expect for different budgets. Here’s what you can aim for:
If you’re sticking to a tight budget then expect basic materials and standard appliances. Think laminate worktops, flat-pack cabinets and a straightforward design. It’s still a massive improvement on an outdated kitchen, but it won’t have the bells and whistles of a more expensive refit. Nor will it add much to the price of your home. We’ve all seen the landlords going in at a cheap budget on Homes Under The Hammer and their property doesn’t rise in cost.
Mid-Range Kitchen Renovation: £10,000 to £20,000In this price range you get a bit more room to play with. Quartz worktops, integrated appliances and semi-custom cabinets might all be within reach. In this price range the teenager slamming the drawers can be eliminated with soft close. You can upgrade finishes and start adding personal touches like better lighting or more storage solutions.
Now we’re talking about the high-end stuff and we’ll be honest this is where Adamsons sit. Bespoke everything, it’s not quite Jo-Lo costs, but you can look at bespoke cabinetry, luxury materials like marble or granite and top-of-the-range appliances. You might even start looking at smart technology like underfloor heating or voice-activated ovens. If you want your kitchen to be a showstopper aim for this budget.
If you’ve got your heart set on more space then a kitchen extension could be the answer. Whether it’s stretching into the garden or using the side of the house, kitchen extensions give you more room for that dream kitchen-diner or open-plan space.
A side return extension is perfect if you live in a terraced or semi-detached home with a little-used side path. By building out into that area, you can add valuable square footage. It’s a smaller extension but one that can make a huge difference. You’re looking at about £45,000 to £180,000 for this type of work.
If you’ve got garden space to spare, a rear extension is the way to go. This type of extension pushes your kitchen into the garden, often with large doors or windows bringing in loads of natural light. It can create a beautiful, open-plan kitchen-living area that transforms your home. For a rear extension you could be paying £40,000 to £80,000.
Want to go all out? A wraparound extension combines both the side return and rear extensions, giving you tons of new space. This type of project can completely change the layout and flow of your home, often adding more than just kitchen space. Expect to pay anywhere from £45,000 to £100,000 depending on the size and details.
If you want to go vertical as well as horizontal, a double-storey extension could be an option. This adds space not just to your kitchen but upstairs as well. It’s perfect for adding extra bedrooms or a bigger bathroom while also creating a large kitchen-diner below. Prices typically start at £80,000 and can go up to £180,000 depending on how much work is needed.
Common Kitchen Renovation QuestionsBased on a smaller fit, the labour for fitting alone usually costs between £3,000 and £7,000 depending on the size of the kitchen and complexity of the job. If you’re dealing with bespoke units or tricky spaces the cost will increase.
Custom cabinetry is often the priciest part of a kitchen renovation, followed closely by high-end appliances and worktops. Bespoke units alone can eat up 30-40% of your budget, but they make a huge difference in the overall feel and functionality of your kitchen.
Most kitchen renovations take between 2 to 6 weeks, though that depends on how much work is being done. If you’re extending the space or ordering custom materials, expect a much longer timeline.
Renovating a kitchen is exciting but keeping your budget in check is essential. Just watch Grand Designs, any project in the home can feel like this and it’s easy to get carried away. Here are a few tips:
Stick to the Layout, keeping sinks, hobs, and major appliances in their current places saves on plumbing and electrical costs.
Refacing Cabinets, if you’re happy with your layout and don’t need brand new cabinets, refacing or repainting can be a cheaper way to refresh your kitchen.
Lower Cost Appliances, look for sales or discontinued models to snag high-quality appliances for less. Or be brand aware, brands like Zanussi, Electrolux and CDA produce appliances for a third of the price to higher known brands. Do you even need to replace the appliances?
Yes, a new kitchen can add value. In the UK, a well-executed kitchen renovation can boost your home’s value by 5-10%. And if you’re planning a kitchen extension you could see even more, particularly if the extension creates a larger, open-plan living space. Kitchens are a huge selling point and the investment is worth making.
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