Thinking of upgrading your kitchen? Read on to learn more about kitchen renovation costs, wherever you're based in the UK.
Average kitchen renovation cost: £2,000 to £18,000+
Supplying / installing a gas cooker: £400 to £2,800+
Installing a ceiling light: £100 to £200+
Installing an extractor fan: £190 to £220+
Average painting costs: £400+
Builder labour costs: £50+ per hour
Plumbing labour costs: £40 to £80+ per hour
Electrician labour costs: £45 to £60+ per hour
Renovating a kitchen is a major project, with costs generally ranging from £2,000 to £18,000+, depending on the size and extent of the renovation.
While a basic makeover may involve updating cabinet doors or painting, a full renovation often includes structural adjustments, plumbing, tiling, and installing new appliances.
This guide outlines the average costs for each stage of a kitchen renovation and provides insights into regional average job costs to help you budget effectively.
If you’d like to learn more about kitchen fitting by itself, read our guide on kitchen fitting costs.
Data for this guide was collected in October 2024 from Yell proprietary data and online data sources.
Consulting the property experts at Jackson-Stops
We've spoken to Chris Jarrett, a property expert and Director at Jackson-Stops, to get some expert insights into the value of kitchen renovations.
Chris Jarrett has been in residential property agency since 1996 and his career spans almost 30 years. A third generation property professional, for most of his career, Chris has been involved in the sale of prime property across Devon, Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire.
From country and coastal homes to townhouses and apartments, Chris’s experience is broad and far reaching. He spent 8 years as head of the Honiton office of Stags, then 12 years as a Director and Head of Office at Savills Cheltenham. He now leads the successful Jackson-Stops franchise in Cheltenham.
Read on to learn how much kitchen renovations cost in the UK.
Here’s a breakdown of typical kitchen renovation tasks with costs.
This should help you understand the budget needed for different aspects of kitchen renovations.
Task | Cost (low) | Cost (high) | Average cost (£) |
|---|---|---|---|
Kitchen renovation (overall) | £2,000+ | £18,000+ | £11,000 |
Costs accurate as of October 2024
Kitchen renovations can range anywhere from £2,000 to £18,000+, depending on the scale of the project. It typically involves many functional and aesthetic tasks, such as:
Removal of old kitchen components
Electrical installations
Plumbing connections
Plastering and painting
Cabinet and worktop installations
Appliance installations
Of course, some kitchen renovation projects will not include all these tasks, and others might be more extensive.
Task | Price (low range) | Price (high range) | Average cost |
|---|---|---|---|
Plastering | £60+ per square metre | - | £60 per square metre |
Kitchen wall tiling | £100+ | £2,500+ | £1,300 |
Kitchen floor tiling | £280+ | £980+ | £630 |
Kitchen tiling | £65+ per square metre | - | £65 per square metre |
Underfloor heating | £60+ per square metre | £185+ per square metre | £122.50 |
New kitchen doors | £95+ | £145+ | £120 |
Removing load-bearing wall | £1,250+ | £1,750+ | £1,500 |
Adding windows | £160+ | £1,860+ | £1,010 |
Costs accurate as of October 2024
Plastering
Plastering is often done in the middle of a kitchen renovation to prepare the walls and ceilings for a smooth, durable finish before installing cabinets, tiles, or painting.
The average cost of plastering is around £60 per square metre.
Kitchen tiling
When renovating a kitchen, installing tiling is a great way to personalise your kitchen’s design, with a wide range of patterns, colours, and textures.
You can expect to pay £100 to £2,500+ for tiled walls, and £280 to £980+ for tiled flooring. Costs are influenced by the size and complexity of the installation.
You can learn how to tile a kitchen wall yourself, but professionals will almost always provide a superior end result.
Underfloor heating
Underfloor heating in a kitchen provides a comfortable, energy-efficient way to keep the space warm, especially on colder days.
It also allows for more flexible kitchen layouts without radiators.
You can expect to pay £60 to £185+ per square metre for underfloor heating.
For a closer look what you might spend, read our guide on underfloor heating costs.
Kitchen doors
Adding new doors to a kitchen is another effective way to refresh the look, with that costing anywhere from £95 to £145+.
Removing load-bearing walls
Structural renovations may also be completed during a kitchen renovation, to really transform a space.
Removing load-bearing walls can cost anywhere from £1,250 to £1,750+, and adding windows can start from £160+.
You’ll likely need to hire builders or a structural engineer for this work.
There's a good chance you'll need to pay for these other, related costs during your kitchen renovation project.
Task | Price (low range) | Price (high range) | Average cost |
|---|---|---|---|
Skip hire (per week) | £200+ | £250+ | £225 |
Costs accurate as of October 2024
You may need to hire a skip during a kitchen renovation, especially if the old kitchen needs to be removed.
A skip is helpful for old kitchen cabinets, for when you remove wall tiles, and a variety of other discarded materials.
Skip hire can range from £200 to £250+ per week.
For more in-depth price details, read our guide on skip hire costs.
Task | Price (low range) | Price (high range) | Average cost |
|---|---|---|---|
Extractor fan | £190+ | £220+ | £205 |
Ceiling light | £100+ | £200+ | £150 |
Costs accurate as of October 2024
Extractor fan
Installing an extractor fan in a kitchen is essential for maintaining air quality and keeping the space free from cooking odours, smoke, and excess moisture.
It's usually installed by a qualified electrician and can cost £190+.
Once the extractor fan is installed, you'll need to learn how to clean the extractor fan filter thoroughly to keep it working properly.
Ceiling light
If any ceiling nights need to be installed or updated, they can cost anywhere from £100 to £200+.
Here's what you can expect to pay to install different kitchen appliances.
Appliances | Price (low range) | Price (high range) | Average cost |
|---|---|---|---|
Conventional gas cooker | £400+ | £850+ | £625 |
Fan gas cooker | £400+ | £1,850+ | £1,125 |
Electric cooker | £180+ | £2,150+ | £1,165 |
Dishwasher | £270+ | £2,200+ | £1,235 |
Costs accurate as of October 2024
Conventional and fan gas cookers
Conventional and fan gas cookers must be installed by a Gas Safe registered engineer, to ensure safety and compliance with UK regulations.
You should expect to pay £400 to £1,850+ for supply and installation. You can take a closer look at what you'll need to pay with our guide on gas cooker fitting costs.
Electric cookers
Electric cookers can be installed by a qualified electrician, costing £180 to £2,150+ for supply and installation, depending on the chosen oven model.
Dishwashers
You may need to hire a plumber to install dishwashers during a kitchen renovation. This will cost £270 to £2,200+, depending on the chosen dishwasher model.
Kitchen renovations are a large and complex project, which can involve the services of many skilled trades.
Here’s what you can expect to pay for them.
Profession | Hourly rate (£) | Day rate (£) |
|---|---|---|
Painter & decorator | £30 to £35+ per hour | £250 to £400+ per day |
Tiler | £40+ per hour | £200 to £350+ per day |
Plasterer | £37.50+ per hour | £300+ per day |
Builder | £50+ per hour | £400+ per day |
Plumber | £40 to £80+ per hour | £180 to £350+ per day |
Electrician | £45 to £60+ per hour | £400+ per day |
Costs accurate as of October 2024
The cost of hiring tradespeople can vary depending on where you’re located and the nature of the task.
We recommend getting quotes from several tradespeople before hiring anyone – it's the easiest way to get better value for money.
For more in-depth advice, check out TrustMark’s top tips for hiring tradespeople.
Here’s what you can expect to pay for kitchen renovations in different parts of the UK.
Region | Average cost (£) |
|---|---|
North West | £12,882 |
East of England | £12,555 |
London | £11,712 |
Yorkshire & the Humber | £10,858 |
East Midlands | £9,704 |
Scotland | £8,348 |
Northern Ireland | £7,233 |
South West | £6,247 |
Wales | £6,597 |
UK average | £9,570 |
Costs accurate as of October 2024
Kitchen renovation costs vary across the UK, with regions like the North West and the East of England having higher average job costs.
Wales and the South West instead averaged a lower job cost.
You should always take quotes from several services to find out what seems reasonable for your project.
Demand and labour rates: areas with high demand tend to have higher labour costs
Project complexity: structural changes, such as removing walls, add costs and vary in price depending on local construction rates
Material costs: regions closer to suppliers may see lower material transport costs, slightly reducing the overall cost
Some people also do some of the less technical kitchen renovation work themselves to save on costs.
For example, if you’re feeling confident, you might be able to paint newly plastered walls without needing to hire a painter and decorator.
If you have any burning questions about kitchen renovation costs – or kitchen renovations more generally – you'll find the expert-approved answers here.
What is the average cost of a kitchen renovation in the UK?
The average cost is around £11,000, but this can vary based on kitchen size, chosen appliances, materials, and the level of work required.
Basic renovations may start at £2,000+, while high-end projects can exceed £18,000+.
How can I save money on my kitchen renovation?
To save money, consider reusing cabinets if they’re in good condition, opting for cost-effective worktop materials like laminate instead of granite, and limiting structural changes.
You can also tackle some tasks yourself. For example, you might adjust kitchen cabinet doors yourself, rather than replacing them or hiring someone to fix them.
If you're confident, you can also paint kitchen cabinets yourself, and avoid a potentially large cost. Just make sure you clean your cabinets to maintain their style!
Comparing quotes from multiple fitters and taking on small DIY tasks, like painting, can also help manage costs.
Does renovating your kitchen add value to your home?
Yes, renovating a kitchen can add value to your home, although you need to spend carefully when renovating with a future sale in mind.
Chris Jarrett, a property expert and Director at Jackson-Stops, says that “When considering upgrading a kitchen, there are lots of factors to consider. Kitchens and the associated decorative touches are extremely personal, and the combination of finishes almost endless, so it can pay to play safe.
“When you consider elements like units, worktops, splashbacks, sink units, appliances is it any wonder that every kitchen looks unique? And this can pose a problem over a sale. Some buyers will resent paying a premium price for a new kitchen when it may not be to their own taste.
"So, there are some simple upgrades that may be more sensible including replacing worktops, splashbacks, and appliances rather than a completely new kitchen, and this can be a much more cost-effective way of achieving the ‘new’ effect, but without the ‘new’ price tag!”
The takeaway here is to spend strategically. Investing in expensive materials and installations that many homebuyers may want to replace anyway isn't an effective approach.
On the other hand, smaller and cheaper touches can uplift your kitchen, bringing greater practical and aesthetic performance and, in turn, a boost to your home's valuation.
How long does a typical kitchen renovation take?
On average, a complete kitchen renovation takes 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the complexity of the project and the coordination needed with other trades.
When taking quotes from builders and other tradespeople, ask them to estimate how long they expect the work to take.
Do I need planning permission for a kitchen renovation?
In most cases, planning permission should only be required if you’re making structural changes, such as adding new windows or knocking down walls.
Always check with your local authority for guidance.
Is a kitchen renovation worth the investment?
A well-done kitchen renovation can increase home value and improve functionality, making it a worthwhile investment.
Renovations that focus on quality materials and smart layouts are especially valuable in boosting both aesthetic and resale appeal.
Even so, you should always weigh expected costs against potential valuation increases, keeping in mind that practical improvements hold their own value, too.
Kitchen renovations can vary widely in cost, with a typical project averaging £11,000 in the UK.
By understanding the costs involved and planning strategically, you can create a stylish, functional kitchen that meets your needs and budget.
To get the best results, hiring qualified kitchen renovation professionals is essential.
On Yell, you can browse through highly rated builders near you, view customer reviews, service offerings, and choosing your favourite.
You can also post a free enquiry to let tradespeople contact you via phone or email, saving time and effort.
For more home improvement guidance, practical guides, and money-saving tips, check out the Yell blog today.
Disclaimer
Cost data was gathered from business estimates, profiles and websites captured on Yell.com, in up to 12 UK regions, combined with an analysis of wider industry data. Actual costs may vary depending on location or complexity of the task, project, or service. We encourage customers to reach out to industry professionals for specific quotes based on their unique requirements.
