Don't forget to factor in kitchen installation costs when budgeting for a new kitchen – it isn't just the price of the units, worktops and appliances you need to account for. Our guide explains what to expect
Many homeowners tend to overlook kitchen installation costs when planning for a new kitchen, with the temptation being to focus mainly on the price of the more visible elements of the space, such as units, worktops and appliances – but this is a big mistake.
Fitting a kitchen, and the associated costs, can eat up a considerable portion of your budget and failing to account for this could result in you either spending more than you had planned or having to forfeit some of the items you dreamt of including in your shiny new kitchen.
Here, we explain how much it costs to have a kitchen fitted, point out the often-forgotten jobs to bear in mind and give you some expert pointers on how to save money.
How much does kitchen installation cost?
According to Checkatrade, if you are going down the route of hiring sub-contractors to install your kitchen, the cost for fitting an average-sized family kitchen can range from £2,200 up to £4,600.
The average day rate of a kitchen fitter alone is around £300 and if the cost of fitting a kitchen doesn't include worktops, you will need to budget at least an extra £500.
However, do bear in mind that the above costs are not likely to cover your kitchen lighting ideas, plumbing or electrics. Nor will they include structural changes to the layout and may not include decorative details such as tiling or decorating.
Checkatrade advises that the average day rates for additional trades are currently as follows:
Electrician - £400
Plumber - £350
Decorator - £235
Tiler - £300
If, however, you choose to purchase a supply and fit option from a kitchen retailer, you should find that all these elements are included and will be managed for you.
Remember, it is likely that your kitchen fitting quotes may well not include lighting, electrics and plumbing. Nor will they include the cost of tiling and decorating(Image credit: Willis & Stone)
Which factors affect kitchen installation costs?
Whether you're calculating your kitchen renovation cost or are starting from scratch, remember that the final figure for kitchen fitting will vary depending on a number of different things, including:
The size of the kitchen
The quality of the units
How good the existing floor and wall finishes are
If there are hard to cut surfaces or unusual shapes to work around
You should also be aware that most kitchen fitters and tradespeople will charge extra to remove an old kitchen and may expect you to hire a skip.
If this is the case, you should factor in around £255 for a week's skip hire and if you can't remove it yourself, expect to pay additional labour to empty your kitchen of its old units.
Opting for a supply and fit package could remove some of the stress of a DIY install(Image credit: SolStock/Getty Images)
How to save on kitchen installation costs
If you have asked 'how much does a new kitchen cost?' and are now keen to cut down on these costs, there are several steps to take. The main thing to consider is whether you could, perhaps, take on all, or some, of the installation work yourself.
"Anything you can do yourself such as ripping out the existing kitchen, painting walls, tiling or laying flooring will all help to keep costs from spiralling," advises Molly Chandler, designer at Willis & Stone.
“The decision between DIY installation or hiring a professional to install your kitchen cabinets ultimately depends on various factors including your skill level, available time, and budget," explains Al Bruce, founder of Olive & Barr.
"Doing it yourself has its appeal. It can be a rewarding experience, providing a sense of accomplishment and potential cost savings," continues Al. "You have control over every step of the process, allowing for customisation and flexibility to work at your own pace. However, keep in mind that cabinet installation requires precision and attention to detail. Improper measurements or alignment could lead to functional issues down the line."
Many homeowners choose to call in the professionals when it comes to fitting their kitchen and, although this will add to your overall costs, there are some definite advantages.
"Hiring a professional brings expertise and experience to the table," says Al. "They possess the necessary skills to handle complex installations and can ensure that your cabinets are installed flawlessly. They will also be familiar with any local building codes and regulations. While it does come with an additional cost, professional installation provides peace of mind and saves you time and effort.
In addition to doing as much as you can on a DIY basis, there are other ways to save money on the installation element of your kitchen.
"It might be worth considering sticking with an existing layout to avoid the need for moving electrics and plumbing which will all add cost," says Molly Chandler. "It also pays to do your research and gather different quotes to ensure you are getting the best offer."
Don't forget to allow for kitchen removal and skip hire when budgeting for your new kitchen(Image credit: Melinda Poder/Getty Images)
Al Bruce
Al Bruce, founder of Olive & Barr, began his career 25 years ago studying to be a cabinet maker at college. His natural skill in the craft of cabinetry and keen business acumen saw him quickly rise up through the ranks of the handmade kitchen industry. With a natural flair for design and a deep passion for the industry, Al finally opened his own Shaker kitchen company in 2018.
FAQs
How do you budget for a new kitchen?
In order to have a clear understanding of how much your kitchen is going to cost you, it is crucial that you have formulated a concise budget for the entire project before getting started designing a kitchen.
"Working out a budget and sticking to it, is of greatest importance when undertaking any kitchen project," explains Molly Chandler. "In order to work out an initial budget, I advise my customers to start by listing everything down so that nothing is forgotten. Making sure you have allocated costs for every single item will mean you are then less likely to spend more.
"Start with the kitchen design and then gather quotes for the extra trades needed such as plumbing and electrics," continues Molly. "It's also a good idea to add in an extra 5-10% contingency to the anticipated budget to allow for unexpected costs or changes."
Molly Chandler
Molly Chandler is a designer for Willis & Stone, where she creates beautiful and functional kitchens in both classic and contemporary styles.
Which are the easiest DIY jobs when fitting a kitchen?
If you are keen to roll up your sleeves and get stuck into your kitchen installation, but are a little worried that your skills might not match your enthusiasm, then fear not, there are plenty of tasks that are well within the capabilities of most homeowners who want to try their hand at this kind of project.
Consider taking on one or more of the following tasks to cut costs:
Tiling walls and floors
Painting bare wood kitchen units
Laying engineered or laminate flooring
Painting or wallpapering the walls
Fitting wall shelves
Fixing kickboards and plinths into place
Providing you enter your new kitchen project with a clear idea of the kind of costs to expect, there is no reason why your dream kitchen should be out of reach.
"A good first step is to assess whether your current kitchen layout works for you or if it needs adjustments to better suit your lifestyle," suggests Molly Chandler. "Determine what you want and need in terms of specific appliances and cabinetry features, such as a pantry cupboard for storage or a designated coffee/breakfast station for convenience. Consider your cooking habits – if you cook frequently, you may require higher-spec appliances and ample storage for ingredients.
"It’s also worth considering whether any other activities are likely to take place in the room, for example, is space needed for working from home, sorting the occasional laundry load or doing arts and crafts with children? This will all help to determine the layout and seating options, whether that's a dining table or an island with seating."
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Natasha is Homebuilding & Renovating’s Associate Content Editor and has been a member of the team for over two decades. An experienced journalist and renovation expert, she has written for a number of homes titles. Over the years Natasha has renovated and carried out a side extension to a Victorian terrace. She is currently living in the rural Edwardian cottage she renovated and extended on a largely DIY basis, living on site for the duration of the project. She is now looking for her next project — something which is proving far harder than she thought it would be.
