Kitchen planning guide
Kitchen Fitter Labour Cost UK
How much does a kitchen fitter cost in the UK? See current day rates, what fitting quotes should include, and how to find a reliable tradesperson.
Typical budget range
£5,000–£30,000+
Main cost drivers
Cabinets, worktops, appliances, layout
Best use
Understanding budget before quotes
Kitchen example
A realistic mid-range kitchen look — useful for grounding the kind of finish these guides are talking about.
Kitchen guide snapshot
Most kitchen budgets are won or lost on scope discipline
The biggest swings usually come from layout changes, appliance level and worktop choices rather than decorative details alone.
Remember
Keeping the existing layout usually protects the budget far more than people expect.
Good next step
Use the kitchen calculator after reading to test your own size, specification and region.
Kitchen Fitter Day Rates
| Fitter Type | Day Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General kitchen fitter | £150–£250 | Covers most jobs |
| Experienced / recommended fitter | £200–£300 | Better quality finish |
| Specialist / high-end fitter | £300–£500 | Bespoke / premium kitchens |
| London surcharge | +20–40% | On all above rates |
How Many Days for a Kitchen Fitting
Timeline depends heavily on scope and kitchen size. As a general guide:
- Cabinet replacement only (same layout) — 3–5 days
- Full kitchen renovation (new units, worktops, appliances) — 7–15 days
- Complex layout changes (moving plumbing, electrics) — 10–20 days
- Structural changes (knocking through, extensions) — much longer, requires builder
What Kitchen Fitting Quotes Should Include
A proper kitchen fitting quote should cover:
- Removal and disposal of existing kitchen units, worktops and appliances
- All plumbing first-fix and second-fix work
- Installation of all new base and wall units
- Worktop cutting and installation (or coordination with supplier)
- Appliance installation and connection (not all fitters include this — check)
- Electrical connections (oven, hob, extractor, lighting)
- Tiling and splashback
- Jointer / sealant work
- Painting and decorating of walls/ceiling
- All waste removal and site clean
Finding a Reliable Kitchen Fitter
- Get at least three written quotes — compare what's included, not just the price
- Ask to see photos of previous kitchen installations (not just during — ask for finished jobs)
- Check they have public liability insurance (minimum £2m recommended)
- Confirm whether they use their own tradespeople for plumbing and electrics, or whether that's separate
- Part P registered electrician required for any new electrical circuits in the kitchen
- Gas Safe registered engineer required for any gas work (moving boilers, gas hobs)
- Word of mouth from friends or neighbours is often the most reliable way to find someone good
Estimate your full kitchen cost
Including materials, appliances and labour, use our calculator for a complete budget estimate.
Open Kitchen Cost Calculator →Country context for this guide
This page remains a UK-specific editorial guide so its existing search relevance is preserved. For US pricing, use the global project calculators and select a state and city. Browse calculators or review location coverage.