Kitchen refurbishment costs in the UK — what to actually expect

Kitchens are the single hardest project to price on the phone, because clients mean wildly different things by “a new kitchen.” Some want a fresh look with new doors and worktops on the existing carcasses. Others want walls knocked through, appliances relocated, underfloor heating and marble islands. This piece breaks down what UK kitchen refurbishments really cost across four common budget tiers, and where we most often see money wasted.

Tier 1 — Cosmetic refresh (£1,500–£4,000)

The cheapest way to transform a kitchen is to replace only what you see. Doors, drawer fronts and worktops swap out; carcasses, plumbing, electrics and appliances stay. New handles, a fresh coat of paint, upgraded lighting.

This works well if the existing layout works, the carcasses are structurally sound, and the appliances aren’t due for replacement. Expect to be back to full use in around a week. Great option for landlords looking to bring a tenanted flat up to standard between lets.

Tier 2 — Mid-range refit (£8,000–£18,000)

The most common tier we deliver. New kitchen from a mid-range supplier (Howdens, Wren, Wickes), new worktops (laminate or standard quartz), new appliances, new tiling / splashback, new flooring and decoration. Existing layout is generally kept to save on relocating services.

Typical timeline is 2–4 weeks including strip-out, first-fix plumbing/electrical, install and second-fix, plus tiling and decoration. For most 3-bedroom UK homes this is the sensible budget — you get a kitchen that’ll last 15+ years and adds real value if you sell.

Tier 3 — Full remodel (£20,000–£40,000)

Layout changes: walls knocked through, appliances relocated, integrated units, higher-end cabinetry (Neff, Miele, Bora), engineered stone or thicker quartz worktops, underfloor heating, task lighting. May include structural work (RSJs) if you’re opening up.

Timeline runs 6–8 weeks. This tier requires proper drawings, sometimes building control, and coordination between six or seven trades. This is where hiring a company that manages everything (rather than juggling individual trades yourself) really pays off — miscommunication in this range costs thousands.

Tier 4 — Extension + designer kitchen (£45,000+)

A single-storey rear extension, open-plan living/kitchen space, bespoke cabinetry, luxury finishes throughout. Includes architect fees, planning permission (usually permitted development but not always), building control, foundations, roof, glazing, plus the kitchen itself.

Typical timeline is 3–6 months. This is a specialist build, not a refurbishment — but a company that already coordinates PPM and reactive across trades can still be the right partner. Expect around 40–50% of the total budget to go on the extension shell and glazing, and 30–40% on the kitchen and finishes.

Where we see clients waste money

• Overspending on cabinets when the layout is wrong. A £25,000 kitchen in an awkward layout is always worse than an £8,000 kitchen in the right layout.
• Buying appliances no one will use. Steam ovens, wine coolers and warming drawers are lovely — but half our clients wouldn’t buy them a second time.
• Skipping the design consultation to save time. An hour with a designer usually saves £3,000+ in re-orders and adjustments.
• Cheap tap and sink combinations. Where you touch every day, quality pays back.
• DIY project management. Trying to book plumber, electrician, tiler and decorator separately — with different notice periods and lead times — is where most horror stories start.

The single biggest predictor of a happy kitchen client is not the budget — it’s whether the design was right before the first order was placed.

How to get an accurate quote

A trustworthy contractor will visit the property, take measurements, discuss your priorities and give you an itemised written quote with a fixed price and timeline. Verbal estimates and “ballpark” numbers are how kitchens end up costing double what was originally discussed.