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Kitchen renovation cost guide 2026: How much does a kitchen renovation cost?

Spacious contemporary kitchen with glossy handleless cabinets, a large black island with upholstered bar stools, pendant lighting, marble-effect floor tiles, and a skylight providing abundant natural light
Modern open-plan kitchen with navy blue cabinets, a white marble waterfall island with three bar stools, black pendant lights, a large skylight, and floor-to-ceiling black-framed windows overlooking a garden

Have you been dreaming about a brand-new kitchen? Whether you’re looking to replace an outdated kitchen, open the space to create more room or you want a complete kitchen reconfiguration and build from scratch, understanding how much a kitchen renovation costs is one of the first and most important steps.

A new kitchen is one of the most popular home renovation projects in the UK, not just because it can transform your home and how you live, but because a new kitchen can significantly increase your properties appeal to future buyers. In fact, a new kitchen is one of the most important things a buyer looks for in a property.

With kitchen renovations, there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes pricing. The final costs depend on various factors, such as the size of your kitchen, the materials you choose, whether structural work or layout changes are required and the overall complexity of the job.

In this guide, we’ll explain average kitchen renovation costs, what influences the budget, and how careful planning can help you get the most from your kitchen investment. If you’re considering renovating your kitchen in 2026, read on to get an idea of how much it may cost you.

Quick answer: How much does a kitchen renovation cost?

A kitchen renovation in the UK costs on average between £10,000 and £35,000, with higher spec and more specialist jobs reaching £50,000 and above (particularly if it includes large structural works or extensions).

Kitchen renovations vary considerably in price, but as a general guide you can expect to pay:

Renovation Type Typical Cost
Cosmetic refresh £3,000–£8,000
Standard kitchen renovation £8,000–£20,000
High-spec renovation £20,000–£40,000
Luxury bespoke kitchen £40,000–£80,000+

Kitchen renovation costs 2026

How much it costs to renovate a kitchen depends on many factors, but to help you plan your budget and understand what you can expect to pay for the average kitchen remodel, we have put together some average estimated costs for renovating your kitchen in the UK:

  • Basic kitchen renovation: this is a simple kitchen renovation, replacing units and worktops but keeping the existing layout – £10,000 – £15,000.
  • Mid-range kitchen renovation: installation of a new kitchen, new appliances and finishes, may include some layout improvements too – £15,000 – £30,000
  • High-end kitchen renovation: a higher-spec kitchen renovation. This may include bespoke units, premium materials and high spec appliances and layout improvements – £30,000 – £50,000

These prices are assuming you require no major structural changes or extensions, anything like this would likely cost upwards of £50,000.

These figures include labour and installation but should only be used a guide. Every property is different, if you’re knocking through walls, relocating plumbing or installing premium materials or bespoke designs, your costs could be higher.

While cost is an important factor to consider, it’s equally important to think about the long-term value. Investing in quality workmanship and durable materials can reduce maintenance costs and help your kitchen stand the test of time.

What does a kitchen renovation include?

A complete kitchen renovation is far more than simply replacing cabinets. Depending on your project, your renovation may include:

  • Kitchen design
  • Removal of the existing kitchen
  • New cabinets and storage
  • Worktops
  • Integrated appliances
  • Plumbing alterations
  • Electrical rewiring
  • New lighting
  • Flooring
  • Plastering and decorating
  • Structural alterations
  • Waste removal
  • Final finishing touches

At EveryTrade, we manage every aspect of the renovation under one roof, meaning homeowners don’t need to coordinate multiple contractors throughout the project.

What drives up the cost of a kitchen renovation?

With kitchen renovations, costs can quite easily be driven up by several key factors that are worth considering when you’re budgeting for your kitchen update:

  • Kitchen size: Smaller kitchen renovations cost less than a large open-plan space. Naturally, a large kitchen will require more cabinetry, flooring and worktops than a smaller room.
  • Kitchen layout changes: if you want to move your kitchen layout around a lot, for example, you want to move your sink, oven, cabinets or appliances to another location, this could involve moving plumbing, gas or electrics and can increase the costs quickly.
  • Appliances: The price of appliances can vary massively depending on spec and brand. Integrated appliances create a seamless look but generally cost more than freestanding alternatives.
  • Units/Cabinets: Cabinetry is one of the largest costs of the overall budget usually, depending on how much you need, where you get them or whether you want bespoke cabinetry, which can be significantly more expensive.
  • Worktops: Your choice of worktop and the material can have a big impact on cost. Popular options include laminate, solid wood, quartz, granite, porcelain and marble.
  • Flooring: As with worktops, the type of material you choose can vary the price.
  • Lighting: This is an area that is often overlooked during budgeting. Modern kitchens often incorporate LED downlights, pendant lighting, under-cabinet LEDs, featuring lighting and even smart lighting controls, which can all add up.
  • Complexity of the job: Depending on how complex your renovation is you could need a lot of trades people and coordination, which can be expensive in terms of labour costs, especially if you’re hiring them all individually. That’s why a lot of people find it cheaper and a lot less hassle to hire a company that manages the entire process for you, co-ordinating with all trades to get the job finished on time and on budget. That’s what we do here at EveryTrade, making the process stress-free from start to finish.
Contemporary open-plan kitchen featuring navy blue shaker-style cabinets, a white island with breakfast seating and built-in shelving, pendant lighting, a skylight, integrated appliances, and an adjoining dining and living area

Additional costs you should budget for

Many homeowners focus purely on the cost of the kitchen itself but overlook additional expenses. These may include:

It’s sensible to include a contingency fund of around 10–15% to cover any unforeseen issues uncovered during the renovation process, particularly in older properties.

Is a kitchen renovation worth the investment?

Although a kitchen renovation is a big commitment, for many homeowners it’s worth the cost. A new kitchen can completely transform your home by:

  • Improving everyday functionality
  • Creating a better family living space
  • Increasing energy efficiency
  • Modernising older properties
  • Improving buyer appeal
  • Adding value to your home

Research from organisations such as the HomeOwners Alliance consistently identifies kitchens as one of the most desirable improvements for prospective buyers. More importantly, a quality kitchen renovation enhances how you enjoy your home every day, not just when it comes time to sell.

"Modern kitchen with matte dark-gray cabinets, white countertops, a central island with a built-in cooktop and stainless steel range hood, light wood flooring, and large sliding glass doors opening to a garden

How to keep kitchen renovation costs under control

There are many ways you can maximise your kitchen renovation budget without compromising on the quality. Below are a few tips that can help you keep costs down.

Plan thoroughly

The more decisions made before work begins, the fewer costly changes you’ll make during the project. A good, detailed plan is key to staying on time and on budget.

Prioritise quality

Invest in items that receive daily use, such as cabinetry, hinges, worktops and flooring. It’ll work out cheaper in the long run to invest in better quality now.

Keep services where possible

Retaining the existing plumbing and electrical layout can significantly reduce costs.

Choose experienced contractors

Poor workmanship often leads to expensive remedial work. A fully managed renovation delivered by experienced professionals can help keep your project on schedule and within budget.

For more tips on home renovations that can help keep costs down, check out our home renovation checklist.

Contemporary U-shaped kitchen with light gray shaker cabinets, gray countertops, a glossy blue-gray tiled backsplash, black extractor hood, integrated sink beneath a window with white blinds, and light tiled flooring.

How EveryTrade can help with your kitchen renovation

At EveryTrade, we specialise in high-quality home renovations across the Northwest, helping homeowners transform outdated kitchens into beautiful, practical living spaces.

Our experienced team manages every stage of the renovation, from initial planning and design through to construction, installation and finishing. We bring skilled trades together under one company, ensuring complete end-to-end project management, transparent quotations and high-quality workmanship. This all helps to keep the experience as hassle-free as possible for you, as you only have to deal with one company and you can leave us to manage everything for you.

Whether you’re updating a compact family kitchen or creating a large open-plan entertaining space, we’ll help you deliver a bespoke kitchen renovation tailored to your space, that balances style, practicality and long-term value.

Frequently asked questions

How much should I budget for a kitchen renovation?

Most homeowners spend between £10,000 and £20,000 on a standard kitchen renovation, although larger or bespoke projects may cost considerably more.

Can I renovate a kitchen for under £10,000?

Yes, particularly if you retain the existing layout and choose mid-range cabinetry and finishes.

How long does a kitchen renovation take?

Most kitchen renovations take between two and six weeks, depending on the amount of structural work involved.

Do I need planning permission?

Most kitchen renovations don’t require planning permission. However, extensions and significant structural alterations may require approval. Always check with your local authority if you’re unsure. Find out more about whether you need planning permission for your extension in our blog.

Is it worth investing in bespoke cabinetry?

Bespoke kitchens provide greater flexibility, maximise storage and are often built to a much higher specification than standard off-the-shelf units, making them a worthwhile investment for many homeowners.

Get expert advice on your kitchen renovation

Every kitchen renovation is unique, and the best way to understand your budget is to discuss your ideas with experienced renovation specialists.

At EveryTrade, we work closely with homeowners to create kitchens that suit their lifestyle, complement their property and make the best use of their available budget. Whether you’re planning a straightforward refurbishment or a complete redesign, our team can guide you through every stage of the process.

Ready to transform your kitchen? Contact EveryTrade today to arrange a consultation and receive a tailored quotation for your renovation project.

Spacious contemporary kitchen with glossy handleless cabinets, a large black island with upholstered bar stools, pendant lighting, marble-effect floor tiles, and a skylight providing abundant natural light