How much does a kitchen renovation cost in the UK?
A kitchen renovation in the UK typically costs between £10,000 and £30,000, with higher-spec projects reaching £50,000 and above.
If your project includes structural changes or an extension, costs increase significantly, usually £40,000 to £150,000 and above, depending on size and complexity.
Most people underestimate how wide this range is.
That's because kitchen costs are driven by scope. Layout, materials, appliances, and structural work all have a big impact.
The key is not just knowing the range. It is understanding what drives it and planning properly before you start.
Kitchen renovation cost (UK): typical ranges
Most kitchen renovations fall into three broad ranges.
£10,000 to £15,000 (basic) Replace units and worktops. Keep the existing layout.
£15,000 to £30,000 (mid-range) New kitchen, appliances, and finishes. Some layout improvements.
£30,000 to £50,000 and above (high-end) Bespoke cabinetry, premium materials, and higher-spec appliances.
These ranges assume no major structural changes.
Kitchen renovation costs in London
Kitchen renovation costs in London are typically higher than the UK average, mainly due to higher labour costs and increased project complexity.
As a guide: £15,000 to £35,000 for a mid-range renovation, and £35,000 to £60,000 and above for higher-spec projects.
If your project is in London, budget at the higher end of UK ranges.
What drives the cost of a kitchen renovation
Kitchen costs are driven by a small number of key factors.
Layout changes Moving plumbing or electrics increases cost quickly.
Units and cabinetry Often the largest cost. Bespoke kitchens are significantly more expensive.
Worktops and finishes Material choice has a large impact on budget.
Appliances Specification can vary widely depending on brand and quality.
Labour and complexity More trades and coordination increase cost.
Small changes across these areas can move a project from £15k to £40k and above.
What most people get wrong about kitchen costs
Most cost overruns are not caused by expensive choices. They are caused by unclear scope.
Common issues include changing the layout after work starts, upgrading materials late, missing items in the quote, and underestimating complexity.
This is why quotes often vary significantly. If you are comparing quotes, see our guide on how to compare builder quotes.
What your budget actually gets you
Understanding what different budgets deliver is more useful than averages.
Around £10,000 to £20,000: A simple replacement kitchen with minimal layout change.
Around £20,000 to £40,000: A full renovation with improved layout and finishes.
£40,000 to £60,000 and above: A higher-spec, more design-led kitchen.
The right budget depends on your goals, not just your space.
What if your project includes an extension?
If you are extending your home to create a larger kitchen, costs increase significantly.
Typical UK ranges:
Small (15 to 20m²): £40,000 to £60,000
Medium (25 to 30m²): £60,000 to £90,000
Large (35 to 50m²): £90,000 to £150,000 and above
In London, this typically increases to £50,000 to £80,000 for small, £80,000 to £120,000 for medium, and £120,000 to £200,000 and above for large.
Build costs are typically £1,800 to £3,300 per m², depending on design and finish.
Why costs vary so much between quotes
Builders are often pricing different versions of the same project.
This happens when scope is not clearly defined, materials are not specified, and assumptions differ. This is why one quote might be significantly cheaper than another.
Across Beams projects, the cheapest quote wins 44% of the time, while the most expensive wins 40%. Price alone is not a reliable signal of value.
How to budget for your kitchen renovation
Start with clarity, not guesswork.
Set a realistic range. Use cost bands to understand what is achievable.
Define your scope early. Lock in layout, materials, and appliances before speaking to builders.
Allow contingency. Set aside 10 to 15% for unexpected costs.
Compare properly. Make sure quotes are based on the same assumptions.
Why this is difficult to do alone
Kitchen renovations involve multiple connected decisions.
Changing one thing, whether layout, materials, or scope, affects everything else. Without experience, it is difficult to define a complete scope, understand cost trade-offs, or compare quotes confidently. This often leads to budget creep.
How Beams helps
Beams helps you understand your kitchen renovation cost before you speak to builders.
We define the scope upfront, including layout, materials, and level of detail. We set realistic expectations on cost. We match you with the right builders for your project and line up up to three site visits.
Builders then quote based on the same information. That means you can compare quotes properly and choose with confidence.
Get a clear plan and cost before you start
The best way to control your kitchen renovation cost is to start with clarity.
Know what you are building and what it should cost. Then move forward with confidence.
Know what your kitchen renovation should cost before you start
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