How to Quote Kitchen Installation UK 2026 [Prices]

Kitchen installations are one of the highest-value jobs a tradesman can take on, alongside bathroom refits and loft conversions. A typical kitchen fit costs between £2,000 and £8,000 for labour alone — but quoting wrong can either lose you the job or eat into your profit. Here's how to quote accurately and professionally every time.

What's Included in a Kitchen Installation?

Before you price anything, be clear about what the customer expects. A standard kitchen installation typically includes:

• Removal of old kitchen — Stripping out units, worktops, splashback, and flooring
• Plumbing — Connecting sink, dishwasher, washing machine
• Electrics — Sockets, cooker connection, lighting
• Fitting units — Base units, wall units, drawers, plinths, cornices
• Worktop fitting — Cut to size, mitre joints, sink cutout
• Tiling — Splashback or full wall tiling
• Finishing — Silicone sealing, handles, final adjustments

Not every job includes all of these. Some customers supply their own kitchen and just need fitting. Others want a full strip-out and refit. Always do a site visit before quoting.

Typical Kitchen Installation Costs (Labour Only)

Kitchen Size	Duration	Labour Cost
Small (6-8 units)	3-4 days	£1,500 – £2,500
Medium (10-14 units)	5-7 days	£2,500 – £4,500
Large (15+ units)	7-10 days	£4,500 – £8,000

These are labour-only prices. If the customer is supplying the kitchen (e.g., from IKEA, Howdens, or Wren), you're just quoting for the fit. If you're supplying materials too, add your material costs plus a 15-20% markup.

How to Break Down Your Quote

A professional kitchen quote should be itemised so the customer knows exactly what they're paying for. Here's a sample breakdown:

Item	Cost
Strip out old kitchen & disposal	£350
Fit 12 base & wall units	£1,800
Cut & fit worktops (laminate)	£400
Plumbing — sink, dishwasher, washing machine	£350
Electrics — sockets, cooker connection	£300
Tiling splashback (materials included)	£280
Silicone, finishing, handles	£120
Total	£3,600

Day Rate vs Fixed Price

Most kitchen fitters quote a fixed price rather than a day rate. Here's why:

• Customers prefer it — They want to know exactly what they'll pay
• You earn more — If you're efficient, you finish faster and your effective day rate goes up
• Fewer disputes — No arguments about how long things took

If you do charge a day rate, kitchen fitters in the UK typically charge £200-350 per day (or £350-500 in London and the South East).

What Affects the Price?

Every kitchen is different. Here are the main factors that push the price up or down:

• Kitchen layout — L-shaped and U-shaped kitchens take longer than galley kitchens
• Worktop material — Laminate is quick to fit; granite and quartz need specialist cutting
• Plumbing changes — Moving the sink to a new location adds £200-500
• Electrical work — Adding new circuits or moving sockets adds time and cost
• Flooring — If the customer wants new flooring fitted under or around the units
• Wall condition — Plastering or levelling walls before tiling adds £300-600
• Access — Flats above ground floor, narrow hallways, or no parking all add time

Common Quoting Mistakes

Avoid these errors that cost kitchen fitters money:

1. Not doing a site visit — Never quote from photos alone. You'll miss plumbing issues, uneven walls, and access problems
2. Forgetting disposal costs — Skip hire or tip runs eat into your profit if not quoted
3. Underestimating time — Old houses often have surprises behind the units. Add a 10-15% buffer
4. Not specifying what's excluded — Be clear if gas work, flooring, or painting are not included
5. Quoting verbally — Always put your quote in writing. It protects you and looks professional

How to Win More Kitchen Jobs

Kitchen installations are competitive. Here's how to stand out:

• Send your quote within 24 hours of the site visit — Speed matters
• Include before/after photos of previous kitchen jobs in your quote
• Use a professional quote template — Not a text message or scribbled note
• Follow up after 3-5 days if you haven't heard back
• Offer a payment schedule — e.g., 25% deposit, 50% mid-job, 25% on completion

Need help quoting other types of work? See our guides on painting and decorating quotes, roofing quotes, and landscaping quotes. Or learn the difference between a quote and an estimate.

Working With Customer-Supplied Kitchens

Many customers buy their kitchen from a retailer and need a fitter to install it. Before you quote, ask for the kitchen plan and unit list, and check whether the units are flat-pack or rigid — flat-pack assembly can add a day or more. Make it clear on your quote that you aren't responsible for missing, damaged or incorrect parts from the supplier, and explain how delays caused by supplier issues will be handled. Checking every delivery against the order before you start saves days of disruption later.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a kitchen installation cost for labour in the UK?

Labour costs for kitchen installations in the UK range from £1,500-£2,500 for a small kitchen (6-8 units, 3-4 days), £2,500-£4,500 for a medium kitchen (10-14 units, 5-7 days), and £4,500-£8,000 for a large kitchen (15+ units, 7-10 days). These are labour-only prices excluding materials.

What is the day rate for a kitchen fitter in the UK?

Kitchen fitters in the UK typically charge £200-£350 per day outside London, or £350-£500 per day in London and the South East. However, most kitchen fitters quote a fixed price per job rather than a day rate, as it gives customers certainty and rewards efficient work.

What should a kitchen installation quote include?

A professional kitchen installation quote should itemise: strip-out and disposal of old kitchen, fitting of base and wall units, worktop cutting and fitting, plumbing connections (sink, dishwasher, washing machine), electrical work (sockets, cooker connection), tiling, and finishing. Always include a 'What's Not Included' section covering items like gas work, flooring, or painting.