Kitchen installations are one of the highest-value jobs a tradesman can take on. 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 |
Pro Tip: Always include a line for waste removal. Customers forget about the old kitchen — someone has to take it to the tip. Charge £150-350 depending on the size and whether you need a skip.
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:
- Not doing a site visit — Never quote from photos alone. You'll miss plumbing issues, uneven walls, and access problems
- Forgetting disposal costs — Skip hire or tip runs eat into your profit if not quoted
- Underestimating time — Old houses often have surprises behind the units. Add a 10-15% buffer
- Not specifying what's excluded — Be clear if gas work, flooring, or painting are not included
- Quoting verbally — Always put your quote in writing. It protects you and looks professional
Pro Tip: Include a "What's Not Included" section on your quote. This prevents misunderstandings and protects you from scope creep. For example: "This quote does not include gas work, floor tiling, or decoration/painting."
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
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