Kitchen renovation timeline in the UK
A UK kitchen renovation typically takes 2–4 weeks from strip-out to snagging. Budget flat-pack installations can finish in 7–10 working days; bespoke kitchens with quartz worktops stretch to 5–6 weeks because of templating and fabrication lead times.
Homeowners researching this typically also price up kitchen renovation cost in the uk, kitchen installation cost breakdown in the uk and kitchen fitting cost in the uk. For wider context, browse our bathroom pricing, boiler & heating costs and trades day rates.
Cost table
| Item | Typical range (GBP) |
|---|---|
Strip-out & disposal | £1–£2days |
Electrics first fix | £1–£2days |
Plumbing first fix | £1–£2days |
Plastering / making good | £1–£2days |
Unit installation | £2–£4days |
Worktop templating (stone) | £1–£2days |
Worktop fabrication wait | £7–£14days |
Worktop installation | £1–£2days |
Tiling / splashback | £1–£2days |
Appliance connection | £1–£2days |
Decoration & snagging | £1–£2days |
Labour costs
Kitchen fitting labour is the longest single trade, typically 6–10 days. Stone worktops add a separate templating and install visit.
| Item | Typical range (GBP) |
|---|---|
Kitchen fitter | £1,500–£4,000 |
Electrician | £450–£1,200 |
Plumber | £350–£900 |
Gas Safe engineer | £200–£600 |
Plasterer | £350–£800 |
Tiler | £250–£700 |
Materials costs
Material lead times are critical. Bespoke cabinet doors can take 4–6 weeks; stone worktops 2–3 weeks from template.
| Item | Typical range (GBP) |
|---|---|
Cabinets (8–10 units) | £1,800–£7,500 |
Worktop — laminate | £250–£600 |
Worktop — quartz / granite | £1,500–£4,500 |
Appliances (5-piece) | £1,500–£5,000 |
Sink & tap | £150–£700 |
Flooring (LVT or tile) | £30–£90/m² |
Factors affecting cost in the UK
- ·Worktop material — stone needs templating; laminate is same-day.
- ·Cabinet type — flat-pack is faster than bespoke in-frame.
- ·Layout changes — removing walls, moving gas or plumbing adds days.
- ·Appliance delivery delays — especially integrated or premium brands.
- ·Building control for structural wall removal (2–4 week approval).
Ways to reduce cost
- ·Order cabinets and appliances 6–8 weeks before start date.
- ·Choose laminate or compact worktops to skip templating delays.
- ·Keep the existing footprint to avoid plumbing and gas moves.
- ·Book a single design-and-fit contractor to manage scheduling.
- ·Plan the renovation for spring or autumn — trades are less busy.
Frequently asked questions
- How long before I can cook in the new kitchen?
- Usually by day 10–14 for flat-pack; day 18–25 for stone worktop kitchens. Appliance connection is the last step.
- Why do stone worktops take so long?
- The fitter templates after cabinets are in; the fabricator cuts off-site; then a second visit installs. This loop takes 10–18 days.
- Can I live in the house during a kitchen renovation?
- Yes, but it is inconvenient. Most families set up a temporary kitchen in the dining room or garage.
- What is the shortest possible timeline?
- 7 working days for a simple flat-pack swap with no layout changes and laminate worktops.
- Do kitchen fitters work weekends?
- Some do at premium rates, but most prefer Monday–Friday. Weekend noise may also bother neighbours.