Kitchen Fitters: What They Do and How to Budget
Installing units, worktops and appliances — with realistic UK prices.
4 min read · Updated 2026
Key takeaways
- ›A kitchen fit is labour only — units, worktops and appliances are usually bought separately.
- ›Expect £800–£2,000 labour to fit a typical kitchen.
- ›Plumbing and electrical connections should be done by qualified trades.
What a kitchen fitter does
Kitchen fitters assemble and fit units, scribe worktops to walls, cut sinks and hob holes, fit plinths and cornice, install taps and appliances, and connect the plumbing and electrics. A good fitter will flag where a Gas Safe engineer or Part P electrician is needed for the hob, oven and extractor.
Typical prices (UK 2026)
- •Fit a standard kitchen (labour only): £800–£2,000.
- •Worktop cut and fit: £150–£300.
- •Full kitchen (units + appliances + fitting): £3,000–£6,000+.
- •Kitchen fitter day rate: £180–£280.
Questions to ask and common mistakes
Ask whether the quote is labour only, whether plumbing and electrics are included or sub-contracted, and how long the job will take. Common mistakes: ordering the wrong hinge handing, not leaving enough clearance for the extractor, and fitting units before the floor is finished.
- ☐Is the quote labour only, or does it include units/appliances?
- ☐Who does the gas and electrical connections — are they certified?
- ☐How long will the kitchen be out of use?
- ☐Is making good (plastering, tiling) included?
Frequently asked
How long to fit a kitchen?
A typical straight run kitchen takes 3–5 working days for fitting, assuming units and worktops are on site and the room is plastered.
Related guides
Electricians: What They Do and What to Check
When you need a qualified electrician and how to make sure they are Part P registered.
Plumbers: What They Do and When to Call One
From leaks to full bathroom fits, here is what a plumber covers and what to check.
Builders: What They Do and How to Hire
General builders cover everything from extensions to renovation — here is how to choose.
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