The quick answer
Labour-only fitting (typical)
£2,000–£6,000
Installing units & finishing (scope varies).
Project totals (small → large)
£4,500–£20,000+
Includes common extras and supporting trades.
All-in “standard” kitchen
~£10,000–£20,000
Supply + fitting + trades (spec-dependent).
These are guide ranges for Brighton & Hove in 2026. Your final price depends on layout changes, access, finishes, and how much plumbing/electrical work is required.
What “kitchen fitting” includes (and what it often doesn’t)
Many homeowners search “kitchen fitting cost” expecting one number. In reality, estimates often mix labour-only installation with additional trades and finishing work. Knowing what’s included is the fastest way to avoid surprise extras.
Often included in a fitter’s estimate
- Basic strip-out of old units (sometimes excludes disposal)
- Installing base and wall units, doors, panels, plinths
- Trims, filler panels, scribing, and finishing details
- Worktop fitting (sometimes included for laminate; not always for stone)
- Cut-outs for sink/hob (depends on worktop type and scope)
- Basic sealing, silicone, and snagging
Always ask: “What’s included, what’s excluded, and what are the allowances?”
Often extra (and can move the budget a lot)
- Plumbing changes (moving sink, waste runs, dishwasher feed)
- Electrical work (new sockets, lighting, appliance feeds, circuits)
- Flooring and skirting boards
- Plastering, decorating, tiling/splashbacks
- Gas work (if applicable) and ventilation/extractor ducting
- Waste removal, skips, parking permits
These are common in Brighton & Hove properties, especially older terraces and flats.
Typical Brighton & Hove costs by kitchen size
The ranges below assume a “normal” level of finish and a typical Brighton & Hove mix of properties. They include the reality that many kitchens need at least some electrics, plumbing tweaks, and making-good.
If you’re supplying the kitchen yourself, these totals are still useful as a guide for the fitting + trades portion. If you want “all-in”, add the cost of units, appliances, worktops, and finishes.
Labour rates in Brighton & Hove (what you’re paying for)
Brighton & Hove tends to sit at the higher end of national pricing due to demand, parking/access, and the amount of finishing work needed in older housing stock. Labour can be priced as day rates, fixed-price estimates, or a blend (especially for snagging).
Typical local ranges (use as a sanity-check)
- Kitchen fitter: commonly priced as a day rate or fixed job estimate (quality/complexity matters more than “cheap”).
- Electrician: varies based on whether new circuits are needed and how accessible the routes are.
- Plumber: varies depending on how far services move, and whether pipework upgrades are required.
Tip: A fixed-price estimate based on a clear scope usually protects you better than open-ended hourly billing.
How long does kitchen fitting take?
- Like-for-like replacement: typically 5–10 working days.
- Fit + flooring/skirting + some service moves: typically 10–15 working days.
- Reconfiguration / more trades: 2–4+ weeks depending on complexity and lead times.
Example budgets (3 realistic scenarios)
These examples are designed to help you understand what drives the price. Your home’s access, the condition of walls/floors, and how much “making good” is required can move costs.
1) Budget refresh
Typical total: £4,500–£7,500
- Like-for-like unit replacement
- Minimal plumbing/electrics
- Basic making-good
Best for: quick upgrades, rentals, tight timescales.
2) Mid-range (most common)
Typical total: £7,500–£12,500
- More sockets/lighting
- Flooring and skirting
- Some service repositioning
Best for: owner-occupiers improving layout and finish.
3) Premium / reconfiguration
Typical total: £12,500–£20,000+
- Layout changes & bigger trade scope
- More carpentry detail & making-good
- Higher-end worktops/finishes
Best for: long-term “forever kitchen” plans.
The biggest things that change the price in Brighton & Hove
- Moving plumbing: shifting a sink or waste run can add time, materials, and making-good.
- Electrical scope: extra sockets, new lighting, appliance feeds, or new circuits can significantly change costs.
- Worktop type: laminate is usually simpler; stone/quartz often needs templating and specialist fitting.
- Floor condition: uneven subfloors, damaged boards, or old tile removal adds labour.
- Wall condition: replastering or “straightening” old walls makes a big difference to finish quality.
- Access & parking: flats, stairs, tight hallways, or permit/parking constraints can increase labour time.
- Timing: short deadlines or phased work can push prices up.
Hidden costs to watch for
Hidden costs are usually not “scams” — they’re the bits that weren’t specified at estimate stage. Add these to your checklist so you can compare estimates like-for-like:
- Waste removal: skip hire, loading, and disposal fees.
- Making-good: patch plastering, painting, boxing-in, re-tiling.
- Upgrading old pipework/valves: often recommended during a kitchen refit.
- Extractor ducting/ventilation: especially where external routes are awkward.
- Extra carpentry: filler panels, custom boxing, tricky corners, uneven walls.
- Delays from late decisions: changing appliances or layouts mid-job increases labour and risk.
How to get accurate estimates (and avoid budget blowouts)
What to include in your estimate request
- Kitchen plan or supplier spec (units, sizes, layout)
- Appliance list (hob type, oven, extractor, dishwasher, washing machine)
- Worktop material (laminate vs stone/quartz)
- Flooring type and total m²
- Whether you want skirting, plastering, tiling, decorating
- Whether services are moving (sink, cooker, sockets, lighting)
Questions to ask installers
- Who handles plumbing/electrics (and what’s included)?
- Is waste removal included? If not, what are the options?
- Is worktop fitting included (and does it cover cut-outs)?
- What’s excluded or treated as a “provisional sum”?
- What’s the expected duration and sequence of works?
- How is snagging handled at the end?
Pro tip: Ask for a simple scope list with each estimate (“included / excluded”) so you can compare properly.
How to save money without cutting corners
- Keep the sink and hob positions if you can — service moves are expensive.
- Decide appliances early so electrics and ventilation can be planned properly.
- Choose cost-effective worktops where it makes sense (e.g., quality laminate for rentals).
- Bundle electrical changes (do them once, not in phases).
- Plan your finishes (splashback, flooring, paint) before work starts.
- Compare like-for-like — the cheapest estimate is often missing scope.
Kitchen fitting FAQs
How long does a typical kitchen renovation take?
Many projects run 5–12 working days for a straightforward fit, and longer if you’re moving plumbing/electrics, adding flooring, or making layout changes.
Can I supply my own kitchen and just pay for fitting?
Yes. Most fitters will install client-supplied kitchens. Make sure your estimate confirms what’s included (worktops, cut-outs, appliance fitting, finishing).
Do I need both a plumber and an electrician?
Often, yes. Even “like-for-like” swaps commonly need minor plumbing and electrical adjustments for appliances, sockets, lighting, and safe connections.
Will my kitchen be usable during the work?
Usually there’s a period where services are disconnected. A well-planned sequence can minimise disruption—ask your installer how they stage the work.
What’s the best way to avoid surprise costs?
Provide a clear scope and spec up front, ask what’s excluded, and ensure allowances/provisional sums are explained in writing.
Planning a kitchen refit in Brighton & Hove?
Get an estimate you can trust by sharing your kitchen plan/spec, appliance list, and whether you’re changing layout, plumbing, electrics, flooring, or finishes. The clearer the scope, the more accurate the price.
Request a free estimateTip: Ask for an “included/excluded” list so you can compare estimates properly.
Note: This guide provides typical ranges for 2026 and is not a substitute for a site survey and written estimate. Prices vary by access, specification, and the condition of walls/floors/services.
