“How much will it cost to fit my kitchen?” is the first question almost every London homeowner asks. The honest answer is that it depends on the size of the kitchen, the brand, the condition of the room and how many trades are needed. This guide breaks the price down so you can understand any quote you receive — including ours.
Kitchen fitting is usually priced per unit
Most kitchen fitters in London price the carpentry part of the job per cabinet (per unit). At Surchan Kitchen we fit kitchens from £85 per unit. A small flat kitchen might have 8–10 units, an average London family kitchen 14–20, and a large kitchen with an island 25 or more. Tall units, corner units, larders and integrated appliance housings take longer and can cost more than a standard base unit.
What else goes into a full kitchen installation
The unit price covers assembling and fitting the cabinets, doors, drawers, plinths and panels. A complete, turnkey installation normally also includes some of the following:
- Removal of the old kitchen and disposal of the waste.
- Plumbing: moving or extending pipework, fitting the sink, tap and waste, connecting the dishwasher and washing machine.
- Electrics: new sockets, spurs for appliances, under-cabinet lighting and a dedicated circuit for the oven or hob, carried out to current UK wiring regulations.
- Gas: connecting or moving a gas hob — this must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
- Worktops: laminate and wood worktops are cut on site; quartz and granite are templated and fitted by specialists.
- Plastering, tiling and decorating to finish the room.
Typical price ranges
As a rough guide, labour for a standard London kitchen with 12–18 units, including fitting appliances and basic plumbing, usually lands in the low thousands of pounds. Projects with new electrics, wall changes, stone worktops and full decorating cost more. Every kitchen is different, which is why we always visit and measure before giving a final figure.
What pushes the price up
- Uneven floors and out-of-square walls — very common in Victorian and Edwardian homes — which need extra packing and scribing.
- Moving the sink, hob or boiler to a new position.
- Flat-pack kitchens that need full assembly before fitting.
- Restricted access, upper floors without a lift, or parking restrictions in central London.
- Bespoke filler panels, curved or handleless details.
How to compare quotes fairly
A cheap quote that leaves out removal, plumbing or electrics is not really cheaper. Ask every fitter for an itemised, fixed-price quote and check that it lists exactly which trades are included, who supplies the materials, and how payments are staged. Our quotes are fixed: the price we agree is the price you pay.
Get an exact price for your kitchen
The quickest way to know the real cost is a free home survey. We measure the room, check the existing services and give you a written, fixed-price quote — with no obligation. Request your free quote and tell us which brand you are buying from.
Frequently asked questions
Is kitchen fitting cheaper outside central London?
Labour rates are broadly similar across Greater London, but access, parking and building type make a real difference. A ground-floor kitchen with easy parking is quicker to fit than a third-floor flat in a controlled parking zone, and that is reflected in the price.
Does the price include the kitchen itself?
Usually not. Most customers buy their units from a retailer such as Wren, Howdens, IKEA or Magnet and pay us for installation. If you prefer, we can advise on where to buy or coordinate a bespoke kitchen for you.
Do I pay everything up front?
No. We agree payment stages in writing before work starts, and each stage is linked to work completed, so you only pay for progress you can see.
Why do two quotes for the same kitchen differ so much?
Usually because they include different things. One quote may cover removal, plumbing, electrics, gas, tiling and decorating, while another only covers fitting the units. Compare line by line, not just the total.