How to quote for kitchen fitting work UK

Quoting kitchen fitting work accurately is one of the most important skills a kitchen fitter can develop. A kitchen installation involves multiple trades (carpentry, plumbing, electrics, tiling), a large number of individual tasks, and materials that can vary enormously in cost. Getting your quote wrong in either direction costs you money: underquote and you work for below your target rate; overquote and the job goes to a cheaper competitor. — try our free quote generator

This guide walks through how to assess a kitchen fitting job, what to include in your quote, how to price materials and labour, and how to present a professional quote that wins work at a sustainable margin.

Understanding the scope of a kitchen fitting job

Before you can price a kitchen fit, you need a thorough understanding of what the job involves. Kitchen installations vary enormously in complexity. A basic like-for-like replacement of units in the same layout is very different from a full structural remodel with new electrics, underfloor heating, and a layout change.

The key factors that determine complexity and cost are:

• Whether the layout is changing (new cable runs, new plumbing routes)
• The number of appliances being integrated (oven, hob, dishwasher, fridge-freezer, extractor)
• Whether a gas appliance (hob, range cooker) is being installed or relocated
• The quality and type of units (rigid vs flat-pack, standard vs bespoke)
• Whether worktops are laminate, solid timber, quartz, or granite (each has different fitting requirements)
• Whether plaster, rendering, or wall preparation work is needed
• Tiling (splash backs, full wall tiles)
• Flooring
• The condition of existing pipework and wiring

Carrying out a proper site survey

Never quote a kitchen job from photos or a phone call. Always visit the property to carry out a full site survey. This protects you from surprises and gives you the information you need to price accurately.

During your site survey, you should:

• Measure the room accurately (including ceiling heights, window and door positions, alcoves)
• Identify the positions of existing water supplies, waste outlets, and gas supply
• Check the positions of consumer unit and existing circuits
• Look at the condition of walls, floors, and ceilings (uneven walls add fitting time)
• Confirm the access route for deliveries (narrow hallways, stairs, small doorways)
• Check whether the existing kitchen needs to be stripped out and who is responsible for disposal
• Understand what the customer has already purchased or plans to purchase

Take photographs throughout and note everything. The more information you gather at this stage, the fewer unexpected costs will arise during the job.

Breaking down your quote into sections

A well-structured kitchen fitting quote is easier for both you and the customer to understand, and it protects you legally. Break your quote into clear sections:

Strip out and preparation

Removing the old kitchen (including disconnecting plumbing, removing old units, making good walls and floor) takes time and generates waste. Include a specific line item for strip out, and clarify who is responsible for waste disposal. Skip hire for kitchen waste costs £150 to £350 in most UK areas in 2026.

First fix (if applicable)

If the layout is changing, first fix work covers repositioning or extending plumbing supplies and waste, installing new electrical circuits, and making any structural changes. If you are not directly providing electrician or gas engineer services, name your subcontractors in the quote or make clear that these are the customer's responsibility to arrange.

Unit installation

This is the core of the job. Price unit installation based on the number of units, the type (wall units, base units, tall units, corner units, appliance housing), and the fitting complexity. A useful benchmark in 2026 is £50 to £100 per unit for straightforward installation, with adjustments for difficult access, unusual configurations, or very heavy units.

Worktop installation

Laminate worktops are relatively quick to template and install. Quartz and granite worktops are typically measured and installed by the worktop supplier (you coordinate rather than fit these yourself unless you have the specialist equipment). Solid timber worktops require more time for fitting and finishing. Price worktop installation separately and be specific about what is included.

Appliance integration

Installing an integrated oven, dishwasher, and fridge-freezer adds time beyond simply fitting the unit carcasses. Allow additional time for appliance connection, levelling, door alignment, and testing. Note that gas appliance connection must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Tiling

If you are tiling splash backs or full walls, include tiling as a separate line item or subcontract it. Be specific about the area to be tiled, the tile size (large format tiles take longer to install), and whether the tiles are being supplied by you or the customer.

Second fix plumbing and electrics

Connecting the sink, dishwasher, and making final electrical connections. If you are a competent plumber, price this in. If you are subcontracting, include the subcontractor cost plus your management margin.

Finishing

Sealant, plinths, light pelmet if applicable, handles, and final adjustments. This stage is often underestimated in time. A thorough kitchen installation finish can take half a day to a full day.

Labour pricing in 2026

Experienced kitchen fitters in the UK charge day rates of £200 to £400 depending on location and specialisation. London and the South East are at the top of the range. Use the day rate calculator to establish what day rate you need to charge to achieve your target earnings after costs.

A typical kitchen installation timeline for one experienced fitter:

• Small kitchen (10 to 15 units, no layout change): 2 to 3 days
• Medium kitchen (15 to 25 units, minor layout change): 4 to 6 days
• Large or complex kitchen (25+ units, layout change, bespoke elements): 7 to 12 days

Always build a contingency of 10 to 15% into your time estimate for older properties where unexpected issues (hidden pipes, uneven floors, old wiring) are more likely.

Materials: supply or not?

Many kitchen fitters work on a labour-only basis, where the customer supplies the units and appliances. Others supply and fit, particularly for kitchen brands they have a trade account with (Howdens, Magnet, Wren trade). Supply-and-fit jobs involve more working capital but allow you to make a margin on materials (typically 15 to 25%).

If you are supplying materials, list every item in your quote with a unit cost. This protects you if the customer decides to change a specification mid-job. Always include the cost of consumables (sealant, fixings, adhesive, plasterboard if needed) as these add up quickly.

How to write and present your quote

A professional, itemised written quote signals to the customer that you are organised and serious about your business. Use the quote generator to produce a branded, professional document that includes:

• Your business name, address, and contact details
• The customer's name and property address
• A detailed description of the works included and excluded
• Itemised costs for each section
• Payment terms (recommended: 25-30% deposit, 50% at mid-point, balance on completion)
• Quote validity period (typically 30 days)
• Your terms and conditions

Always send the quote by email so you have a written record. Follow up by phone if you have not heard back within 5 to 7 days.

Protecting yourself with a written contract

For any kitchen fitting job over £1,000, use a simple written contract. This does not need to be complex, but it should specify the scope of works, the agreed price, the payment schedule, what happens if additional works are required (variations), and how disputes are resolved.

The JCT Minor Works contract is widely used in domestic contracting and provides a solid legal framework. Alternatively, organisations such as the Federation of Master Builders provide member contract templates.

Common quoting mistakes to avoid

The most common mistakes kitchen fitters make when quoting are:

• Underestimating the strip out and preparation time on older kitchens
• Forgetting to price waste disposal
• Not confirming who is supplying appliances and what their dimensions are before pricing
• Quoting a fixed price without seeing the condition of the walls and floor
• Forgetting to include the cost of certifications (electrical completion certificates, gas safety certificates)
• Not getting the quote signed before starting work