Thinking about transforming your small kitchen in 2026? A remodel can bring new energy and positivity into your space. But how much is it to remodel a small kitchen? It’s not always straightforward. With limited space, options might seem few, but every decision you make counts. Make sure you get the best bang for your buck without cutting corners.
This guide will dig into the true costs behind small kitchen remodels, uncover hidden charges, and give you expert tips to save money. Let’s remodel your tiny kitchen without draining your wallet. Ready to dive in? Let’s get started.
How much is it to remodel a small kitchen in 2026?
Revamping your small kitchen (about 9m²) in the UK can range from as low as £4,500 to upwards of £25,000 or more. The final price depends heavily on how extensive your kitchen renovation is and the materials you choose.
From swapping out cabinets and worktops to updating flooring, lighting, plumbing, and reconfiguring the layout, every detail adds to the final bill.
Here’s the real cost breakdown of a small kitchen remodel in the UK:
Kitchen cabinet remodeling cost:
| Remodeling Type | Approximate Cost |
| Refinishing(respraying or painting) | £1500 – £2500 |
| Refacing(Replacing Cabinet Fronts) | £1100 – £3000 |
| Full Replacement | £1500 – £10000+ |
Full cabinet replacement cost by replacement type:
| Replacement Type | Approximate Cost |
| Flat-pack unit(Basic replacement) | £1500 – £3000 |
| Mid-range(pre-assembled) | £3500 – £6000 |
| Premium/Bespoke replacement (with customised design) | Up to £10,000+ |
Kitchen cabinet component installation cost:
| Cabinet Component | Approximate Cost |
| Individual Cabinet Unit Installation | £20 – £90 (basic) |
| £150 – £500+ (premium) | |
| Cabinet Door Installation | £40 – £150 each (basic) |
| £150 – £300 each (premium) |
Kitchen worktop remodeling cost:
The cost of a kitchen worktop depends largely on the material chosen. For a small kitchen with a worktop around 5 meters long, here are the typical remodeling costs:
| Kitchen WorkTop Type | Material Cost | Installation Cost |
| Laminate | £20 – £50 per square meter | £200 – £800 |
| Solid Wood | £150 – £400 | £300 – £900 |
| Granite/Quartz | £500 – £700 | £500 – £1150 |
| Solid Surface( e.g., Corian) | £200 – £450 | £1200 – £1850 |
| Ceramic/Porcelain | May cost upwards of £2150 – £3900 | |
Labour cost based on kitchen worktop fitting complexity:
| Worktop fitting Type | Approx. Labour Cost |
| Basic Fitting | £150 – £300 |
| Complex fitting | £350 – £600 |
| Worktop Cut Out | £50 – £100 per cut out |
Small kitchen flooring remodeling costs:
A compact kitchen floor usually measures around 14m², with remodeling costs spanning from £248 to £1,720 for supply and installation.
Here’s a small kitchen flooring material and labour costs:
| Cost Type | Approximate Cost | |
| Flooring Material Costs per m² | Sheet Vinyl | £10 – £40 (supply) |
| Laminate | £10 – £60 (supply) | |
| Luxury Vinyl Tiles(LVT) | £15 – £60 (supply) | |
| Porcelain/Ceramic Tiles | £20 – £400+ (supply) | |
| Engineered Wood | £30 – £80+ (supply) | |
| Solid Wood/Hardwood | £50 – £100+ (supply) | |
| Polished Concrete | £120 – £150 (supply & fit) | |
| Cork Flooring | £40 – £70 (supply & fit) | |
| Labour Costs | £150 – £350 per day | |
Small kitchen layout remodeling costs:
Changing the layout can significantly impact factors like spaciousness, appearance, and property value. Here’s a breakdown of what layout remodeling typically costs:
Cost by Project Type:
| Layout Changing Project Type | What’s Involved | Approximate Cost |
| Basic Facelift | Surface Upgrades, Replacing Cabinet Doors/handles, Adding splashbacks, or repainting | £1000 – £5000 |
| Minor Remodeling | Painting Cabinets, Replacing worktops, Upgrading basic hardware | £5000 – £11,500 |
| Mid-range remodeling | Entire units replacement, installing mid-tier appliances, installing new flooring, and replacing worktops | £12,000 – £25,000 |
| Bespoke/High-end Remodeling | Installing Customised Cabinetry, premium materials, integrated smart appliances, luxurious lighting, and significant structural changes | £25,000+ |
Core layout changing costs:
| Change Type | Average Cost per project |
| Structural Work | £2000 – £10,000+ |
| Electrical Rewiring | £500 – £1900 |
| Moving Plumbing | £300 – £1500 |
| Waste Removal | £200 – £400 |
Lighting remodeling costs for a small kitchen:
| Lighting Type | Approximate Cost |
| Simple Light Fitting Replacement | £40 – £140 per fixture |
| Recessed Spotlights | £200 – £500 (supply and installation up to 6 lights) |
| Under Cabinet LED Strip Lighting | £150 – £500 |
| Complete Ceiling Lighting/Task Lighting Remodeling | £500 – £2500 |
Additional lighting remodeling charges:
| Cost Type | Average Cost Range |
| Rewiring | £600 – £1800 (for partial single kitchen rewiring) |
| Additional Separate Switches | £60 – £80 |
Small kitchen remodeling labour cost:
A cosy kitchen spans about 8 square meters or roughly 10 square feet, and typically takes between 5 and 8 days of professional kitchen fitters to remodel.
So the expected labour costs can be:
| Labour Cost Type | Average Cost Range |
| Basic Remodeling(standard unit and appliance swap) | £1200 – £2000 |
| Mid-Range Remodel(Full installation and replacements involving multiple labourers) | £2500 – £4600 |
| Bespoke/High-end Remodeling | £4000 – £7000+ |
Labour costs by labour type:
| Labour Type | Average Cost per day |
| Kitchen Fitter/Carpenter | £200 – £350 |
| Electrician | £250 – £400 |
| Plumber | £250 – £400 |
| Tiler/Plasterer | £180 – £300 |
Small kitchen remodelling: Hidden costs you may overlook
Kitchen upgrades sound fun, but the real truth is that hidden costs can sneak in and blow your budget if you’re not careful. It pays to know what unexpected expenses might pop up so you’re prepared and don’t get caught off guard.
Here are the most overlooked hidden costs that tend to show up during a kitchen redo:
Waste disposal:
Ripping out old cabinets, countertops, and appliances isn’t always included in the initial quote, so be ready for that extra step. You’ll need to clear out the old kitchen and get rid of debris before the real work begins.
Outdated wiring and electrical upgrades:
Older homes often have outdated wiring, like switches and sockets that often can’t handle modern appliances. You might need a new electrical panel or costly rewiring, which can bump up your overall budget.
Dining out or temporary kitchen setups:
Remodeling can take weeks, leaving your home temporarily unlivable. During that time, you’ll spend extra on eating out, microwave meals, or setting up a temporary kitchen—so plan for those extra costs.
Hidden repairs and structural issues:
If your plumber finds broken pipes or if hidden issues like weak floors or damaged walls pop up, you’ll have to pay for repairs, re-piping, or structural fixes. Expect the unexpected upfront.
Ventilation upgrade:
Small kitchens tend to trap moisture, leading to mould or stuffiness. Upgrading your ventilation system during the remodel helps keep the air fresh and dry.
Permits & fees:
Permits for electrical, plumbing, or structural changes are mandatory but frequently overlooked. Make sure to budget for these fees—they’re a necessary part of the process.
Hazardous material removal:
Homes built before the 1980s might have hazardous materials like asbestos in flooring or insulation, which can be costly to remove safely.
Design consultation fees:
Thinking of a new layout or design? Many kitchen installers charge for design consultations, so include this in your budget.
Additional decoration:
After the main work, extra costs for repainting or retiling are common. These details will give your kitchen that perfect finishing touch.
Tips to cut down on kitchen remodelling expenses
Looking to revamp your kitchen without draining the wallet? Here are some expert tips to help you slash kitchen remodel cost:
- Opt for ready-to-assemble cabinets instead of custom-built ones.
- Keep the existing layout to avoid costly re-routing of pipes and electrical wiring.
- Use luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring. It’s waterproof, durable, stylish, and budget-friendly.
- Add a peel-and-stick backsplash yourself instead of splurging on expensive tile work.
- Shop during sales like Black Friday, New Year’s, or end-of-line clearance events to snag deals.
- Source your materials independently; consider second-hand appliances from online marketplaces.
- Only replace what’s necessary—skip the full overhaul.
- Embrace DIY. Demolish old cabinets, paint walls and cabinets, and handle simple installations yourself.
In Conclusion
Homeowners often struggle to estimate how much is it to remodel a small kitchen, but understanding this is essential before you opt for kitchen revamping. Our guide will help you break down expenses and uncover hidden costs, so you’re fully prepared.
Transform your small kitchen with sleek, modern appliances. Keep the design simple and minimal, nothing overwhelming, but still soothing to the eye. Create a cosy, inviting space that truly feels like yours.
FAQ About small kitchen remodelling costs
1. How much should I budget for a small kitchen remodel in 2026?
Expect to spend roughly £4,500 to £25,000+ for a 9m² kitchen, depending on how fancy you go and the materials you pick.
2. What’s the difference between a remodel and renovation?
Renovation means making simple upgrades—think painting, new fixtures, retiling. Remodeling is more extensive, involving structural changes like swapping out cabinets, altering layouts, updating lighting, and installing new appliances.
3. What is the most expensive part of redoing a kitchen?
Cabinetry tends to be the priciest component, especially if you opt for high-end materials or custom designs. It usually accounts for about 30-40% of the total remodeling budget.
4. What is the most durable countertop?
Natural stones like quartzite, granite, and marble are the most durable countertop options. Engineered quartz is also a top contender, offering a natural stone look with added durability.
5. What is the best time of year to remodel?
Autumn (September to November) is ideal for kitchen upgrades, especially interior work, as contractors are less busy during these months and you might snag better deals.
6. What is the best flooring for a small kitchen?
For small kitchens, LVT or LVP flooring, large light-colored porcelain or stone tiles, and laminated options work best. They brighten the space and are easy to maintain.