Budget Breakdown: What A New Kitchen Really Costs In Central Scotland
Category: Kitchens & Bathrooms
Author: Central Scotland Tradesmen
Published: 2026-02-12
Understand exactly where your money goes when replacing a kitchen, with realistic budgets for light refreshes through to full redesigns in Central Scotland.
Kitchen quotes can be bewildering. One company quotes £8,000, another £22,000, and it's not always clear what's included or excluded. This guide breaks down every cost layer so you can set a realistic budget and compare quotes fairly.
Kitchen Cost Layers Explained
A new kitchen involves multiple cost elements, each with its own range depending on quality and complexity:
| Component | Budget | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabinets/Units | £1,400-2,000 | £3,500-5,000 | £6,000-15,000+ |
| Worktops | £350-600 | £1,200-2,500 | £3,000-6,000+ |
| Appliances | £900-1,500 | £2,000-3,500 | £5,000-12,000+ |
| Fitting/Labour | £1,200-1,800 | £2,000-3,000 | £4,000-8,000+ |
| Electrics | £500-800 | £1,000-1,500 | £1,500-2,500+ |
| Plumbing | £300-600 | £600-1,200 | £1,000-2,000+ |
| Flooring | £300-600 | £600-1,200 | £1,200-3,000+ |
| Tiling/Splashback | £200-400 | £500-1,000 | £1,000-3,000+ |
Three Realistic Budget Scenarios
Light Refresh: £3,000-6,000
Keep existing layout and some appliances, update the look:
- Replace door fronts only (keeping carcasses): £800-1,500
- New worktops: £400-800
- New handles and accessories: £100-200
- Repaint walls, new splashback: £300-500
- Replace tired appliances: £500-1,500
- Labour (fitter, 2-3 days): £500-900
Best for: Kitchens with solid carcasses where the layout works but style has dated.
Mid-Range Replacement: £8,000-15,000
New units, worktops, and most appliances in the same layout:
- Quality flat-pack or rigid units: £3,000-5,000
- Quartz or solid wood worktop: £1,500-2,500
- Integrated appliances package: £2,000-3,000
- Tiled splashback: £400-800
- New flooring: £500-1,000
- Fitting, plumbing, electrics: £2,500-4,000
Best for: Complete transformation without structural changes.
Full Redesign: £18,000-35,000+
New layout, premium materials, all new services:
- Bespoke or high-end rigid units: £6,000-12,000
- Premium worktops (quartz, Dekton, marble): £2,500-5,000
- High-end appliances: £4,000-8,000
- Full electrical rewire for kitchen: £1,500-2,500
- Plumbing for new layout: £1,000-2,000
- Premium flooring: £1,000-2,500
- Designer tiling: £800-2,000
- Extended labour time: £4,000-6,000
Best for: Creating your dream kitchen with no compromises.
Where To Spend More (And Where To Save)
Worth Investing In
- Worktops: You touch these daily—quality matters for durability and feel. A good quartz worktop lasts decades; cheap laminate shows wear within years.
- Soft-close hinges: A small upgrade that dramatically improves daily experience and longevity.
- Drawer units over cupboards: Drawers cost more but give far better access to contents.
- Good extraction: A proper extractor fan prevents grease buildup and cooking smells lingering.
- Professional fitting: Poor installation ruins even expensive units. Experienced fitters in Central Scotland charge £200-350 per day—don't choose the cheapest.
Where You Can Save
- Cabinet carcasses: The box behind the door is largely hidden. Standard carcasses from major suppliers are perfectly adequate.
- Handles: Easy to upgrade later if budget is tight now.
- Appliance brands: Mid-range brands like Bosch, Neff, and AEG offer excellent reliability without premium prices.
- End panels: Painted MDF end panels cost less than matching door-fronted panels and look fine in most positions.
Hidden Costs People Forget
| Item | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Strip-out and disposal | £200-500 | Removing old kitchen and skip hire |
| Plastering and making good | £300-800 | Walls often need work once old units removed |
| Decoration | £200-500 | Painting walls and ceilings |
| Moving radiators | £150-300 | If layout changes affect radiator positions |
| Building control | £200-400 | Required if moving gas appliances or significant electrics |
| Temporary kitchen | £50-200 | Microwave, kettle, and portable hob for during works |
| Eating out | £100-300 | Reality of having no kitchen for 1-2 weeks |
Labour Costs in Central Scotland
Fitting costs in Central Scotland run 10-20% lower than London and the South East:
- Kitchen fitter: £200-350 per day
- Electrician: £250-400 per day
- Plumber: £200-350 per day
- Tiler: £180-300 per day
- Plasterer: £180-280 per day
- Decorator: £150-250 per day
A typical mid-range kitchen installation requires 5-8 days of fitting plus 2-3 days of trades (plumber, electrician, tiler). Complex projects can extend to 2-3 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do kitchen quotes vary so much?
Quotes vary based on unit quality, worktop material, appliance brands, and what's included in labour. A £10,000 quote with everything included may be better value than an £8,000 quote that excludes electrics, plumbing, and flooring.
Should I buy units separately from fitting?
You can save money buying from IKEA or a trade supplier and hiring an independent fitter. However, you lose the single point of responsibility if anything goes wrong. Kitchen companies who supply and fit take ownership of the entire project.
How much contingency should I allow?
Plan for 10-15% contingency. Hidden problems (damp, old wiring, plumbing issues) often emerge once work begins. Better to have money set aside than to compromise your kitchen partway through.
Is financing a kitchen worth it?
Many kitchen companies offer 0% finance, which can make sense if it allows you to get the kitchen you want now. Check the total credit price and ensure you can comfortably make payments. Avoid finance on budgets you can't really afford.
Find Trusted Kitchen Specialists
Getting accurate quotes from reputable installers is the first step to a realistic budget. These Central Scotland specialists provide transparent pricing: