Planning a new kitchen is exciting, but the first question almost everyone asks us is the same one: how much is this going to cost? It is a fair question, and one that deserves an honest answer rather than a vague “it depends”. At DJF Building, we are a family-run firm based in Burntwood, and we have fitted plenty of kitchens across Staffordshire and the West Midlands. This guide breaks down what a kitchen renovation really costs in 2026, where your money actually goes, and how long the work should take, so you can plan with confidence and no nasty surprises.

How much does a new kitchen cost in Staffordshire?

As a rough guide for 2026, a fully fitted kitchen in the UK falls somewhere between £6,000 and £50,000 or more. That is a huge range, which is exactly why blanket figures are not much use on their own. The final price comes down to the size of your kitchen, the quality of the units and worktops you choose, the appliances, and whether you are keeping the same layout or moving things around. Here in Staffordshire, labour costs tend to sit a little below what you would pay in London and the South East, which works in your favour.

To make the numbers easier to picture, it helps to think in three broad tiers.

Budget kitchen: around £6,000 to £12,000

This is a like-for-like replacement using flat-pack or entry-level units from the likes of IKEA or Wickes, laminate worktops, and standard appliances. If your existing layout works and the plumbing and electrics stay where they are, this is the most cost-effective route. It is a great option for a rental property, a first home, or anyone who wants a fresh, functional kitchen without stretching the budget.

Mid-range kitchen: around £12,000 to £25,000

This is where most of our Staffordshire customers land. You get better-quality rigid units, a solid worktop such as quartz or a good laminate, integrated appliances, and often some layout improvements, moving a sink, opening up a wall, or adding an island. The typical mid-range project comes in around the £12,000 to £15,000 mark, with the extras nudging it higher. It is the sweet spot for most family homes: a noticeable step up in quality and durability without going bespoke.

High-end and bespoke kitchen: £25,000 to £50,000 and up

At the top end you are looking at bespoke or handmade units, premium stone worktops, top-spec appliances, and larger structural changes such as knocking through into a dining room or extension. If you are combining a kitchen with an extension or a big layout overhaul, the budget climbs accordingly. These projects are about creating something tailored to your home, and the craftsmanship shows.

Where does the money actually go?

One thing that surprises a lot of homeowners is that labour is usually a smaller slice of the total than they expect. The biggest costs are the cabinetry, the worktops, and the appliances, in that order. A quality worktop alone can run into thousands, and appliances add up quickly once you factor in an oven, hob, extractor, fridge-freezer, and dishwasher.

Fitting costs vary with the trades involved. As a rough benchmark, a kitchen fitter charges in the region of £250 to £350 a day, and most kitchens also need a plumber, an electrician, a tiler, and sometimes a plasterer or gas engineer. The more trades and the more layout changes, the higher the labour bill. This is where using one firm that coordinates everything, rather than juggling separate tradespeople yourself, saves you both money and a lot of stress.

How long does a kitchen renovation take?

The honest answer is that the visible work is quicker than the planning around it. A straightforward like-for-like fit is often done in one to two weeks on site. Once you add layout changes, rewiring, or plastering, expect closer to three to six weeks. Bespoke projects with structural work can run longer.

One detail worth planning around is the worktop. If you are having quartz, granite, or another stone surface, the template can only be taken once your units are fitted, and there is then usually a seven to fourteen day lead time before it is installed. It is completely normal and not a sign anything has gone wrong, but it does mean a short gap where you are living with a temporary surface. A good builder will talk you through the sequence upfront so you know exactly what to expect week by week.

How to keep costs sensible without cutting corners

  • Keep the layout if it works. Moving plumbing and electrics is one of the biggest hidden costs. If your current layout is fine, keeping it can save thousands.
  • Spend where it counts. Put your money into the units and worktop you touch every day, and be more relaxed about the parts nobody sees.
  • Get a detailed written quote. A proper breakdown means no grey areas and no surprise extras halfway through. We never hide costs.
  • Plan for a contingency. Older Staffordshire homes sometimes throw up surprises once the old kitchen comes out. A 10% buffer keeps things calm.

Why choose a local Staffordshire builder?

A new kitchen is a big investment, and it pays to work with someone local who you can actually sit down with. We are based in Burntwood and work throughout Staffordshire and the West Midlands, including Cannock, Lichfield, Walsall, and Stafford. As a Checkatrade-rated family firm, we care about doing the job properly and leaving customers happy enough to recommend us to their neighbours. Kitchens are just one part of what we do, alongside extensions, brickwork, refurbishments, and our specialism in garage conversions. You can see the full range on our services page.

We speak plainly, we quote honestly, and we will always tell you where you can save money as well as where it is worth spending it. No jargon, no hidden costs, just good workmanship.

Frequently asked questions

What is a realistic budget for a mid-range kitchen in Staffordshire?

For most family homes, a mid-range kitchen with quality units, a solid worktop, and integrated appliances comes in around £12,000 to £15,000, rising with layout changes and premium finishes.

Do I need planning permission for a new kitchen?

Replacing a kitchen within your existing space does not need planning permission. If you are extending or making structural changes, you may need building regulations approval, and sometimes planning permission. We will let you know exactly what is needed before we start.

Will a new kitchen add value to my home?

A well-fitted kitchen is one of the strongest selling points in any home and typically returns a good share of its cost, especially when the quality matches the rest of the property. Just as importantly, it is a room you use every single day.

Get a free, no-obligation kitchen quote

If you are thinking about a new kitchen anywhere in Burntwood, Staffordshire, or the wider West Midlands, we would be glad to talk it through. Every home is different, so the best way to get an accurate price is a proper look and a detailed quote. Get in touch with DJF Building today for a free, no-obligation consultation, and let us help you plan a kitchen you will love for years to come.