Kitchen Countertop Replacement Guide

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02/07/25, 14:04

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Pre‑visit survey & templating – measure runs, confirm joins, splashback height and hob/sink cut‑outs.
Disconnect & remove old worktops, silicone, upstands and any sink/hob (Gas Safe/electrician called if needed).
Cut, mitre & edge new laminate, wood, quartz or stone tops; rout biscuit joints and bolt‑together on site.
Install & level worktops, seal rear gaps and re‑fit sinks, hobs, taps and upstands.
Seal joints & penetrations with food‑grade silicone; polish stone surfaces or oil timber if specified.
Tidy site & dispose of old tops; issue care sheet and waste‑transfer note

Charge type	Low £	High £	Notes
Call‑out / minimum	60	120	Typical fitter or plumber call‑out including first hour Checkatrade
Labour per hour	30	45	Kitchen‑fitter hourly range £25 – £38 / h Hamuch
Materials	200	900	5 m laminate £200–£800; quartz £500–£1,100 Checkatrade
Disposal	125	320	4–8 yd builder skip per week Checkatrade
Extras (cut‑outs / plumbing)	180	300	Polished stone cut‑out £180 & sink/hob reconnections Checkatrade
TOTAL (most jobs come in here)	600	2,200	3–5 m run, like‑for‑like swap

Typical: 1 – 2 days for a straight replacement with one sink and hob. Checkatrade
Extended: heavy quartz/granite requiring two‑man lift, awkward corners, tiled splashbacks to remove, or late‑arriving appliances.

Will you template first or cut on site, and how many butt‑joints are planned?
What ventilation / support is allowed around built‑in ovens and dishwashers?
Are polished sink & hob cut‑outs included, and who reconnects plumbing or gas?
How will you protect cabinets and floors while removing the old tops?
What sealants and finishes (oil, wax, silicone colour) are in the quote?
Do you guarantee joints against water ingress and for how long?
Is skip hire or recycling of old tops covered, and can I keep off‑cuts?

Clear access & parking: reserve a space close to the door for heavy stone slabs.
Empty base units & disconnect utilities the night before to save chargeable time.
Check wall straightness: big bows need extra scribing or silicone.
Confirm finished height: thick tops may lift hob above extractor clearance.
Order taps & sinks early so the fitter can template exact cut‑outs.
Protect fresh decor: worktop swapping creates dust and silicone smears – sheet up adjacent rooms.