How to Calculate Kitchen Fit-Out Cost per Square Metre in Ireland

The Myth of the Single Square-Metre Price

A common belief is that kitchen fit-out costs can be expressed as one reliable figure per square metre, like €1,200 per sqm, applicable to every project. In reality, no such universal number exists in Ireland. Prices vary widely based on location, property type, and the scope of work, so any single figure you see online is at best a rough average, at worst misleading.

The per-square-metre figure is useful only as a planning tool, not a quote. It helps you compare broad options and set a budget range, but the final cost depends on dozens of variables: cabinet quality, worktop material, appliance brand, plumbing and electrical work, and whether you are renovating an existing kitchen or fitting a new one in a new build.

To calculate a meaningful estimate, you must first define your project scope clearly. Are you replacing cabinets only, or also moving walls, upgrading floors, and rewiring? Each addition changes the per-sqm figure dramatically. Start by listing every element you plan to include, then apply the step-by-step method below to build a realistic estimate.

Measure Your Kitchen Area Accurately

The first step is to measure the floor area of your kitchen in square metres. Measure the length and width of the room in metres, then multiply them. For example, a kitchen that is 4 metres by 3 metres gives 12 square metres. This is your base figure for all calculations.

Be careful not to include adjoining spaces like a dining area unless you plan to fit them out as part of the same project. Also, measure only the floor footprint, not wall or ceiling areas, because the per-sqm rate is typically based on floor area. If your kitchen is an irregular shape, divide it into rectangles, calculate each, and add them together.

For a more precise estimate, also measure the linear metres of cabinetry along the walls. Many fitters quote per linear metre for units, which can be more accurate than per sqm. However, for this exercise, the floor area remains your primary multiplier.

• Measure length and width in metres, multiply for floor area.
• Exclude adjoining rooms unless they are part of the fit-out.
• For irregular shapes, split into rectangles and sum the areas.
• Optionally, measure linear metres of wall for cabinetry quotes.

Reality Check: What the Per-Sqm Rate Actually Includes

A common myth is that the per-sqm rate covers everything from demolition to final decoration. In reality, most published rates refer to supply and installation of kitchen units, worktops, and appliances only. They rarely include structural work, new plumbing, electrical rewiring, plastering, tiling, or flooring, which can add 30% to 50% to the total cost.

To avoid surprises, break your project into categories: supply of units and worktops, installation labour, appliances, and ancillary trades. Each category has its own cost drivers. For instance, solid oak cabinets cost more than thermofoil, and quartz worktops cost more than laminate. Similarly, moving a sink or adding an island requires extra plumbing and electrical work.

When you see a per-sqm figure, ask what it includes. Some contractors quote 'supply only', others 'supply and fit', and others 'turnkey' including all trades. Clarify this before comparing numbers, otherwise you are comparing apples with oranges. A turnkey rate of €1,800 per sqm might be cheaper than a supply-only rate of €1,200 per sqm once you add all the extras.

Step-by-Step Estimation Method for Your Budget

Start by establishing a base rate for your specification level. In Ireland, as of recent years, a mid-range supply-and-fit kitchen typically costs between €1,200 and €1,800 per sqm, while premium projects can exceed €2,500 per sqm. These are broad guides, not quotes, and they vary by region, with Dublin typically higher than rural areas.

Multiply your floor area by your chosen base rate. For a 12 sqm kitchen at €1,500 per sqm, that gives €18,000. This is your starting point. Then add 10% to 15% for contingencies, such as unforeseen wall issues or delivery delays. This contingency is essential because hidden problems behind old walls are common in Irish renovations.

Next, add costs for any ancillary work you have identified. Get separate quotes for plumbing, electrical, tiling, and flooring. Add these to your kitchen base. Finally, factor in design fees if you are using a kitchen designer or architect, which can be 5% to 10% of the total. Sum all these to get your realistic total budget.

• Measure floor area in sqm.
• Choose a base rate based on your specification (mid-range, premium).
• Multiply area by base rate for initial estimate.
• Add 10–15% contingency for unexpected issues.
• Add separate quotes for plumbing, electrics, tiling, flooring.
• Add design fees if applicable.

Myth vs Reality: Common Misconceptions in Irish Kitchens

Myth: 'A bigger kitchen costs proportionally more per sqm.' Reality: Larger kitchens often have a lower per-sqm rate because fixed costs like delivery and installation labour are spread over more area. A 20 sqm kitchen may cost €1,400 per sqm, while a 10 sqm kitchen could be €1,700 per sqm. The rate decreases with size, but the total cost still rises.

Myth: 'DIY always saves money.' Reality: While you save on labour, you risk costly mistakes in plumbing, electrics, and cabinet fitting. Irish building regulations require certified electricians and plumbers for certain works, so DIY is not always legal or safe. Factor in the cost of rectifying errors, which can exceed the savings.

Myth: 'The per-sqm quote is final.' Reality: Quotes are estimates, not fixed prices. Changes in specification, site conditions, or material availability can alter the final bill. Always get a detailed written quote with a clear list of inclusions and exclusions, and agree on a variation process before work starts.