The latest Checkatrade Home Improvement Index has revealed a second consecutive quarterly fall in average fitting prices for kitchens, bedrooms, and bathrooms – a trend that could encourage homeowners to restart postponed projects.
Based on analysis of almost four million job enquiries, the data shows that KBB installation costs have become markedly more affordable over the past six months.
- Bathroom fitting: down 9%, from £6,062 in Q4 2024 to £5,525 in Q2 2025
- Kitchen fitting: down 7%, with the average project now £6,803
- Bedroom fitting: down 10%, averaging £3,631
The declines form part of a broader pattern, with other home improvement categories also seeing reductions: painting and decorating (-13%), plastering (-10%), and window and door fitting (-12%).
For independent KBB retailers, the figures may signal opportunity. Lower installation costs could unlock pent-up consumer demand, helping to restore confidence in a sector that has faced sustained pressure from high inflation and squeezed household budgets.
While falling prices can raise concerns for some businesses, others see them as a potential catalyst for renewed growth. The prospect of improved affordability may encourage homeowners to commit to long-delayed upgrades, injecting fresh momentum into the market.
Checkatrade CEO Jambu Palaniappan said:
“The latest figures are brilliant news for homeowners. Last year we saw rising costs in the industry, propelled by high material and labour costs. A reduction in material costs in particular now appears to be having an impact on reducing the wider cost of work and we are starting to see a return to more normal levels.
With costs down across so many key areas, now is a good time for homeowners to look to get work carried out on their home. It is likely this could lead to a good increase in demand, helping to stimulate the domestic building industry for the remainder of the year.”
The Index, compiled in July 2025, reflects job enquiries and completed projects carried out via the Checkatrade platform in Q2 2025 compared with previous quarters.