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What can a kitchen fitter help with?

Kitchen fitting is much more than simply swapping out appliances, cupboards and worktops though. If you’re investing time, effort, emotion and hard-earned cash into a kitchen refit, you’ll want to properly plan everything out. A refit gives you the opportunity to remodel and rearrange elements of your kitchen – for example, moving your oven, installing an island worktop or upgrading your sink to a double bowl. Work with a specialist kitchen fitter and they’ll be able to support you throughout every stage in the process, from design and planning to fitting and commissioning appliances.

Some kitchen fitters will offer both supply and fit services, while others will be happy to fit items that you purchase on your own. It’s important to check with your professional, so you know where you stand before committing to a project.

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What are the main features of a fitted kitchen?

While there are plenty of custom or premium features you might consider adding to your kitchen, there’s a fairly standard list of items you’ll need to think about.

• Worktops – budget options are laminates, while real wood provides a relatively affordable but authentic finish. At the premium end of the spectrum, a granite, natural stone or composite worktop look elegant, and are also hard-wearing and resistant to heat.
• Units – beyond selecting solid wood or a cheaper veneer, your main consideration will be the colour and finish of your kitchen units. This will naturally be personal preference, but it’s worth thinking about how practical and easy to keep clean they’ll be. Some units will also feature space-saving swing-out corner cupboards or other neat features, so take a moment to investigate these options.
• Appliances – when it comes to appliances, your wallet really is the only limit. From huge American-style double fridge-freezers to integrated slimline dishwashers, there’s a solution for every size of kitchen out there.
• Flooring – traditionally kitchen floors are tiled, but many people opt for wooden flooring now, which isn’t so cold to touch. If your budget can stretch, underfloor heating is a premium feature you may want to consider too.

The key stages in a kitchen refit

Every kitchen is unique, and the exact stages or phases involved in your refit will vary according to the work that needs to be carried out. Typically, though, your renovation will feature:

• Planning and design – understanding how to make the best use of the space available, as well as what you want your kitchen to do for you.
• Removal of your old kitchen – carefully and methodically removing old appliances, units, worktops and flooring, before preparing the room for the fitting of the new kitchen.
• Electrics and plumbing – this step may not be necessary if you’re replacing appliances or features in the same locations, but typically even the most minor alterations will require plugs or light fittings to be moved or altered.
• Fitting new units and worktops – units are typically fitted first, followed by your new worktops. They’ll need to be properly secured using appropriate load-bearing fittings, and this is where the value of an expert can be felt. When fitting your new worktop, your tradesperson will also install your sink.
• Tiling or laying a new floor – with your units in place, your floor can be tiled (or wooden floor fitted).
• Installing new appliances – the last major job will be installing and commissioning your new appliances. Most of these will be fairly straightforward, but gas and certain electric appliances will need to be fitted by Gas Safe and NICEIC-registered professionals.

Other kitchen fitter FAQ's

How much does it cost to fit a new kitchen?

On average, the labor cost to fit a kitchen ranges from £1,000 for a small room to over £10,000 for a large space, depending entirely on the project's scale. Your total expenses will vary based on the quality of your appliances, the complexity of the fixtures, and whether you need additional services like old kitchen removal and post-refit decorating. Choosing high-end materials or incorporating custom specialist features will also increase the final installation price. Read our breakdown on costs here.

What qualifications and insurance should my kitchen fitter have?

While there is no single overarching kitchen fitting qualification, your installer must be Gas Safe and NICEIC registered if the project involves gas or electrical appliance connections. It is highly recommended to choose an experienced tradesperson with relevant City & Guilds certifications in carpentry or plumbing, alongside active public liability insurance to protect your property. Additionally, ensure they offer a workmanship warranty, which can range from 5 to 20 years, independent of your appliances' manufacturer guarantees.

What questions should I ask before hiring a kitchen fitter?

Before signing a contract, you should ask if the fitter provides design and planning assistance, and request a portfolio of their previous kitchen installations. It is equally important to clarify whether they will handle the work themselves or hire sub-contractors, and confirm if they offer a workmanship warranty. Finally, always ask if they can legally dispose of your old kitchen and appliances so you aren't left managing the waste yourself.

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