How to Choose a Good Kitchen Fitter

A new kitchen is a big investment, so it’s understandable that picking the right person for the job can send you into a bit of a spin.

If you’re not sure how to judge good workmanship, have a lack of clarity on what kitchen fitters quotes should cover or simply don’t know where on earth to begin in finding a contractor, you’re not alone – there’s a lot to understand and it’s an important decision. 

This guide on how to choose a kitchen fitter is here to help you combat the overwhelm and start your remodel with confidence. From tips on budgeting and site preparation to advice on communication and assessing quotes, we’ve covered all you need to know when choosing a kitchen fitter – you got this!

What to consider before looking for a kitchen fitter

The job requirements

Before you start looking for a kitchen fitter, you should have a clear brief for what you want from your upgraded space. Considerations include the layout, cabinetry, appliances, lighting, tiling, painting, surfaces, and any other desired features, like storage or a kitchen island.

Also make clear notes of elements you’d like to keep (if anything). Image references, drawings (even at their most basic) or 3D renderings are helpful for ensuring that everyone is on the same page. 

You don’t have to be ready to start at the drop of a hat, experienced kitchen fitters can lend their expertise to help you finalise your design plans. They’ll be able to help you measure up the space if you need and advise on any layout considerations, like additional plumbing or electrical work that might be required. However, it makes life easier for everyone if you’re 100% sure what you want before you get in touch with a kitten fitter.

Your budget

Before hiring a kitchen fitter, make sure that you’ve mapped out all the costs and potential costs of a new kitchen so you can be sure you’re commissioning someone within your budget. Depending on your situation, you might need to account for waste removal, prep work (like plastering), and parking costs, as well as materials and labour.

There’ll likely also be a few weeks where you won’t be able to cook, so might spend more money on takeaways or eating out than usual (this could be a plus, depending on how you look at it!) or pay to stay elsewhere. Ripping out your existing kitchen might also reveal unforeseen problems that need fixing, like holes in the floor or old electrics that no longer comply with UK building regulations energy efficiency standards and need updating. 

If you can, we recommend adding an extra 20% of your budget to the pot to account for all of this. 

Jobs for the contractor vs DIY jobs

If you have a really tight budget and lots of spare time, you can consider doing some kitchen renovation jobs yourself. Painting walls, tiling or installing things like shelving can lower your costs, but be prepared that the end result might not look quite as professional as the rest of your new kitchen. Anything rooted in plumbing or electrics requires very specific knowledge and is worth paying an expert for. 

Preparing for the disruption

The average time it takes to upgrade a kitchen is about a month (from planning through to completion), but if your space is particularly big or your plans complex, it can take longer than this. In terms of the kitchen installation time, for an average-sized kitchen refit, you can expect work to take between five to 10 days. 

A good fitter will do their best to minimise the inconvenience, however some disruption  is par for the course – particularly in this key room. If you can, it’s wise to stay elsewhere for the days when you won’t be able to cook or wash up; this will likely make your contractor’s job easier as well.

What to Do

Check their experience and accreditations

While kitchen fitters aren’t required to hold qualifications, NVQ certifications or those from the British Institute of KBB Installation and Federation of Master Builders indicate a good level of knowledge – but they’re not the only benchmark by which you should base your decision on.

Many tradespeople hone their skills via apprenticeships and practical experience or might have similar international qualifications. All the Pagers on our books have gone through a comprehensive vetting process that assures quality as well as licences. Simply looking at Companies House, for example, doesn’t tell you much about professionalism or standards.

Read reviews

One of the best ways to get a feel for a contractor’s work and approach to projects is to read reviews. You can find these on Google or platforms like Checkatrade, or if they’re a more established company, often their website or social media accounts will have these too (although take these with a pinch of salt, as no one is going to shout about negative reviews here!) 

Look across different platforms and see if there is a pattern – consistently positive or negative reviews are good indicators of general performance.

Try to find recent reviews that are applicable to customers’ experiences with kitchen renovations specifically and look for those that have images if possible – photographic evidence not only gives you an idea of the finished product but makes it more likely that the review is legitimate.

Also, take note of how they respond to reviews, as this will give you an indication as to how they deal with their clients and any potential problems.

Check previous work

Another really important one. Ask to see a portfolio of recent projects so you can get an idea of not only the quality of the work done, but the types of kitchen installations that the fitter has experience in.

If someone has recently completed a beautiful kitchen similar to what you have in mind, you’ll feel more confident if you choose to employ them.

When we recommend kitchen fitters at The Page, we will always send you examples of their recent renovations so you can get an understanding of their workmanship. 

Check out recent kitchen projects

Ask for testimonials

One of the key ways that people find contractors is via word of mouth. While recommendations can be appealing as they cut out some of the legwork, it’s definitely worth doing your own research too.

No two projects are identical as every home and renovation goal is different – just because a contractor did a great job on a friend’s kitchen doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have the same experience. They might not be so skilled in the nuances of your project or be busier with bigger jobs, meaning yours might take a back seat.

That being said, good reviews and references are a very useful benchmark; contractors might be open to you speaking to their previous clients as well. 

Assess their knowledge of building regulations

All kitchen fitters should have a good understanding of building regulations to ensure safety and compliance. Even if not all relevant to your project, they should be in the know about electrical regulations and fire safety, and whether or not any certifications are needed – government advice on building regulations can help here too. 

You will usually need approval from a building control body if you’re changing the layout of your kitchen affecting the plumbing, adding new electrical outlets or putting a kitchen in a completely different room. If you’re not sure, get in touch with your local council who’ll be able to advise on the best route forward. 

Check insurance and guarantees

While not always a requirement, insurance is important to protect both you and your contractor – definitely ask about insurance and ask to see a copy of their policy.

Kitchen fitters should have public liability insurance, which will cover compensation should there be any injuries or damage to the property while your works are being carried out.

Many also have professional indemnity insurance, which essentially would cover them financially in court were a client to make a claim about negligent work or advice.

If you opt for a business rather than a sole trader to carry out your kitchen renovation, note that it’s a legal requirement to have employer’s liability insurance. This covers anyone on their payroll for injury or illness while at work.  

Communicate Your Expectations Clearly

Make sure to document your requirements for design specifications, material preferences, timeline expectations, budget constraints and working hours – having everything in writing is useful for both you and your contractor to refer back to.

What Not to Do

Don’t skip the contract

Even if you’re keen to get your project started, never proceed without a detailed written contract outlining scope, costs, responsibilities and timelines.

Don’t pay everything up front

Avoid kitchen fitters requesting full payment before work begins. Standard practice is a deposit followed by staged payments.

Don’t ignore red flags

Even if a friend has recommended someone to you, it’s important to use your own judgement too. Any kitchen fitters who pressures you for quick decisions, provides vague quotes, can’t provide references or shows poor communication should be avoided.

Questions to Ask

• What would the timeline look like for this project? – Get specific start and end dates, key milestones, and any potential delay factors for your kitchen renovation.
• How do you deal with unforeseen problems? – Understand your potential fitter’s problem-solving approach and communication process for complications.
• Who will actually do the work? – Clarify if they use subcontractors and who’s responsible for different aspects of installation.
• Can you provide all the necessary documentation? – Ensure they can supply required safety certificates for any gas or electrical work.

Getting Quotes

Getting Multiple Quotes

Getting at least three quotes will give you a good idea of what a realistic cost looks like. It also allows you to check pricing like for like for each element and see how different kitchen fitters cost things up. 

Price is of course one of the biggest factors in quote comparison. If someone is inexperienced you might be paying less for their time as they build up their repertoire, which is potentially fine for smaller projects, but for more complex kitchen fittings it’s advisable to go for a fitter with experience to save you money in the long run. 

A free quote comparison call is part of The Page’s service: our renovation coach can chat you through your quotes and help you to establish what’s standard pricing and what could be challenged. We can also go over the fine print with you to make sure you’re comfortable with the terms and conditions.

Ask What is Included in the Quote

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Make sure you have a detailed breakdown of the scope of work and understand how much each element costs. If you’d like your contractor to look after sourcing or collecting materials, that should be included too so that everyone is clear. A quote should always cover the below:

Scope of Work

• A clear breakdown of labour costs for each part of the job and details on what each element entails.
• Instructions on who will be buying and taking delivery of the white goods (bath, toilet, shower screen, vanity unit etc).

Timeline

• Start date, expected completion date, and a note of any potential delays that could arise and affect the timeline.

Payment Schedule

• An outline of the payment schedule and deposit required.

Warranty and Guarantees

• A list of warranties or guarantees offered on workmanship, products and materials used, plus the terms and conditions of these.

Communication

• Agreement on the point of contact for the project, how you will communicate and how often updates will be provided.

Site Preparation and Cleanup

• Agreement on what you need to do before the project starts (clear out your cupboards, for example), who will clear the site once work is completed and where tools and materials will be stored. 

Planning and Regulations

• Confirmation of how your project will be compliant with local building codes and regulations.

Getting the Quote in Writing

Reputable contractors should always send you over a kitchen quote in writing. It’s fine to get a verbal estimate for a ballpark figure, but having something to refer back to makes sure everyone is totally aligned on the project. Either a contract or T&Cs should be included once a quote is agreed, which covers both parties in case there’s any debate on what is and what’s not included. 

Payment Plans

All contractors have payment schedules, but how the cost is split varies from business to business. They’ll usually request a deposit, with further payment in installments during your project (the number can vary based on the total cost and length of the project) and a final sum once the renovation is complete. 

Average Costs

The average cost of a kitchen can vary hugely depending on the size and complexity of your project, your location and the materials you choose. An average-sized new kitchen, using middle of the range white goods will likely set you back about £10,000 in London. But if you opt for less premium cabinetry and fixtures, you could get a kitchen for around £4,000. On the other end of the spectrum, a luxury kitchen with state of art fittings and fixtures can cost up to £100,000.

Find a kitchen fitter with Thomas: The Page’s renovation coach

Meet Thomas: The Page’s renovation coach. If you need a hand navigating the renovation process and choosing the right kitchen fitter, our resident expert is here to help – fast. Just tell him a bit about your project on a free, no-obligation call and he can recommend Pagers (pre-vetted contractors) with skills and experience perfect for your project within 24 hours. 

All of our Pagers are highly-skilled, reliable and ready to help turn your kitchen visions into reality, stress-free. Throughout the journey, you can lean on The Page for support and guidance – from help deciphering quotes to tips on timeline planning. Plus, enjoy added peace of mind knowing we’re checking in with our Pagers weekly and getting regular updates on your project’s progress.