Having a new kitchen fitted is an expensive project, and finding the right fitters is crucial. You will want to ensure they have the experience, reputation, and insurance you require.

You will also want to find out if they are members of any trade associations or endorsement bodies. This will give you peace of mind that they work to a high standard.

Experience

As you might imagine, a kitchen fitter with experience will have refined their skills over the years, giving them a more confident and efficient approach to their work. They can also offer advice on cost-saving ideas that don’t compromise the quality of your finished kitchen.

When requesting quotes from kitchen fitters, ensure they are itemized to show what each aspect of the job entails. This way, you can compare the cost of different options and choose the best suits your needs.

You can check a potential kitchen fitter’s credentials by looking at their online reviews. These independent reviews should paint a reliable picture of what you can expect from the company.

Some people need clarification on kitchen fitters with suppliers, designers or builders. It is important to understand that a kitchen fitter does not typically design or manufacture a kitchen and cannot do plumbing or electrics. These are specialist trades, and the fitter will typically use a kitchen designer/supplier who can arrange for these other tradespeople to do their part of the job.

Reputation

When choosing a kitchen fitter, look for one with a good reputation. This can be found online, through previous client reviews, or by checking if they are members of an industry organization such as the Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association (KBSA).

It would help if you also examined how long they have been trading. This doesn’t mean that a newer fitter won’t do a great job, but it can indicate whether they are established and reliable.

A well-established kitchen fitter should have a strong network of suppliers and manufacturers. This can reduce lead times and delivery delays as they will have established relationships with these suppliers. This can be important, especially for more complex installations. They should also understand the whole process, from planning through to installation and clean up. This should be reflected in their quotes. A good kitchen fitter should always be clear about what is included and how long they expect the project to take. This will help you to plan your budget and avoid unexpected costs.

Insurance

Fitting a kitchen is a dangerous job involving heavy materials, sharp tools, and potentially hazardous appliances. It is, therefore, vital that a kitchen fitter is insured for the work they carry out. This covers them if an accident occurs and will pay out compensation should they be deemed at fault.

A good quality kitchen fitter will also have specialist insurance that provides a higher value of damage cover and legal expenses for any incidents that may arise during the project. 

It would help if you also asked about any other types of insurance they have that might help protect you and your property while the job is ongoing. For example, it is worth checking whether they have public liability, employers’ liability, and breakdown cover, as this can provide peace of mind should something unexpected occur during the project. They should be able to explain these cover options and the level of protection you will receive.

Guarantees

When you hire a professional kitchen fitter, you get peace of mind that the work will be completed with quality materials and precision craftsmanship. This ensures that the finished result matches your vision and reflects your personal style.

Additionally, professional kitchen fitters have the experience to handle any unforeseen issues that may arise during the project. They can recommend cost-effective solutions to resolve the issue and keep you updated.

A reputable kitchen fitter will provide warranties and guarantees for their work, which gives you additional peace of mind. You can also check their reputation online to see what previous customers have said about their services.

Finally, an experienced kitchen fitter will have a proven workflow and processes that allow them to deliver on their promises and timelines efficiently. They will also have good relationships with local suppliers, which can reduce lead times and allow for faster deliveries. They’ll also have specialized tools and equipment that help ensure precise measurements, accurate cuts, and secure installations. This all contributes to a long-lasting and durable kitchen.

Pricing

When you choose kitchen fitters, ensure their quote includes everything you need – removing your old kitchen, booking skip hire, and cleaning up and determining if their fees are fixed or variable is important so you know what to expect.

A kitchen project is a huge undertaking and will require the services of various tradespeople. You will need a kitchen designer to design your kitchen, a plumber to do the plumbing and electrical work, a plasterer for any plastering required, and a builder to carry out the building work – it is generally not possible to get one person to take on all of these tasks.

The right professional kitchen fitters will have access to various high-quality materials and tools, ensuring your finished kitchen is long-lasting and secure. In addition, they will often be members of or endorsed by organizations that set standards and provide an independent complaint resolution service. This will further enhance their credibility and trustworthiness. It will also help ensure you deal with an experienced and knowledgeable installer.