Kitchen fitters

Kitchen fitters assemble and install kitchens in domestic and commercial premises. They fit cupboards, work surfaces, appliances, flooring and fittings.

The kitchen is the heart of the home so if you are a planning a new kitchen, pay as much attention to checking out kitchen fitters as to choosing your cabinets.

It is normal for kitchen fitters to work in conjunction with other tradesmen such as plumbers, electricians, carpenters, painters / decorators who are qualified and accredited to do the work. Further advice on finding tradesmen:

A kitchen can cost as much as a car, so it's important to spend time and money on getting kitchen fitters who can fit it properly.

Finding kitchen fitters

When buying a kitchen, lots of kitchen companies will offer their own kitchen fitters but you may want or need to find your own kitchen fitter. You can use our local search to find kitchen fitters for your kitchen.

Poor kitchen fitters can ruin a top quality kitchen yet an expert can make the most of a cheaper one. Obviously you want the best of both worlds - good cabinets and a professional installation. Units need to be fitted to a high standard to create a safe and attractive kitchen.

Some DIY enthusiasts tackle kitchen fitting themselves but it is not as easy as it used to be. When appliances simply plugged in and did not need fitting into cabinets, installation was within the grasp of those with reasonable skills. For the modern integrated kitchen, kitchen fitters need a thorough understanding of safe layout, electrics and plumbing as well as carpentry, tiling and floor-laying skills. Gas fitting has to be carried out by a CORGI (Council of Registered Gas Installers) tradesman and electrics work by a Part P registered electrician.

If you want to reduce kitchen fitting costs then you could project manage the installation yourself - this way you also have full control. Consider buying the cabinets separately and this can also save money but make sure you don't cut costs on kitchen fitters.

Top tips for finding kitchen fitters

Be sure to take time finding kitchen fitters and do your research:

• Ensure the kitchen fitter is reputable - ask for references from customers
• Get multiple quotations in writing from at least 3 kitchen fitters - breaking down labour and material costs
• Where possible go to see an example of a kitchen the kitchen fitters have installed
• If your kitchen fitter is a member of a trade association then phone the scheme to check this out

• When can they do the work?
• How much is it inc VAT?
• What qualifications have they got?
• What other tradesmen will be required?
• How long have they been in business?
• Is the work guaranteed?
• If additional costs accrue during works, how will they be calculated?
• Do they have public liability and employers liability insurance?

Quick links local kitchen fitters:

Don't forget you can use our inspiration library for kitchen ideas and get advice on kitchen design in our blog.

Good luck finding kitchen fitters!