Published on April 10, 2022

Fitting a new kitchen can be a major job, requiring a lot of time, patience and skill. In a Which? survey of more than 3,840 people who had bought a new kitchen, we found that only 6% installed it themselves.* If you’re not confident you can fit your own kitchen, we explain how to find professionals to carry out the work instead, and what to expect during the installation. If you’re about to buy a new kitchen, find out which are the best and worst fitted kitchen brands, as rated by thousands of customers. You can also find a kitchen fitter near you now using our Which? Trusted Traders tool. Which? Trusted Traders also endorses kitchen fitting businesses if they pass a rigorous assessment process, including background checks and an inspection by Trading Standards professionals.

How to find kitchen fitters 

Whether you’re considering using the fitting service recommended by your kitchen retailer, or choosing a kitchen fitter yourself, these are the key things you should look out for. 

1. Use an approved kitchen installer

Check whether the installer has been accredited or endorsed by an organisation that you can trust. This can include professional trade associations such as the British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installers (BiKBBI) or the Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association (KBSA). Trade associations and endorsement bodies usually set standards for the conduct of their members and offer an independent complaint resolution service, which can help you resolve problems if anything goes wrong. Don’t just take the fitter’s word that they’re a member of any associations or schemes – check that they’re listed on the organisation’s website. 

2. Get recommendations and check reviews

Ask around among friends and family to see if anyone has used a fitter that they would recommend. You may even be able to visit their home to see the trader’s work firsthand. If this isn’t an option, look at the customer reviews of traders you’re considering to see what other customers thought of them. If the installer is a Which? Trusted Trader, you can check its reviews on our website, which have been moderated to check their authenticity. Be objective when looking at reviews. Do the comments sound genuine? If there are any negative comments, what are the reasons and has the trader responded to try to resolve the issue? If you're using the fitting service recommended by your kitchen retailer, see how customers rated their kitchen installations in the latest Which? kitchen survey. Find out how to spot a fake review.

3. Look at pictures of kitchens they've fitted

Check the fitter’s website, social media channels and (if applicable) their Which? Trusted Traders profile to see pictures of kitchens they’ve previously worked on. Customers may also have included useful images in online reviews. Pictures can help you to see the quality of the trader’s work and whether they’ve handled projects similar to yours, particularly if you’re planning a major renovation. 

4. Get several quotes Always get at least three quotes, and ask for them to be supplied in writing, including a breakdown of all the costs. As well as materials and labour, you should check that extras such as waste disposal are included, as these additional costs can mount up. 

5. Hire specialists when necessary

It may be worth using specialist traders for some aspects of the job, particularly if your project is complex or you’re using expensive materials, as you may achieve a better finish.

For example, if tiles are a key feature of your kitchen, an experienced tiler might complete the job more quickly and to a higher standard than a kitchen fitter who doesn’t specialise in tiling. 

For certain jobs, you should always make sure you hire someone with the specialist skills to carry out the work safely. For example, gas appliances should only be fitted by a Gas Safe registered engineer, and electrical work should be carried out by a qualified electrician.

Original Article: How to get a kitchen installed and find a good kitchen fitter