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Writer's picturethekandbinstaller

How To Find a Local Kitchen Fitter

Updated: Apr 1, 2023


If you're purchasing a kitchen for your home, you'll probably do your homework and shop around to get a good deal. It's the most expensive room in your home to refurbish, so you don't want rush into hiring an installer with out carrying out more homework too.


But how do you go about finding the right people to do the work? You could need plastering, plumbing and electrical alterations, tiling, flooring, decorating as well as installing the kitchen. You could find all these separate trades and project manage it yourself, but that's more unnecessary stress in a time of upheaval. Previous customers have described having a kitchen installed as similar to moving home but worse. Emptying the contents of your cupboards and having them boxed up in the lounge, having nowhere to cook, washing up in the bath!!


Use a Retailer Installation Service

If you have purchased from a national retailer, they may other you an installation service. There are pros and cons to this, but the pros will always outweigh the cons. They may offer you a discount for using their service so savings can be made here. Although not directly employed, the installers have been approved by the retailer so know the products well, helping to speed up installation time.

Be aware that the installation service provided by these retailers allows for a 'dry fit', which only includes installing the units, worktops and connecting the sink and tap to existing services. This normally comes with a 2 year workmanship guarantee. All alterations to existing services, connection of appliances and any other associated works required are generally to be agreed with the installer under a separate contract. The price the retailer charges for the service is not the amount the kitchen installer will be paid as they will take an administration fee for providing them with the work.



Finding Your Own Installer

This can be a minefield if you don't know where to start!! Many tradesmen claim to be able to fit kitchens and until recently kitchen fitting wasn't really considered to be a trade. Ideally you should be looking for a company that specialises in kitchen installation. If you needed an electrician or plumber, you wouldn't search Google for a builder.


Find A Tradesman Websites

Find a tradesmen websites such as checkatrade, mybuilder etc are a good source. You can usually see portfolios of previous works and read customer reviews. Be aware that these review sites will take no responsibility for works carried out and checks are not as stringent as bonafide trade membership bodies such as The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI).



Registered Trade Bodies

BiKBBI is a government sanctioned organisation dedicated to the installation industry. BiKBBI registered businesses are checked for full insurance, police checked, gas and electrical compliant, asbestos aware and follow an approved code of conduct. They are also fully vetted and references from previous customers are checked before being registered. All members are required to offer a 2 year workmanship guarantee and if problems were to arise, there is a dispute resolution service offered through BiKBBI.


Social Media

Most tradesman will now have set up social media channels highlighting pictures of their recent work and reviews. Check them out on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. It will give a good idea of the quality and size of jobs they are capable of undertaking.



Quotations

Always get more than one quote. Ideally the quote should be itemised and state all works that are being carried out. If it is not itemised, the installer may charge for extras at the end of job, bumping up the cost considerably. The quotation should also give an indication of how long the installation will take to complete. Meet the tradesman before agreeing to any work taking place. If you're not comfortable with them on initial contact you're not going to want them in your home for an installation. Make sure they turn up on time for scheduled meetings and ask them plenty of questions. You'll soon pick up on how experienced they are.


Compliance

Ensure that they only use registered tradesman to carry out electrical and gas works. Ask for registration numbers so you can check with the necessary bodies and check that they have up to date Liability Insurance in place.




Payments

When you have agreed on a price with your installer, make sure to agree on a payment plan. A small deposit is not uncommon but you shouldn't be parting with large sums of money until the project is completed to your satisfaction. Problems can occur on installations and are usually fairly simple to overcome, but yourself and the installer should agree a cost on any extras or variations prior to these being carried out. Unexpected items added at the end of the installation are not a pleasant experience. Reputable companies will send an invoice and completion certificate at the end of the installation along with all necessary electrical and gas safety certificates.


Guarantees

You should expect a minimum of 2 years workmanship guarantee after completion of any installation.



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