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What Does a Kitchen Fitter Actually Do?

The term ‘kitchen fitter’ can sometimes understate the sheer breadth of skills required for the job. A professional fitter is a multi-talented tradesperson, often a skilled carpenter or joiner by trade, who coordinates a complex process from start to finish. Understanding their scope of work helps you appreciate the value they bring.

The Core Services of a Kitchen Fitter

A comprehensive kitchen installation involves several distinct stages, all managed by your fitter:

• Removal and Disposal:The first step is the 'rip-out'. This involves carefully decommissioning and removing the old kitchen units, worktops, tiles, and appliances. A professional will do this efficiently and arrange for the responsible disposal of all waste, often through skip hire.
• Preparation and 'First Fix':Before the new units go in, the room must be prepared. This can involve levelling the floor, plastering walls for a smooth finish, and coordinating the 'first fix' for electrics and plumbing. This means running new cables for sockets and lighting and altering pipework for sinks and appliances, all completed by qualified electricians and plumbers.
• Cabinet and Unit Installation:This is the core of the job. Your fitter will expertly assemble and install the base and wall units, ensuring they are perfectly level, securely fixed, and aligned correctly. This requires precision and skill, especially in older properties where walls and floors are rarely perfectly straight.
• Worktop Fitting:Fitting worktops is a specialist skill. Whether it’s cutting laminate to size with a clean, jointed finish, or scribing solid wood to fit snugly against uneven walls, a professional finish is paramount. For materials like granite or quartz, your fitter will coordinate with a specialist fabricator for templating and installation.
• Appliance Installation:Your fitter will install both integrated and freestanding appliances. This includes ovens, hobs, extractor hoods, dishwashers, and fridge-freezers, ensuring they are correctly and safely connected. Gas hobs must be connected by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
• 'Second Fix' and Connections:Once units and worktops are in place, the 'second fix' happens. This involves fitting sinks, taps, and waste disposal units, and having the electrician return to install socket fronts, light fittings, and switches.
• Tiling and Flooring:Many kitchen fitters are also skilled tilers, able to install splashbacks and floor tiles. They can also lay various types of flooring, from luxury vinyl tile (LVT) to engineered wood, completing the overall look of the room.
• Finishing Touches:The final stage involves the details that make all the difference: fitting plinths, cornices, and pelmets, attaching handles and knobs, and fitting new skirting boards. A meticulous fitter will leave the space clean, tidy, and ready for you to enjoy.

Understanding Kitchen Fitting Costs in the UK

Budgeting is one of the most daunting aspects of a new kitchen. Being realistic about costs from the outset is crucial. The total price is a combination of three main things: the kitchen units themselves, the appliances and worktops, and the installation labour. Here, we focus on the fitting costs.

Typical Kitchen Fitter Labour Costs

Labour costs for kitchen fitters can vary significantly based on your location, the complexity of the job, and the fitter’s experience. Costs are typically higher in London and the South East. Fitters may charge a day rate or a fixed price for the entire project.

• Day Rate:Expect to pay a day rate of between £150 and £250 for a skilled kitchen fitter. For a straightforward installation, this can be a good option, but for larger projects, a fixed price provides more budget certainty.
• Fixed Price (Installation Only):This is the most common approach. For a 'dry fit' (installing pre-built units and worktops without plumbing, electrics, or plastering), costs might be:
  • Small Kitchen:£1,200 - £2,000
  • Medium Kitchen:£2,000 - £3,500
  • Large/Complex Kitchen:£3,500+

A full installation service, including managing other trades, tiling, and flooring, will naturally cost more. A complete project, including all labour, could range from £3,000 to £7,000+, not including the cost of the kitchen itself.

Factors That Influence the Final Cost

Several variables can affect the quotes you receive from kitchen fitters:

• Location:As mentioned, labour costs are highest in London and the South East.
• Project Complexity:A simple galley kitchen in a new-build flat is quicker to fit than a large, open-plan kitchen in a Victorian terraced house with wonky walls.
• Material Choices:Fitting a heavy quartz worktop requires more labour and specialist equipment than a standard laminate one. Solid wood worktops require expert scribing and joining.
• Scope of Work:If your project involves moving walls, installing new windows, significant re-plastering, or a complete rewire, the costs will increase substantially as more specialist trades are needed.
• Additional Trades:Remember to budget for a qualified electrician for any electrical work and a Gas Safe registered engineer for gas hobs or boilers. These are separate costs, though your main kitchen fitter may manage them for you.

Crucial Questions to Ask Your Prospective Kitchen Fitter

Choosing the right kitchen fitter is about more than just the price. You are entrusting them with a significant investment and inviting them into your home. A professional and trustworthy tradesperson will be happy to answer your questions. Use this list to vet the professionals you get quotes from on ServiceTasker.

• Can I see a portfolio of your work and speak to recent clients?A reputable fitter will be proud of their work and should have a portfolio of completed projects. Speaking to a past client is the best reference you can get.
• Are you fully insured?This is non-negotiable. Ask to see a copy of their public liability insurance certificate. This protects you and your property in the unlikely event of an accident.
• Will you be doing the work yourself or using subcontractors?It's important to know who will be in your home. If they use subcontractors for plumbing or electrics, ask if they are fully qualified and if the fitter takes full responsibility for their work.
• What is your estimated timeline for the project?Get a clear idea of the start date and the expected duration. Ask how they handle potential delays and how they will communicate progress with you.
• Is your quote a fixed price or an estimate?Clarify this from the start. A detailed, itemised quotation is a sign of a professional. It should clearly state what is included (e.g., labour, fixings, waste disposal) and what is excluded (e.g., plastering, final decoration).
• How will building waste be managed?The removal of an old kitchen creates a lot of rubbish. Confirm whether the cost of a skip or waste removal service is included in the quote.
• What are your payment terms?Never pay the full amount upfront. A common structure is a small deposit to secure the booking, a stage payment during the installation, and the final balance upon satisfactory completion, after you have checked the 'snagging list'.
• Do you provide a guarantee for your workmanship?A confident fitter will stand by their work. Ask if they offer a guarantee on the installation, separate from the manufacturer's warranty on the units and appliances.

Independent Kitchen Fitters vs. Retailer-Supplied Teams

When you buy a kitchen from a major DIY store or showroom, you'll almost always be offered their in-house installation service. While convenient, it’s worth weighing the pros and cons against hiring an independent kitchen fitter.

The Case for Independent Kitchen Fitters

Hiring an independent professional through a platform like ServiceTasker gives you greater control and often better value. You are not paying for the large overheads of a national retailer. The person who quotes for the job is typically the person who will be building your kitchen, leading to a more personal service and clearer lines of communication. They are often more flexible and can offer bespoke solutions tailored to your specific needs and the character of your home.

Ultimately, an independent fitter’s business relies on their reputation for quality. They have a vested interest in ensuring you are delighted with the result, as their next job often comes from a recommendation from their last.

Your New Kitchen Awaits

A new kitchen is a significant undertaking, but it doesn't have to be a stressful one. By planning carefully, setting a realistic budget, and, most importantly, choosing the right professional for the job, you can ensure your project is a resounding success. The quality of the fit and finish is what transforms a collection of cabinets and appliances into a stunning, functional space you'll love for years to come.

Ready to find the best local kitchen fitters for your project? Post your job on ServiceTasker today. You'll receive free, no-obligation quotes from trusted, vetted tradespeople in your area, allowing you to compare profiles, reviews, and prices to find the perfect match. Take the first step towards your dream kitchen now.