What does a kitchen fitter do?
A kitchen fitter installs kitchen units, worktops, doors, drawers and appliances. Many also strip out the old kitchen and coordinate the other trades you'll need, such as plumbers, electricians, plasterers and tilers.
Some kitchen fitters only fit kitchens you've bought elsewhere, while others design and supply the kitchen too. Knowing which you need helps you narrow down who to call.
Questions to ask a kitchen fitter
Before you hire anyone, ask:
- Can I see photos of kitchens you've fitted recently?
- Can I speak to a past customer, or read your reviews?
- Do you have public liability insurance?
- Is your quote a fixed price, and what exactly does it include?
- Who will actually be fitting my kitchen?
- How long will the job take, and when can you start?
- Who arranges plumbing, electrics and gas work?
- What guarantee do you give on your workmanship?
Signs of a professional kitchen fitter
Good kitchen fitters measure the room themselves rather than relying on your measurements, give you a written quote, and are clear about what's included. They should be insured and happy to show you previous work.
Be wary of anyone who asks for full payment up front, won't put a price in writing, or can start tomorrow on a large job. A deposit to order materials is normal; paying everything before work starts is not.
Kitchen fitting regulations and safety
Most like-for-like kitchen replacements don't need a building warrant in Scotland, but some work is regulated. Gas appliances must be connected by a Gas Safe registered engineer, and new electrical circuits should be installed by a qualified electrician. Kitchens also need adequate ventilation, usually an extractor fan or cooker hood vented outside. If you're knocking through walls or changing the structure, check with your local council first.
The kitchen fitting process, step by step
A typical kitchen installation follows these stages:
- Survey and measure: the fitter checks the room and the plan
- Strip-out: the old kitchen is removed and taken away
- First fix: plumbing and electrics are moved or added
- Plastering and making good, where needed
- Unit installation: base and wall units are levelled and fixed
- Worktops: cut, jointed and fitted, with templating for stone
- Second fix: sinks, taps, sockets and appliances connected
- Tiling, flooring and finishing touches
- Handover: doors adjusted, everything checked and cleaned
How long does kitchen fitting take?
A straightforward like-for-like replacement can take around five working days. Most full kitchen installations take one to two weeks, and larger projects with layout changes, plastering and stone worktops can take three weeks or more. Quartz worktops usually add a short wait between templating and fitting.
How to prepare for kitchen installation
A little preparation makes fitting days go much more smoothly:
- Empty all cupboards and drawers before the fitters arrive
- Set up a temporary kitchen elsewhere with a kettle and microwave
- Clear a route from the door to the kitchen for deliveries
- Check deliveries against the order as soon as they arrive
- Agree where materials and waste will be stored
- Make sure pets and children are kept away from the work area
Choosing a kitchen fitter in Glasgow
If you're searching for kitchen fitters near you in Glasgow, we're happy to answer all of the questions above at a free home visit. You'll get a written quote that sets out exactly what's included, and one team from the first visit to handover.
Want a price for your own kitchen?Get a free, no-obligation quoteor call 07471 369847.