Three steps to hiring the right kitchen fitter
First, ask to see photos of similar completed jobs. Second, clarify exactly who handles the electrical and plumbing work. Third, get a written quote that separates units, worktop, appliances and labour, so you can see where the money's actually going.
Food waste disposal units, what to know
An under-sink food waste disposal unit needs its own electrical connection and specific plumbing configuration — not every kitchen sink setup can accommodate one without modification, so it's worth deciding early in the planning rather than as an afterthought once plumbing is first-fixed.
How kitchen fitting quotes work
Describe the current layout and what's changing — an initial estimate can follow, but a firm price for anything beyond a straightforward like-for-like refit usually needs an in-person visit, since existing plumbing/electrical positions significantly affect cost once work starts.
Energy-efficient kitchen choices
A-rated appliances cost more upfront but less to run over their lifetime — worth weighing against how heavily an appliance will actually be used. LED under-cabinet and ceiling lighting also cuts running costs compared to older halogen fittings, with no real trade-off in light quality.
Kitchen layout, the "working triangle" and beyond
The traditional advice is to keep the sink, hob and fridge in an efficient triangle so you're not crossing the kitchen constantly while cooking — still a useful starting point, though open-plan and island layouts sometimes work better with a different logic. Worth discussing how you actually use a kitchen day to day, not just the theory.
Understanding the labour vs materials split
Units, worktop and appliances are often the largest share of a kitchen's total cost, but fitting labour, old kitchen removal, and making good around new services add up too. A cheap quote is worth checking against the same unit/worktop spec as competing quotes, not just lower labour.
Gas hobs need a Gas Safe engineer
Installing or moving a gas hob is gas work, same as a boiler, and legally needs a Gas Safe registered engineer, not just a kitchen fitter or general plumber. If you're switching from electric to gas (or vice versa) as part of a refit, this needs coordinating separately from the general fitting work.
Common kitchen fitting jobs
Kitchen fitters handle everything from a single worktop or cupboard door replacement to a full gut-and-refit: removing old units, fitting new cabinetry, worktops, and coordinating the plumbing and electrical work a kitchen needs (sink, dishwasher, oven, extractor). Many fitters manage the whole job and bring in a plumber or electrician for specific parts.