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.
Choosing a worktop material
Laminate is the budget-friendly option and has improved significantly in appearance. Wood/laminate needs more care around water exposure near sinks. Stone (granite, quartz) is durable and heat-resistant but costs considerably more and is usually templated and fitted by a specialist worktop company, not the kitchen fitter directly.
Replacing just the doors and worktop
If existing cabinet carcasses are structurally sound, replacing only the doors and worktop can transform a kitchen's look for significantly less than a full refit — worth asking a fitter to assess carcass condition before assuming a complete replacement is necessary.
Adding a kitchen island, what to consider
An island needs enough surrounding clearance to be usable (not just fit), and if it includes a sink or hob, plumbing and electrics need to reach it — often via the floor, which is far easier to plan during a full refit than retrofit into an existing floor later.
Kitchen regulations, FAQ
Do I need building control sign-off for a kitchen refit? Usually not for a like-for-like layout, but new electrical circuits need a registered electrician's certification, handled as part of that work. Can I fit my own units? Yes, unit fitting itself isn't regulated — it's the electrics and plumbing behind it that are.
How long does a kitchen refit take?
A worktop or door replacement is usually a day or two. A full kitchen refit including new units, worktop and appliance connections commonly takes 1-3 weeks — worth planning for reduced kitchen access during this time, particularly for cooking arrangements.
What affects the cost
Cost depends on worktop material (laminate vs stone vs wood), whether the layout is changing (moving plumbing/electrics vs replacing in place), unit quality, and appliance integration. Moving a sink or hob position adds cost beyond the units themselves because of the pipework and electrical work involved.
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.