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.
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.
Knocking through for an open-plan kitchen
Removing a wall between a kitchen and adjoining room to create an open-plan space is a structural job, not just a kitchen fitting one — it needs a structural engineer's assessment and, if the wall is load-bearing, a supporting beam, plus building control sign-off. This is usually coordinated with, not done by, the kitchen fitter directly.
Kitchen electrics need a registered electrician
A kitchen refit usually means new dedicated circuits for higher-draw appliances (oven, hob, dishwasher) rather than sharing a ring main, plus RCD protection near the sink — this is notifiable work under Part P. If your kitchen fitter isn't a registered electrician themselves, ask who handles this part and whether they're NICEIC or NAPIT registered.
Kitchen plumbing and appliance connections
A new sink, dishwasher or washing machine needs its own isolation valve and a proper waste connection — moving the sink position, in particular, often means new pipework rather than just reconnecting to the old point. Check whether your fitter handles this directly or brings in a plumber.
Kitchen condition and selling your home
A well-maintained, reasonably modern kitchen is one of the strongest factors in buyer appeal, and any electrical certification from work done during a refit is worth keeping for buyers' solicitors. A dated or poorly maintained kitchen is one of the most common things buyers plan to immediately replace.
Kitchen flooring options
Vinyl and laminate are budget-friendly and reasonably water-resistant. Porcelain tile is more durable and higher-end but needs a sound, flat subfloor. Engineered wood looks warmer but needs more care around water near the sink and dishwasher — worth weighing durability against look for how the kitchen is actually used.
Kitchens as part of a wider extension
A kitchen fitted as part of a house extension needs closer coordination between the builder and kitchen fitter on timing — services (electrics, plumbing, ventilation ducting) need to be roughed in during the build phase, before the kitchen fitter's own first-fix stage begins.