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 fitting in older properties
Older properties sometimes have uneven floors and walls, or original chimney breasts and alcoves that affect standard unit layouts — a fitter working on a period property will usually survey these carefully before quoting, since standard-width units don't always fit cleanly into non-standard spaces.
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.
Cabinet handles and hardware, a small but real cost
Handles, hinges and drawer runners are a small line item individually but add up across a full kitchen, and soft-close mechanisms cost more than standard hinges — worth clarifying what's included as standard in a quote versus what's an upgrade, since this varies between fitters.
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.
How many quotes should you get?
Three is reasonable for most kitchen jobs. For a full refit, make sure each quote specifies the same unit range and worktop material, since kitchen quotes vary enormously based on spec assumptions that aren't always stated clearly upfront.
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.
Why an in-person survey matters for kitchens
Walls and floors are rarely perfectly square, especially in older properties, and a survey catches this before units are ordered to a size that won't actually fit cleanly. Skipping a proper survey in favour of a quick estimate is a common cause of on-site problems during fitting.