You’re about to let strangers tear apart your kitchen. That’s no small decision.
You want it done right. You want the price to make sense. And you definitely don’t want to be stuck with someone who says “trust me” while your floorboards creak and your boiler hums like it’s about to take off.
I’ve been fitting kitchens for over 15 years. I’ve seen the good, the bad and the downright shoddy. This guide is everything I wish homeowners knew before hiring someone like me.
Let’s get into it.
Table of Contents
1. What Makes a Kitchen Installation Company Worth Your Time?
A proper kitchen installation company has experience, solid reviews, clear pricing and isn’t shy about showing you past work.
Look for a team that doesn’t dodge questions. If they can’t explain how they’ll fit your extractor hood or handle uneven walls, walk away. Quickly.
Kitchen installation is more than just sticking in cabinets and screwing on handles. It involves plumbing, electrics, gas work, appliance fitting and often minor building work. You want someone who knows what they’re doing across the board.
Also ask for real-life case studies. Not fancy brochures. Not stock photos. Real kitchens they’ve worked on. Bonus points if they’ve fitted a range cooker, wine cooler or instant boiling water tap and can explain the snags and how they fixed them.
2. Questions to Ask Before You Hire
Don’t just ask about the price. Ask how they work, who does what, and how long it takes.
Here’s what you want to know:
- Who’s doing the work? (Some firms outsource)
- How many kitchens have you installed?
- Can I see recent projects?
- What happens if I spot something I’m not happy with?
- Are you Gas Safe registered?
- Do you follow British Standards?
- Can you install integrated appliances properly?
- Have you fitted concrete or caesar stone countertops before?
If they give vague answers or get annoyed, that’s your red flag.
3. What Should a Kitchen Installation Include?
A full installation includes fitting units, worktops, appliances, flooring, lighting, sockets and plumbing.
Here’s a rough list:
- Removing the old kitchen (kitchen demolition service)
- Fixing walls or flooring if needed
- Installing carcasses, unit doors, drawers, hinges, knobs/handles
- Connecting appliances: fridge, hob, dishwasher, washing machine, cooker hood, wine cooler etc.
- Plumbing: sink, hot water tap, boiling water tap
- Gas work: gas cooker, range cooker, boiler (needs Gas Safe pro)
- Electrical work: microwave, extractor, pop-up sockets
- Flooring: laminate, wood, tiled floors, vinyl, lino
And yes someone still needs to clean up the mess.
You can also ask whether they handle curtains/blinds/shutters or if that’s on you. Some fitters do it all. Some don’t.
4. How Much Should It Cost?
On average, kitchen installation in the UK costs £2,000–£5,000, depending on the size and complexity.
But don’t just go with the cheapest. A suspiciously low quote is usually covering something up. Either they’re cutting corners or planning to bump the price later.
Extras that bump the price:
- Moving plumbing or gas
- Full rewiring
- Structural work
- Installing premium appliances like an integrated coffee machine or boiling water tap
- Complicated flooring (e.g. porcelain tiled floor or natural stone)
- Worktops like marble or solid teak
You’ll also want to check what’s actually included in the quote. Some skip the flooring. Some leave the painting to you. Some don’t even take away the old cabinets.
5. How to Spot Cowboy Installers
If they rush you, dodge questions, or ask for all the money upfront, walk away.
Other signs:
- No written quote
- No references
- No insurance
- Sloppy paperwork
- Unwilling to give a timeline
Cowboys love the grey areas. No receipts. No VAT. Just a “friendly deal”. Until they disappear halfway through with your deposit.
Pro Tip: If they say they can do everything, plumbing, tiling, electrics, gas, plastering all by themselves, you’re either hiring a unicorn or a con artist.
If you’re located in Birmingham, view our kitchen fitting service.
6. Legal & Safety Considerations
Make sure your fitter knows about planning permission, listed building consent and Party Wall Agreements if they apply.
You might not need permission, but if your home is listed or you’re doing external changes, you might.
Gas work? Only a Gas Safe Registered Engineer can touch it.
Electrics? Make sure the installer complies with British Standards.
If they can’t provide a Part P certificate for electrics or a Gas Safe number, it’s a no-go.
7. Materials Matter: Cabinets, Worktops & Fixtures
The best kitchens use quality materials and fittings that suit your budget and lifestyle.
Worktops:
- Affordable: laminate, composite
- Mid-range: quartz, granite
- High-end: caesar stone, marble, teak
Cabinets & drawers:
- Solid carcasses last longer
- Soft-close hinges/handles = quieter life
Fixtures:
- Hot water tap saves kettle time
- Integrated coffee machines = posh but pricey
- Pop-up sockets = tidy and modern
Tip: If you’ve got a clumsy household, skip glass and marble. Go for composite stone or hardwood.
8. How Long Should It Take?
Most kitchen installations take 1–2 weeks, but it depends on the complexity.
A basic swap takes less. A full rip-out and rebuild with flooring, rewiring and plumbing? 2–3 weeks.
Delays often come from late deliveries, wrong measurements or extra work discovered mid-way.
Tip: Ask for a clear schedule with contingencies.
9. Red Flags in Reviews
Look for patterns. One bad review? Could be a fluke. Five bad ones? That’s a trend.
Pay attention to complaints like:
- Missed deadlines
- Poor communication
- Hidden fees
- Bad finishing (crooked sockets, misaligned cabinets)
Check multiple sources: Google, Checkatrade, Trustpilot.
Tip: Ask to speak to a past client directly.
10. The Final Checklist Before You Say Yes
Here’s what to confirm:
- Written quote (not just verbal)
- Clear schedule
- Who’s doing what
- Appliance list
- Plumbing and electrics plan
- Materials list (worktops, flooring, doors etc.)
- Payment terms
Tick all those off? You’re in a good spot.
11. Comparison of Popular Kitchen Layouts
The best layout is the one that fits your space, how you cook and how many people you trip over.
Here are the main ones:
L-shaped: Great for open-plan living. Gives you loads of space and flexibility. Add an island if you want extra worktop and storage.
U-shaped: Perfect for keen cooks. Keeps everything close and efficient. Can feel cramped in small kitchens though.
Tip: Don’t copy a layout from Pinterest. Measure your space and think about how you cook.
12. Pros & Cons of Flat-Pack vs Bespoke Units
Flat-pack is cheaper and faster. Bespoke is pricier but tailored to fit your kitchen like a glove.
Flat-Pack Pros:
- Cheap
- Widely available
- Decent if you choose good brands
Flat-Pack Cons:
- Limited sizes
- More joints = more places for wear
- Can feel flimsy over time
Bespoke Pros:
- Made to fit your space
- More design control
- High quality materials
Bespoke Cons:
- Costs more
- Longer lead times
Tip: If your walls are wonky or your room has awkward corners, bespoke will save your sanity.
13. Kitchen Trends to Avoid
Trends are fun… until you’re stuck with them for a decade.
Trends that look great now but age badly:
- Gloss white cabinets (hello fingerprints)
- Handleless doors (nice until the mechanisms break)
- Open shelving (unless you like dusting your crockery weekly)
- Ultra-modern layouts in period homes (never looks right)
Tip: Pick timeless finishes for the big stuff. Save trends for the bits you can easily swap lights, bar stools, curtains.
14. How to Live Through a Kitchen Reno Without Losing Your Mind
Set up a temp kitchen, get a slow cooker, and mentally prepare to live in mild chaos.
Other survival tips:
- Batch cook and freeze meals before it starts
- Set up a “camp kitchen” with a microwave and kettle in another room
- Cover nearby rooms to stop dust spreading
- Keep pets and kids away from tools and wires
Bonus tip: Schedule your renovation for spring or summer if possible. Barbecues and longer days help.
15. Budgeting Tips: Where to Save, Where to Spend
Spend on what gets used daily. Save on what’s just for show.
Where to spend:
- Worktops (they take a beating)
- Soft-close hinges and drawer runners
- Reliable appliances (fridge, dishwasher, hob)
Where to save:
- Splashbacks (vinyl instead of tiles)
- Basic carcasses with better doors
- Vinyl or lino flooring over real stone
Tip: Set aside 10–15% extra for unexpected costs. There’s always something.
16. Appliance Placement Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
If you can’t open the fridge because it bangs into a wall, someone messed up.
Common mistakes:
- Fridge too far from the prep area
- Dishwasher door blocks cupboard access
- Microwave too high or too low
- Hob placed right next to a wall
Fix it with the kitchen triangle rule: hob, sink and fridge should form a triangle. Not a marathon route.
17. Real Homeowner Stories: What They Wish They Knew
Most say the same thing, “I wish I’d asked more questions.”
Stories to include:
- Sarah: Went for the cheapest quote. Paid more fixing it.
- Tom & Lucy: Forgot to budget for plastering and painting. Oops.
- James: Loved his marble worktop until he dropped a pan on it. Now it has a crater.
- Priya: Didn’t check appliance delivery times. Kitchen done. No fridge for 2 weeks.
Tip: Ask your installer what problems they see most often. Then avoid them.
Final Words
Kitchens aren’t cheap. Or quick. Or hassle-free. But they’re worth it if you plan properly.
A good installer will make the process smoother. A bad one will leave you with regrets and possibly a sink that leaks into your downstairs lights.
Ask questions. Trust your gut. And remember, it’s your home. You call the shots.