How to Choose a Kitchen Fitter in the UK: The Complete Guide

Your kitchen is probably the most used room in your home, and a kitchen fit is one of the most complex domestic installations you can undertake — involving carpentry, plumbing, electrics, gas, and precise measurement work all in the same project. Getting the right fitter is just as important as choosing the right kitchen. This guide covers everything you need to hire well and avoid common mistakes.

What Does a Kitchen Fitter Actually Do?

Kitchen fitting is divided into two main phases: first fix and second fix. Understanding what each phase involves helps you have more productive conversations with potential fitters — and helps you identify gaps in what any given quote actually covers.

First Fix

First fix happens before units go in and typically involves repositioning or extending plumbing (sink waste, cold supply, dishwasher connections); relocating or adding electrical circuits (sockets behind units, cooker circuit, extractor fan connection, under-cabinet lighting); fitting a new sub-frame or nogging if the walls aren't strong enough to hang wall units from; and any structural changes required (such as removing a section of wall for an island run).

Not all kitchen fitters do their own first-fix plumbing and electrics. Many work alongside a regular plumber and electrician they know, coordinating the schedule. Others are qualified in plumbing and electrics and can do all three. Clarify this before booking — it affects the overall timeline and the number of quotes you need to gather.

Second Fix

Second fix is the visible installation work: fitting base and wall units; fitting and cutting worktops; installing the sink and connecting it to plumbing; fitting appliances (oven, hob, fridge, dishwasher, washing machine); fitting plinths, cornices, pelmet, and end panels; fitting handles, hinges, and drawer runners; and connecting the extractor fan and under-cabinet lighting. A good fitter will also do a full snag check at the end — checking doors are aligned, drawers move smoothly, all gaps are filled, and the space is thoroughly clean.

What Isn't Included in a Standard Kitchen Fit

Unless specifically quoted for, these are usually separate: wall tiling (a separate tiler), floor laying (a flooring fitter or tiler), plastering and decoration (painter/decorator), gas connection for gas hobs or range cookers (must be Gas Safe registered engineer), and structural works. Always clarify what's in and out of scope in writing before work starts.

Kitchen Fitting Costs (Labour Only) in 2026

The figures below are for labour only — they assume you have already purchased the kitchen units, worktop, and appliances separately. Prices vary by region (London and South East run 15–25% higher) and by complexity of the layout.

For total project costs including the kitchen units themselves, see our dedicated guide: How Much Does a New Kitchen Cost in the UK? — which covers everything from budget flat-pack to bespoke.

Supply-and-Fit vs Labour-Only: Which Is Better?

This is one of the most common decisions when planning a kitchen project. Both approaches are valid — the right choice depends on how much control you want, how much time you have, and which brand of kitchen you're buying.

Supply-and-Fit

The fitter (or a company they work with) sources, orders, and supplies the kitchen as well as fitting it. You choose the style and specification; they handle everything else.

• Pros: Single point of contact and accountability — if something arrives damaged or wrong, that's their problem to fix, not yours. Fitters experienced with a particular supplier know the products well. Less admin work on your part.
• Cons: You'll pay a markup on the materials. You may have less choice in finish or brand. If you later need replacement doors or panels, you depend on them to source them.

Labour-Only

You purchase the kitchen directly from the supplier (Howdens, Wren, Magnet, IKEA, etc.) and the fitter installs what you provide.

• Pros: You get trade or retail prices directly. Full choice of brand, range, and specification. You can change your mind on colours or styles before ordering. Future replacement parts are easy to source yourself.
• Cons: You are responsible for correct ordering — if a unit arrives in the wrong size, that's on you to sort out. The fitter may charge for wasted time if delivery is late or items are missing. Requires more involvement and organisation from you.

Labour-only is by far the most common model in the UK for standard fitted kitchens. Most fitters have a relationship with Howdens or another trade supplier and will advise you on ordering, but the account and the order is yours. For premium kitchens (Mark Wilkinson, Tom Howley, Smallbone) or complex bespoke projects, a fully managed supply-and-fit arrangement is often more appropriate.

10 Questions to Ask a Kitchen Fitter Before Hiring

A thorough pre-hire conversation protects you considerably. These questions separate experienced, organised fitters from those who will create headaches down the line.

For broader guidance on vetting tradespeople, our guide on how to hire a builder in the UK covers the principles that apply equally to kitchen fitters — references, quotes, contracts, and payment terms.

Kitchen Brands and What Fitters Prefer

Not all kitchens are the same to fit. The brand you choose affects both cost and which fitters you should look for.

Howdens is by far the most popular trade kitchen brand in the UK and most independent kitchen fitters have a Howdens trade account. If you want to use Howdens, your fitter typically places the order through their account on your behalf — which gives you trade pricing without needing to open your own account.

IKEA kitchens deserve special mention: the METOD system uses a wall-mounted rail system that differs significantly from the floor-standing carcass approach used by most UK kitchen brands. Not all fitters have IKEA experience — ask specifically before booking, and ideally ask to see a completed IKEA kitchen they've fitted.

Finding a Kitchen Fitter: Where to Look

The most reliable ways to find a good kitchen fitter in 2026:

• Post your job on GetQuickHelp — describe what you need, your kitchen brand and size, and local fitters contact you directly. Free to post, no obligation.
• Ask your kitchen supplier — Howdens, Magnet, and Wren all have recommended or preferred fitter lists for their local area. These fitters work with the brand regularly and know the products well.
• Personal recommendations — ask neighbours or friends who have recently had a kitchen fitted. A personal referral with a visible finished result is the most reliable signal of quality.
• Local builder's networks — a trusted general builder will often know a reliable kitchen fitter they work with regularly.

What to avoid: fitters who request more than 30–40% of the total cost upfront; anyone who won't provide references or show past work; fitters who can't provide a written quote (verbal quotes offer you no protection); and anyone who dismisses your questions about gas safety or insurance.

Always get a written contract or at minimum a detailed written quote. Our guide on whether you need a contract with a builder covers what any written agreement should include — the same principles apply to kitchen fitters.

The Kitchen Fit Timeline

A standard kitchen project for a medium-sized kitchen (12–15 units) typically follows this timeline. Your fitter should talk you through their specific schedule before starting.

The biggest source of timeline extension is the worktop. Stone worktops (granite, quartz, marble) must be templated after units are in — never before — and the template-to-fit lead time is typically 7–14 days. Plan your temporary kitchen arrangements around this gap: a portable induction hob, microwave, and kettle will get most families through.

What Can Go Wrong and How to Avoid It

Kitchen projects have more moving parts than almost any other home improvement. Most problems are avoidable with good planning and clear communication.

Frequently Asked Questions