The kitchen is often referred to as the center of the home, the warm and comfortable space where many of us cook, dine, and socialise.
With such an important room, whether you are merely refreshing a tired kitchen, or installing a top-of-the-range space that would make a famous chef envious, it is crucial that you choose the appropriate kitchen fitter for the job. We spoke with some of the skilled professionals suggested on Just Kitchens to find out the key things you should know to make the best choice:
- Pay attention to experience, just as much as certifications
- Make sure you are at ease with them
- Get quotations that include everything
- Establish a payment schedule
- Verify their knowledge of building regulations
- Make sure there are follow-ups after the job
Keeping these ideas in mind can assist you in focusing on what to seek when you meet with tradespeople and obtain quotations for the job. Continue reading for more information on how to find the perfect tradesperson for your project.
Pay attention to experience, just as much as certifications
Kitchens are far from a simple, off-the-shelf purchase. Even though the fundamentals of kitchen fitting may appear similar from job to job – installing some cabinets, plumbing a sink, fitting a cooker – the details are critical, and there are significant distinctions between replacing a few new units and renovating a large kitchen with additional features such as an island work unit and underfloor heating.
There are a range of available tradespeople who can handle the project, as with many jobs. At one end of the spectrum, there are firms that specialise in kitchen fitting, collaborating with you on every aspect of the project, from designing the new kitchen to installation and decoration. At the other end of the spectrum, there will be more general builders and carpenters, who have the necessary abilities to remove and install a kitchen, but may outsource jobs like plumbing and electrical work. Both have their advantages – while a specialised company is likely to deliver a very high standard to your precise specifications, the chances are it will be much more expensive than hiring a generalist.
When looking for a tradesperson for your project, it is important to talk to those who have completed similar projects to the one you have planned. As well as seeing previous examples of their work that they can show you as part of their portfolio, you may also be able to arrange through them to visit their previous jobs – they should be happy to put you in touch with previous clients they have worked for before.
In addition to checking their references, there are other ways to assess their experience. On Just Kitchens, you can read honest feedback on the jobs they have undertaken for homeowners, as well as seeing pictures of the jobs they have taken on. Do not be afraid to ask them questions as well, about any qualifications they may have, their length of time in the business, or how they will approach your own particular project.
Some tradespeople may belong to trade associations. As well as general trade bodies for builders like the Federation of Master Builders and the Guild of Master Craftsmen, kitchen fitters may also be part of the Kitchen, Bathroom, and Bedroom Association (KBSA), which offers protection for consumers who hire KBSA members.
However, experience is the most crucial thing to look out for. Nigel England of N England Joinery, a partnership that specialises in kitchen fitting, has received over 120 positive pieces of feedback.
In addition to determining their expertise with your type of project, it’s important to evaluate your level of comfort with potential tradespeople. This can be done from the very first interaction with them – do they display courtesy during phone conversations, do they arrive promptly for meetings, and do they inquire about project details?
Kitchen installations can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the job’s scale. During this time, if your kitchen is out of commission and you have limited cooking options outside of a microwave in another room, you may need to vacate your residence while the tradesperson works on it. Maintaining good communication with them throughout the project is crucial. While you don’t need to become close friends, you should be able to establish a professional relationship where you feel comfortable voicing any concerns and addressing any issues that may arise.
Obtain comprehensive quotes For larger projects
it’s advisable to meet with and obtain estimates from at least three tradespeople. The level of detail and scope in their quotes can reveal a lot about their process. It’s crucial to ensure that all quotes are on an equal footing – do they include materials, labour, subcontracting fees, and VAT? Is the cost of removing and disposing of previous kitchen components included if the tradesperson will be doing so? Only by comparing quotes that are alike can you make an accurate comparison, and it’s important to obtain them from individuals who have seen the job in person.
Examining at least three quotes can help you detect any that seem unrealistically low – this could indicate a tradesperson who is eager to secure the job but will make up for the real value by adding on extra expenses during the project’s duration.
The cost of your project will undoubtedly be influenced by the scope of the work – if you’re seeking to hire a company to both design and install your new kitchen, the cost will be significantly higher than a simple installation project. The cost will also vary based on whether you purchase the kitchen yourself from a store or the internet, or whether you first engage a fitter to purchase the kitchen. In some instances, the latter option may be less expensive since fitters may have relationships with manufacturers or be certified installers, allowing them to pass their trade discounts on to you, as Nigel does with B&Q kitchens. This also reduces the risk of buying substandard components or items that don’t fit your space. If you do opt to purchase the kitchen yourself, it’s important to communicate with your fitter to ensure they’re familiar with the brand and comfortable with installing it. If you do buy the kitchen yourself, make sure to coordinate the timing of delivery and installation.
