Who this guide is for
- Homeowners having a new kitchen fitted
- People who want precise, level cabinetry and worktops
- Anyone coordinating a fitter with other trades
- Owners comparing kitchen fitters
Judge cabinet alignment and finish
The most visible sign of a good kitchen fit is dead-level, perfectly aligned units with consistent gaps. Look at past work for even doors, flush runs and clean scribing to walls.
Misaligned doors and uneven gaps reveal a rushed or careless fit.
- Look for level, aligned units
- Check door gaps are consistent
- Confirm clean scribing to walls
- View finished runs on past kitchens
Confirm worktop coordination
Worktops are often templated and fitted by a separate fabricator, so the kitchen fitter must coordinate that step. Ask how they sequence the cabinet fit with worktop templating and fitting.
Good coordination here avoids gaps and delays.
Understand trade sequencing
A kitchen fit weaves around plumbing, electrics and appliances. Ask how the fitter sequences these trades, who handles the regulated work and how it all comes together.
Keep plumbing, electrics and gas with qualified trades.
- Ask how trades are sequenced
- Confirm who handles plumbing and electrics
- Discuss appliance fitting
- Keep regulated work with qualified trades
Check who supplies and who fits
Kitchens mix supplied units, owner-bought appliances and specialist worktops. Clarify what the fitter supplies, what you supply and who is responsible for fit and any cut-outs.
Agree responsibility if something does not fit.
Brief and compare on the same scope
Give each fitter the same brief — units, worktops, appliances, finishes — so quotes compare. Ask what could change once the old kitchen is removed.
Confirm insurance and relevant experience.
Hiring checklist
- 1Decide units, worktops and appliances first
- 2Look at past work for level, aligned units
- 3Check door gaps and scribing to walls
- 4Ask how worktop templating is coordinated
- 5Ask how trades are sequenced
- 6Confirm who handles plumbing and electrics
- 7Clarify what the fitter supplies and fits
- 8Give each fitter the same brief
- 9Ask what could change once the old kitchen is out
- 10Confirm insurance and relevant experience
Common mistakes to avoid
- Judging only the showroom photos, not the finished fit
- Assuming the fitter coordinates worktops without asking
- Not confirming who handles plumbing, electrics and gas
- Leaving supply-and-fit responsibilities unclear
- Comparing quotes that cover different scopes
- Forgetting to ask what hidden issues could change the job
When to involve a professional
- Keep plumbing, electrical and gas connections with qualified trades
- Confirm who certifies regulated work and stands behind the kitchen
- Ask to see comparable kitchen installs before hiring
- Ask to see relevant insurance for the work
- Remember kitchen trade requirements vary by location and project
Frequently asked questions
Questions readers ask about this topic
How do I judge a kitchen fit?
Look at past work for dead-level, perfectly aligned units with consistent door gaps and clean scribing to walls. Misaligned doors and uneven gaps reveal a rushed or careless fit, while flush runs signal precision.
Does the fitter do the worktops?
Worktops are often templated and fitted by a separate fabricator, so the kitchen fitter coordinates that step. Ask how they sequence the cabinet fit with worktop templating and fitting to avoid gaps and delays.
Who handles plumbing and electrics?
Ask directly — a kitchen fit weaves around plumbing, electrics and appliances, and the regulated work should go to qualified trades. Confirm who handles each and who certifies it before you commit.
Who is responsible if something does not fit?
Kitchens mix supplied units, owner-bought appliances and specialist worktops, so clarify what the fitter supplies and fits and who is responsible for cut-outs and final fit. Agree this up front, since requirements vary by location and project.
Keep reading