Kitchen fitters in London: what they do, who else you need, and what to check before you hire

What a kitchen fitter does

Checkatrade’s kitchen fitting cost guide (updated April 2026) describes a typical fitter’s quote as covering:

• removing the existing kitchen;
• fitting the new units and worktops;
• installing the sink, taps and appliances;
• plastering, painting and tiling, if you ask for them.

The same guide notes that many fitters provide a “dry fit” and won’t connect appliances to the mains. It also says a fitter won’t collect or store your kitchen or supply missing parts. Some firms employ multi-skilled staff who also do the plumbing and electrics, usually at a higher day rate.

The other trades you may need

Some companies sell the kitchen and fit it. Others expect you to hire an independent fitter, or to organise the other trades yourself. Either can work, as long as your contract says who is responsible for co-ordinating the whole job.

What a kitchen installation quote should show

• Who supplies the units, worktops, appliances, sink and taps, and who checks deliveries and chases missing or damaged items.
• Strip-out and waste removal, including any skip.
• Number of units to be fitted, worktop material and who templates and fits stone or quartz.
• Plumbing, electrical and gas work, and whether these are included or need separate trades.
• Plastering, tiling, flooring and decoration, if included.
• A provisional sum for anything hidden behind the old kitchen, and how it will be priced if used.
• The programme: how long you will be without a sink and cooker.
• VAT, payment stages and how changes are agreed.

For published cost figures, see our pages on kitchen fitting costs and new kitchen costs.

What to check before you hire anyone

• Gas hob or cooker? Disconnecting, moving or connecting a gas appliance must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Ask to see their Gas Safe ID card, and check that the back of the card lists the type of gas work they will do and that it hasn’t expired.
• Electrics. Under Approved Document P, a new circuit (for example, a dedicated cooker or induction hob circuit) or a new consumer unit is notifiable. That work must be self-certified by an electrician registered with an authorised competent person scheme, or signed off by building control. Ask which scheme the electrician belongs to and check their name on that scheme’s own register.
• Written quotes. Citizens Advice recommends getting written quotes from at least three traders. A quote should be a fixed total price, not a day rate, with the work and materials broken down, VAT shown and how long the price is valid.
• Staged payments. Citizens Advice suggests paying in stages, by card rather than cash, and avoiding deposits where you can. If a deposit can’t be avoided on a long job, it advises not agreeing to more than 25%.
• Insurance and identity. Ask for public liability insurance details and, if they employ staff, employer’s liability. Check a limited company on Companies House, and check any TrustMark or trade association claim on the scheme’s own website.
• A written contract with start and finish dates, who supplies what, waste removal, and how extra work will be agreed and priced before it goes ahead.

London flats and older houses

• Leases. Citizens Advice says to check your lease before work starts, as you may need the freeholder’s or management company’s permission. The Leasehold Advisory Service gives free advice on lease terms.
• Building rules. Managing agents often set working hours, lift use and waste rules. Ask the fitter to price for them.
• Older houses. Uneven walls and floors, old wiring and pipework are common in Victorian and Edwardian homes. Expect the strip-out to reveal some extra work, and keep a contingency.

Paperwork at handover

• An electrical installation or minor works certificate, plus a Building Regulations compliance certificate for notifiable electrical work.
• Gas Safe paperwork for any gas work.
• Appliance and worktop warranties, and any guarantee on the fitter’s workmanship.
• A final invoice that matches the quote plus any variations you agreed in writing.

When you’re ready, use the enquiry form and we’ll try to pass your enquiry to an independent kitchen fitter or contractor who covers your area. We don’t carry out the work ourselves, and we can’t promise every enquiry is taken up.

Questions people ask

Related pages

• Kitchen renovation in London
  Refresh, refit or full renovation: what each involves, the order of work, building regulations, and planning a London kitchen renovation.
• New kitchen cost (2026)
  Published 2026 figures for a new kitchen and a full kitchen renovation, the line items behind them, and what changes the price in London.
• Kitchen fitting cost
  Labour-only kitchen fitting costs from published 2026 figures: by kitchen size, per unit, worktops, day rates, and the extras that aren’t included.

Plan your kitchen