Kitchen Fitting
How to select the best kitchen fitter for your home
It seems that anytime there is an in-home gathering, everyone inevitably ends up in the kitchen. It has been said that the kitchen is the heart of the home, and this is apparent as we prepare memorable meals there, eat there, and have great conversations creating memories that last a lifetime.
Whether you are building your dream kitchen or giving your current kitchen space an update, you do not want to entrust the building or renovation of this space to just any tradesman. You want someone who has vast knowledge in kitchen builds and their special needs. This is why it is important to take you time when selecting a kitchen fitter for your job. Today we are going to guide you through the considerations you will want to take when going through this process.
- Look at the builder’s experience and accreditations
- Ensure you are comfortable with them and confident in their work
- Obtain written quotes that are detailed
- Inquire about their familiarity with building regulations
Let’s look at each of these points in more detail.
Take a close look at experience and accreditations
A kitchen fitting can be completed by a generalist or a specialist. If your kitchen job is a full build or remodel, it is worth looking at a builder who specializes in kitchens and can take you from the design process to the final product. Simpler kitchen fittings or updates may be just fine in the hands of a general builder, although they may have to outsource portions of the build such as plumbing or electrical work.
Kitchens can be involved, including custom islands, under the floor heating and plumbing, and custom electrical work. Obviously, hiring a specialist is going to be more expensive, but may save you money in the long run over having someone less knowledgeable performing subpar work.
When you are seeking a kitchen fitter, it is important to look at their experience in relation to the exact work you are looking to have completed. Ask to see a portfolio of their work, as well as for references you can call. In addition, it never hurts to ask if there is some way you can see some of their previous work in person. All of these are helpful ways to determine the best tradesman for the job.
Many kitchen fitters are members of professional organizations or schemes. These include the Federation of Master Builders, Guild of Master Craftsmen and the Kitchen, Bathroom and Bedroom Association (KBSA). Those who hire members of the KBSA are automatically given protections on work performed by these individuals.
Professional affiliations are an important component besides on the job experience to be considered, given that those who are members are typically working to a high standard and have certain benchmarks they need to maintain to stay a member in good standing. It never hurts to use a kitchen fitter who has memberships in such schemes.
Be comfortable and confident in whom you choose
A kitchen fitting job can take substantial time, and the tradesman you select will be spending significant time in your home. You will want to ensure that you are confident in their abilities and honesty in communications. It is also helpful to look for a tradesman who is punctual and polite in all communications, written, by phone and in person.
Get a detailed job quote in writing
With any major job, you will want to obtain several like for like quotes from potential kitchen fitters. They should include labor, materials, specialty equipment rental and waste removal and disposal. A written quote should also clearly define job payment terms. Most builders will require a job or materials deposit and then certain amounts throughout the job duration and a final payment to bring your account to paid in full. Be leery of any kitchen fitter who wants upfront payment for the entire job.
Also any and all warranties and follow-up guarantees for workmanship and materials should be in writing.
Inquire about regulatory knowledge
Kitchen fittings are required to be performed to building regulations. Certain aspects of kitchen work will need to be certified. These include electrical and gas line work. If your tradesman is part of a competent person scheme, they should be able to self-certify their work as up to code, if not it will have to be certified by an outside agency. Make sure the person you hire is familiar with the legal requirements for your kitchen fitting work.
We hope that this guide proves helpful in finding the best kitchen fitter as you embark on your new or updated kitchen.