The short answer
Choose a kitchen fitter on references, accreditation and a clear itemised quote — not on price alone. Look for KBSA or TrustMark membership, ask to see recent work and speak to past customers, insist on a written quote that lists every element, and only agree to staged payments tied to completed stages. Confirm that gas and electrical work will be done by a Gas Safe registered fitter and a Part P qualified electrician. Get at least three quotes before deciding. See the red flags guide for what to avoid.
A kitchen is one of the larger sums most people spend on their home, and the quality of the fitting matters as much as the quality of the units. A good fitter delivers a level, square, watertight kitchen with the right certificates; a poor one can leave you with doors that do not line up, leaks, unsafe wiring and a long snagging battle. This guide sets out exactly what to check, what a good quote looks like, and the questions to ask before you sign anything.
Choosing a fitter at a glance
- Get at least three quotes
- Look for KBSA or TrustMark membership
- Check references and recent work
- Insist on an itemised written quote
- Electrics need a Part P certificate
- Pay in stages, never all up front
Check accreditation and references
Start with the basics any reputable fitter will be happy to provide. Membership of a recognised body such as the KBSA (Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association) or registration with TrustMark — the government-endorsed quality scheme — shows a fitter has agreed to a code of practice and a complaints route. Ask for two or three recent references and actually call them; ask whether the job ran to time and budget, how snagging was handled, and whether they would use the fitter again. If you can, view a finished kitchen in person. A fitter with nothing to hide will welcome this.
Insist on an itemised written quote
A proper quote lists every element rather than a single lump sum: units and worktops, appliances (or a note that you are supplying them), removal of the old kitchen, plumbing, electrics, tiling, flooring, making good and waste disposal. It should state who carries out the gas and electrical work and confirm the relevant certificates are included. Get at least three quotes and compare them line by line — the cheapest is rarely the best value if it omits making good, certificates or waste removal. See how to get and compare quotes for the full method.
| What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| KBSA / TrustMark membership | Code of practice and complaints route |
| Recent references you can call | Real evidence of quality and reliability |
| Itemised written quote | Lets you compare fairly and avoid surprises |
| Part P electrical certificate | Notifiable wiring done and signed off legally |
| Gas Safe registration (gas hob) | Gas work is legal and safe |
| Staged payment schedule | You never pay far ahead of the work done |
Confirm certificates and qualifications
Some kitchen work is notifiable under the Building Regulations and must be certified. New or altered electrical circuits fall under Part P and should be carried out and certified by a registered electrician, or signed off by building control. If your kitchen has a gas hob, that connection must be made by a Gas Safe registered fitter. Ask, in writing, who does this work and confirm you will receive the certificates — you will need them when you sell. See Building Regulations for a new kitchen for what needs signing off.
Questions to ask before you commit
Before signing, ask: who exactly will do the work, and are they employed or subcontracted? What is the payment schedule? How long will the job take, and what happens if it overruns? Who handles the gas and electrical certification? Is there a written guarantee on the workmanship, and how is snagging dealt with? A confident, organised fitter answers these clearly and puts the key points in writing. Vague answers, reluctance to commit dates, or pressure to decide on the spot are reasons to keep looking.
Make the decision
Weigh the three quotes together with the references, accreditation and how each fitter communicated. The right choice is usually the fitter who is clear, properly accredited, gives an itemised quote and a sensible payment schedule, and whose past customers are happy — not simply the lowest number. This is general information, not advice for your specific project; always carry out your own checks. When you are ready, compare kitchen quotes from design and fitting specialists.
Compare kitchen quotes
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Frequently asked questions
How do I check if a kitchen fitter is reputable?
Look for KBSA or TrustMark membership, ask for two or three recent references and call them, and view a finished kitchen if you can. Confirm in writing who carries out gas and electrical work and that the relevant certificates are included.
Should a kitchen fitter be qualified for electrical work?
New or altered electrical circuits are notifiable under Part P of the Building Regulations and should be done and certified by a registered electrician, or signed off by building control. If you have a gas hob, that connection must be made by a Gas Safe registered fitter.
How should I pay a kitchen fitter?
In stages tied to completed work: typically a deposit for materials, payments as stages finish, and a final payment after snagging is done. Never pay the full amount before the work starts.
How many quotes should I get for a kitchen?
At least three. Comparing three itemised quotes line by line shows you a realistic price range and helps you spot quotes that have left out making good, certificates or waste removal.
Sources & further reading
- KBSA (Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association) — code of practice and finding members
- TrustMark — government-endorsed scheme for finding and checking registered tradespeople
- Gas Safe Register — checking a registered fitter for gas hob connections
- GOV.UK / Building Regulations Part P — electrical work and certification
This is general information, not advice for your specific project. Always carry out your own checks on any fitter and confirm certification in writing.