The short answer
A kitchen fit runs through strip-out, first fix, units, worktops and second fix, with dust and disruption throughout and no usable kitchen for the duration — typically 1 to 3 weeks. Expect a worktop gap if you have templated stone, agree a payment schedule tied to stages (not all up front), and do a snagging walk-round at the end before final payment. A good fitter protects floors and routes and keeps you informed. See the timeline guide for durations.
Knowing what a kitchen fit actually involves makes the process far less stressful. This guide walks through the stages, the practical realities of living through a fit, how payments usually work, and how to handle snagging so you end up with a kitchen you are happy with.
The fit at a glance
- Stages strip-out to second fix
- Dust and disruption throughout
- No usable kitchen for the duration
- Payments tied to stages
- Worktop gap if stone
- End with a snagging list
The stages of a fit
A fit follows a set order: strip out the old kitchen; first fix the plumbing, electrics and any plastering; level and fit the units; template and fit the worktops; then second fix — connect appliances, fit the splashback, sink and taps — and finish. Each stage depends on the last, so a delay early on pushes everything back. Registered trades handle the gas (Gas Safe) and electrics (Part P) and provide certificates. See our Building Regulations guide.
| Stage | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Strip out | Noise, dust, old kitchen removed and disposed of |
| First fix | Plumbing, electrics, plastering — messy, walls open |
| Units | Cabinets levelled and fixed — kitchen takes shape |
| Worktops | Template, then a gap, then fit (stone) |
| Second fix & finish | Appliances, splashback, snagging, sign-off |
Dust, disruption and living without a kitchen
A kitchen fit is disruptive: expect dust, noise, deliveries, and tradespeople in and out. Set up a temporary kitchen elsewhere — a kettle, microwave and fridge — and plan simple meals. Agree working hours, parking, and where materials and waste will go. A considerate fitter protects floors and walkways and cleans up daily, but you should expect mess to be part of the process until the final clean.
Payments, snagging and sign-off
Agree the payment schedule in writing before work starts, with the final payment held back until snagging is done. At the end, walk round with the fitter and list any snags — a chipped door, a misaligned drawer, sealant gaps — and agree they will be fixed before final payment. Keep the gas and electrical certificates and any appliance warranties. A clear, staged process protects both sides and is the mark of a professional fitter.
How to keep the fit running smoothly
Be available for decisions, keep the site accessible, and raise concerns early and politely rather than letting them build. Confirm that all units, worktops and appliances are delivered and correct before the relevant stage so work does not stall. This is general information; every fit differs, so follow your fitter's advice and your written agreement. Choosing a reputable fitter in the first place is the single biggest factor — see how to choose a fitter.
Compare kitchen quotes
A professional fitter makes the process smooth and staged. Compare quotes and references from kitchen design and fitting specialists.
Frequently asked questions
What are the stages of a kitchen fit?
Strip out the old kitchen; first fix the plumbing, electrics and plastering; fit the units; template and fit the worktops; then second fix — connect appliances, fit the splashback and taps — and finish with snagging. Each stage depends on the one before.
How disruptive is a kitchen fit?
Quite disruptive — expect dust, noise, deliveries and tradespeople in and out, with no usable kitchen for the duration (typically 1 to 3 weeks). Set up a temporary kitchen elsewhere and agree working hours and waste arrangements up front.
How should I pay for a kitchen fit?
Use a staged payment schedule tied to progress — for example a deposit, a payment when units are fitted, and a final payment after snagging. Never pay the full amount before work starts, and hold the final payment until snags are fixed.
What is snagging?
Snagging is the end-of-fit walk-round where you and the fitter list small issues — a chipped door, a misaligned drawer, sealant gaps — to be put right before final payment. Keep your gas and electrical certificates and appliance warranties too.
Sources & further reading
- KBSA (Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association) — guidance on installation and consumer protection
- TrustMark — finding and checking registered tradespeople
- Gas Safe Register — certificates for gas work
- GOV.UK / Building Regulations — electrical certification (Part P)
This is general information, not advice for your specific project. Every fit differs — follow your fitter's advice and your written agreement.