June 19, 2023
Find kitchen fitters
These are the main things to look for when choosing a Auckland kitchen installer , whether you choose the one recommended by your retailer or you hire them yourself.
1. Install your kitchen with a certified installer
Trade associations and endorsement organizations usually have standards of conduct for their members. They also offer an independent dispute resolution service that can assist you in the event of a problem.
Check the website of the association or scheme to see if the fitter is listed.
2. Check out reviews and recommendations
You can ask around to friends and family members to find out if they have used a professional fitter. It may be possible to visit the home of a trader to view their work.
Look at customer reviews to find out what customers think of the trader you are considering. If the installer has a Which? You can read the reviews of Trusted Traders on our website. They have been moderated for authenticity.
Review reviews objectively. Are the reviews genuine? What are the reasons for any negative comments? Has the trader tried to resolve it?
Check out the ratings of customers who have used the installation service recommended by their kitchen retailer in the most recent Which? kitchen survey.
3. See pictures of the kitchens that they have fitted
You can check the website of a fitter, their social media pages and (if applicable), their Which? Check out their Trusted Traders profile for pictures of previous kitchens. Online reviews may include images that are useful.
You can use pictures to check the quality of a trader’s job and to determine if they have handled similar projects to yours. This is especially important if you are planning a major home renovation.
4. Get several quotes
Ask for at least three written quotes that include a detailed breakdown of the costs.
You should also check whether extras like waste disposal costs are included. These can add up.
5. When hiring specialists, make sure to hire the best.
You may get a better result if you use a specialist trader for certain aspects of your job. This is especially true if you are using complex materials or expensive ones.
If tiles are an important feature in your kitchen, for example, an experienced tiler may complete the work more quickly and at a higher quality than a kitchen installer who does not specialize in tiling.
You should only hire people with specialist skills for certain jobs. Gas appliances, for example, should only be installed by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Electrical work should also be done by a qualified electrical contractor.
Hire a Kitchen Fitter
Do some background research on the person you have chosen for the position and make sure you have all the paperwork ready before you begin.
Inquire about the insurance that your trader has. Ask about the insurance your trader has.
Find out who is going to install your kitchen if the company that sold it to you will be installing it. Many companies subcontract their work. If there are any delays or problems, you’ll want to know the contact person.
If you are unsure about the services that your plumber can offer (such as plumbing), ask them if they charge extra.
Find out who will be doing the work so you can verify that they are qualified and insured.
A contract should be drawn up for large kitchen projects, which will include details about guarantees, total costs, payment plans, and completion dates. This schedule will allow you to know what’s happening each day and when to expect deliveries or traders.
If necessary, ask the installer where they plan to cut materials, like worktops. Will they have to use space at your house, in the garden, or garage?
Ask if your sink will be out of service during installation. Will you be able to use a temporary kitchen sink during the installation?
Kitchen fittings: What to pay for?
A new kitchen can be a significant investment. You may be asked to pay a deposit up front by a kitchen fitter to cover the costs of ordering products.
Payment terms for large jobs should be included in the contract. You may have to pay for the work in several instalments, depending on its size.
You should always reserve a substantial amount until the job is completed. You’ll have an incentive to ensure the kitchen fitter completes the work to your satisfaction and on time.
Getting the details of what is included, the payment schedule and terms upfront should solve many problems.
What happens during the installation of a new kitchen?
Installation will vary depending on the extent of your renovation, your property’s condition, and whether you need other tradespeople (such as plasterers and plumbers). The basic running order is:
Your old kitchen will be removed and disposed.
Plumbing and electrical work will be done to prepare the kitchen for its new installation. Double check the measurements with your installer.
You may have to repair your walls after tearing out the kitchen, especially if you removed tiles. It may be necessary to hire a plasterer and wait for the plaster to dry completely before you can proceed.
Once the walls have been cleaned, they are ready to be painted.
Flooring: If you are getting a brand new floor, it will likely be installed after the messy painting job is completed and before your new kitchen is put in place.
Installing units: Normally, the installer will begin by installing the base units of the kitchen cabinets before moving onto the wall units.
Worktops can be cut to fit around sinks or hobs and installed once the units have been placed. At this point, your sink is likely to be installed and connected.
Once the worktop has been installed, you can install your tiles.
Finishing units. One of the last jobs is to install cupboard doors, drawers fronts, plinths along the base of the units and cornices across the top of the wall units.
Appliances will be installed at the very end. You may need to hire specialists, especially if your appliances are gas.
At the end of a job, the installer should issue a certificate to prove that all electrical and gas work has met industry standards.
Handover: Check the kitchen with your installer to make sure you are happy with the end result. Make sure the surfaces are level and the door handles align, and that drawers and cabinets open and close correctly.
Do you need to stay at home during the installation of your new kitchen?
Do not underestimate the mess, noise and disruption that can come with installing a new kitchen. You’ll have to remove plasterwork, which will cause dust in your home. You’ll also need to cook in the microwave, wash dishes in the tub, and use a laundry until you are finished.
If your renovations will take several weeks, you may want to temporarily leave the house, especially if there are young children or pets in the home, or if family members have respiratory issues that might be worsened by dust.
You may be able leave your kitchen fitter to do the job if they offer project management. Some of Which? Some of our Which?
If not, be prepared to approve any necessary changes, since issues could arise after the kitchen has been removed.
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