KITCHEN DESIGNERS AND FITTERS

How to choose an kitchen installer

At present there are no industry standards required to ply your trade as a kitchen installer and the plain fact is that you are taking pot luck by contacting an unknown quantity who has decided to title him/herself as one.

There are, however, a number of steps you can take to avoid the possibility of your new kitchen looking worse than your old one.

• Use your judgement of character when speaking to a candidate to install your kitchen. It's important that you liase with your installer whilst the job is in progress and difficult if you can't communicate with each other.
• Use the conversation to find out how long they have been in business
• Determine a guarantee period offered for the work undertaken
• Ask to view a previous installation.
• Discover if they have any relevant qualifications and memberships (Corgi etc)
• Are they insured for public liability?
• What tools do they carry? Do they have a worktop jig, router and mitre saw - essential kitchen fitting tools and a good indication of credibility
• Determine their plumbing and electrical knowledge, experience and qualifications.
• Arrange a site visit two weeks before the installation. You will learn a lot more about the person that you are about to employ
• How to choose an installerAs with any trade, good kitchen installers are worth waiting for, so contact one well in advance of your project commencing.

When you're happy with your choice of installer there are a number of other issues to discuss with him/her and this is best achieved when contacting the installer to let him know you wish him to undertake the installation.

Below is a list of further considerations you should discuss with an installer.

1. Vehicle access - How close can a vehicle park to the work area?
2. Vehicle parking - Once unloaded, where can a vehicle be parked? Will it be safe in the space you suggest?
3. Rubbish removal - Will a skip be required?
4. Door size/restrictions - It's often a problem trying to fit a large cabinet through a tiny porch and certain cabinets may need to be delivered as flat packs if access is a problem.
5. Work area - allocate one to the installer during the site visit, and reserve it as his/hers on commencement day. It also helps to mention that certain trades (painters or floor finishers) will have a difficult time working in the same room while the kitchen is being installed.
6. Furnishings/belongings removed - A day or two prior to installation remove all furniture and belongings from the room and empty the cupboards.
7. Floor protection - If the flooring has been completed before installation it will need protecting.
8. Dust protection - the homeowner will never fault you for being too careful about dust protection. Sheets taped to house entry points will minimise dust spreading throughout the rest of the house.
9. Power - How many outlets are there, and how far away? There are a limited number of trades that can share a power circuit.
10. Keys - It's difficult have a kitchen fitted if your installer can't gain entry.
11. Job noise - In a large refurbishment noise levels can reach hair pulling proportions so be prepared and if your neighbour works a night shift it's good advice to let them know of your project prior to commencement of the work.
12. Working hours - Give the installer an indication of start/finish times.
13. Plumbing/electrical - These are critical areas. Check box heights and plumbing preparation. If preparation hasn't been completed, go over the information with your installer should he be completing the work.
14. Room lighting - Look for conflicts between lighting locations and cabinet placement. Recessed ceiling lights may be positioned in such a way that they end up directly over a refrigerator.
15. Appliance details - It helps to give your installer a list of appliances to be fitted and, if possible, their specifications
16. Children/animals - As your installer will be using some heavy machinery you will need to make sure that children or animals cannot gain access to the work area.
17. Bathroom privileges - Ensure your fitter knows where to go

Well, I hope this information proves useful in assisting you to achieve a trouble free and satisfactory installation and if you feel competent enough don't rule out the possibility of saving yourself a substantial amount by having a go yourself but remember the health and safety issues above all else.