You’ve done the fun part, you’ve bought your new kitchen, and the retailer is offering installation as an additional cost which adds unwanted expense to an already expensive endeavour. If you are unsure about going with the installer recommended by the retailer then you aren’t alone, in fact, more and more people are turning to finding local independent installers to complete the job.

Choosing the right installer can feel like a daunting task, especially when considering the wealth of options available. We’re cutting through the chaff to give you all the info you’ll need, from contracts to insurance cover, aiming to make the process as painless as possible. Here are our top tips to help you find the best kitchen fitter:

As a minimum, kitchen fitters should have public liability insurance. This basic form of insurance provides protection from third-party injury or damage. Remember, this isn’t just an injury to yourself or your property – it also protects passing members of the public or your neighbouring house.

A good kitchen fitter will also have specialist kitchen fitter insurance. These policies will usually cover a higher value of damage or a broader range of injuries. This insurance often protects any other employees your kitchen fitter may hire too.

So, ask your kitchen fitter what their insurance protects and crucially the value of this coverage. You’re also within your right to ask for proof of insurance, as touched upon in NimbleFins article on tradesperson insurance.

Speaking of which…

There are many options when it comes to kitchen installers wherever you are in the UK. You can choose to go for one of the tried-and-true high-street retail installers such as Wren or Magnet, though these tend to be more expensive. Alternatively, you’ll likely be able to find local kitchen fitters right on your doorstep, and while these will generally be cheaper than the retail alternatives, they come with their own caveats.

As well as directories such as Checkatrade and MyBuilder, ask your materials supplier for their recommendations. They are close to the industry and will often have good knowledge of the best local installers and who is best to avoid.

One of the primary things to keep in mind when deciding on installers is to….

Any installer worth their salt will have no problem displaying their qualifications and certifications such as a British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation membership, a not-for-profit government sanctioned institute dedicated to ensuring trading standards and approval from the Kitchen, Bathroom, Bedroom and Specialist Association, a group made up of local retailers and over 100 industry manufacturers.

Not only does it make them more professional and trustworthy, it lets you know if they are serious about their trade, having gone through the process of becoming part of, or being endorsed by, legitimate organisations.

When deciding which fitter to use…..

4. Don't: Hire A "One Man Band"

It may be tempting to try and hire a tradesperson that says they can do it all. It is an understandable impulse to help save you money and cut down on having to find different people to carry out the various tasks to install your kitchen, but it is not recommended.

This is simply because due to the amount of skill required to carry out the various jobs necessary to professionally install a kitchen, you want people who are specialised in those areas. Cast a wide net and look for tradespeople that specialise in tiling, plumbing, carpentry and electrical installation if needed.

The best way to know if the installer is trustworthy is …

If they are local, you can ask neighbours and friends. One of the best ways to gauge whether an installer is trustworthy, and their work is of high quality, is to check online at reviews from previous clients on websites like Checkatrade and MyBuilder.

Look for testimonials from other people, how happy they were with their work and the experience they had with the fitter, check out the fitter's Facebook and Instagram pages. Also, keep an eye out for any patterns that begin to appear in the reviews, a subtle indicator if the installer is right for you.

The most crucial aspect of hiring any self-employed or freelance tradesperson is to…..

A legitimate and trustworthy fitter will be more than happy to provide a contract. This should include a clear schedule with a completion date and a payment plan should be agreed between all parties before the work commences.

You should also get a guarantee as part of the contract. A fitter that gives you a guarantee of their workmanship is open to be held accountable in the event of errors but more importantly, it lets you know that they are secure in their abilities and dedicated to making sure they do a good job installing your kitchen.

Other things to bear in mind when discussing the job with your installer, how will they dispose of the waste created by the installation, will it be your responsibility or theirs? Will they be subcontracting any of the work out to other tradespeople? How long will your kitchen be out of commission while the work is taking place?

A kitchen project is a big undertaking and because it is often a space you have poured all your focus into for a significant amount of time, a personal one. You want to make sure the person you choose to install the kitchen is someone you trust and get on with, by following the tips above, hopefully, you will be much closer to finding the ideal kitchen fitter for you.