5 Critical Questions to Ask a Kitchen Fitter Before Hiring Them?
I’m planning a kitchen renovation and I’m about to interview a few local fitters. I want to make sure I hire someone reliable who delivers high-quality work.
Beyond just the price and the timeline, what are the top 5 ‘must-ask’ questions I should put to a kitchen fitter to vet their expertise? I’m especially interested in questions that might reveal ‘red flags’ or hidden costs.
The “Timeline” Check
The Question: “What is your specific plan for waste removal and lead times on materials?”
Why it matters: A huge red flag is a builder who leaves old cabinets on your driveway for weeks. Ask exactly when the skip arrives and if all your appliances and units are already in stock before they rip out your old kitchen. You don’t want to be without a sink for a month because a part is backordered.
The “Hidden Cost” Check
The Question: “What common ‘surprises’ do you usually find in kitchens like mine that could change this quote?”
Why it matters: This is a trap for red flags. An honest builder will say, “If we find damp behind your old units, it will cost $X extra.” A dishonest one will give you a low price and then hit you with “unforeseen” costs halfway through the build.
The “Evidence” Check
The Question: “Can I speak to two of your most recent clients and see photos of work in progress, not just finished photos?”
Why it matters: Anyone can take a photo of a pretty finished kitchen. You want to know what they are like to work with. Were they tidy? Did they show up on time? Seeing “in-progress” shots shows you how they treat a job site.
The “Hands-On” Check
The Question: “Will you be here every day, or do you use sub-contractors for plumbing and electrics?”
Why it matters: Some fitters sell you the job but then send a different crew to do the work. You need to know who is actually in your house and if the fitter is personally supervising the specialist work like gas and electrical connections.
The “Legal & Safety” Check
The Question: “Can you provide proof of Public Liability Insurance and a written contract?”
Why it matters: Never rely on a handshake. If a pipe bursts or someone gets hurt on-site, you need to know they are insured. A written contract protects you from “scope creep” where the builder adds extra charges for things you thought were included.