From measuring up to choosing worktops — a practical guide to planning a kitchen installation without the stress.
Start With a Measured Survey
Accurate measurements are the foundation of any kitchen project. Measure the full width and height of each wall, mark the position of doors, windows, radiators, gas and water supplies, and any soil pipes. It's worth doing this twice and having a professional check before ordering anything.
Choose Your Layout First
The most common kitchen layouts are galley (two runs of units facing each other), L-shape, U-shape and island. Your layout is determined by the size and shape of the room. Choose this before selecting units — the layout drives everything else.
Setting Your Budget
Kitchen costs vary widely. A flatpack kitchen from a retailer like Howdens or Wren fitted by a professional installer typically costs less than a fully bespoke cabinet order. Budget separately for units, worktops, appliances, plumbing, electrics and fitting labour — they're all separate costs.
Order of Work
A kitchen installation follows a set sequence: strip out, first fix plumbing and electrics, plastering if needed, unit installation, worktop templating and fitting, second fix plumbing, second fix electrics, appliance installation, tiling, finishing. Skipping or reversing steps causes problems.
Lead Times to Plan For
Flatpack kitchens from Howdens or Wickes can often be delivered within a week. Rigid or painted kitchens may take 4–8 weeks. Quartz or granite worktops need templating after units are fitted, then a 2–3 week fabrication lead time. Plan the full sequence before booking your fitter.
What a Kitchen Fitter Does
A professional kitchen fitter assembles and installs carcasses, doors and drawers, scribes units to uneven walls, cuts and fits worktops, installs sinks, and connects appliances. They do not carry out gas work (which requires a Gas Safe engineer) or structural electrical work (which requires a qualified electrician).