Kitchen, which cost more?

Avatar · Jul 7, 2012

'kitchen fitters' are some of the biggest cowboy operations out there.

I have seen some shocking kitchens in my time. They get a chippy do the main work so all looks good from the surface . . .

The plumbing is in a terrible state and some smaller operation i know even do illegal gas and electric work.

Project manage it yourself and do it for half the price. Unit from howdens, qualified electrician, plumber and chippy and you are away (and in control!)

JAP&H · Jul 7, 2012

Avatar said:
The plumbing is in a terrible state and some smaller operation i know even do illegal gas and electric work.

Good advice from Avatar.

Carried out a gas safety check for a landlord on a property some years ago, combi, hob and ILFE. Let by and tightness tests ok, appliances ok if a little neglected.

Two months later got a call from local CORGI inspector, Transco have capped of installation and reported an 'inappropriate fitting' leaking gas beneath hob. Can I explain?

I was on another job, couldn't remember the exact details of my visit and my copy the paperwork was at home so agreed to meet with inspector and landlord at property.

When we entered the kitchen, all had changed. Between tenants the landlord had renewed the units and work tops. 'Who disconnected and reconnected the hob' the inspector asked the landlord.

'Kitchen fitters own guy' was the answer. No paperwork from any gas company left after work complete. Transco got my name from GSC form two months previous.

To round off the comedy of errors the landlord asked me to locate the gas leak and repair whilst I was there, he was paying of course.

As we tried removing the electric oven to gain access to the gas supply to the hob we both received an electric shock. Turns out the kitchen blokes had cocked up the electrics as well.

Guest123 · Jul 7, 2012

Can't you fit the kitchen yourself? I fitted mine and mitred the worktops with a router, hung all the wall cabinets and installed 2 round bowl sinks. It gave good satisfaction when it was finished, but it was straight forward and not rocket science. Biggest cost was a new router at £100, but I use it regularly for cutting out round sinks an mitring bathroom worktops.

Destroyer2813 · Jul 7, 2012

If you are DIY minded i would fit the most of it your self and then get someone in to do the tops as mentioned, saw a advert in my local paper for kitchen fitting or just top fitting only