Kitchens
Kitchen fitting.
It's the room you'll use most, so the fitting matters as much as the units. Old one out, new one in, everything lined up and working.
- For
- Refits and new layouts
- Rules
- Like-for-like refits usually need no approval
- You get
- Electrical and gas paperwork where relevant
- Time
- Depends on the job
How it works.
- Plan and measure. The layout is agreed, with final measurements allowing for any plastering or wall removal.
- Order and delivery. Checkatrade says most standard kitchens arrive in two to four weeks, with bespoke taking longer.
- Strip out. The old kitchen comes out. In older homes, check for asbestos first.
- Structure and services. Any wires or pipes are moved and walls knocked through. Gas work has to be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
- Electrics. These go in before the units.
- Fit. Units, worktops, sink and appliances.
- Finish. Decorating, cleaning, testing and paperwork.
Thinking about time? Read how long a kitchen takes to fit.
Bigger changes.
Knocking through into the dining room? Building regulations normally apply when you remove an internal wall or form an opening in it, and load-bearing walls need a new beam. Moving the kitchen to a different room is likely to need approval too, for ventilation, drainage, structure, electrics and fire safety.
We supply and fit, and we'll give you a timescale with your free quote. If there's gas work, we bring in a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Questions we get asked.
Do I need building regulations for a new kitchen?
Usually not for a like-for-like refit, though drainage or electrical work that's part of the refit may need approval.
Do I need planning permission for a new kitchen?
Generally not, unless it's part of a house extension. If your home is listed, ask the planning authority.
Can a kitchen fitter do the electrics?
A new circuit or consumer unit is notifiable, so it must be done by a registered competent person or notified to building control.
Who connects the gas hob?
Only a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Do I need an extractor fan?
When work is done in a kitchen, existing fans, including cooker hoods extracting outside, should be kept or replaced. New extract rates are 30 l/s with a cooker hood extracting outside, or 60 l/s without one.
Could an old kitchen contain asbestos?
It might, if the building was built or refurbished before 2000. Textured coatings and old floor tiles are the likeliest places.
Sources
- Planning Portal, Building regulations for kitchens and bathrooms
- Planning Portal, Kitchens and bathrooms: planning permission
- Planning Portal, Internal walls: building regulations
- Approved Document P (2013)
- Gas Safe Register, Don't DIY with gas appliances
- Approved Document F Volume 1 (2021)
- HSE, Locations of asbestos
- Checkatrade, How long does a kitchen renovation take?
Recent kitchens
