Being without a kitchen is the part of any renovation people worry about most. The good news is that a well-planned installation moves quickly. Most of the kitchens we fit in London are completed in one to two weeks. Here is how that time is usually spent.
Before day one: survey and planning
A smooth installation starts before anyone picks up a tool. During the free survey we measure the room, check the position of water, waste, gas and electrics, and agree a start date once your kitchen delivery is confirmed. Ordering mistakes cause most delays, so we check the plan against the room before you order.
Day 1: strip-out and preparation
Floors and adjoining rooms are protected, the old kitchen is disconnected and removed, and the waste is taken away. Walls are checked for level and any first-fix plumbing and electrical work starts.
Days 2–3: first fix and wall preparation
Pipework is moved or extended, new circuits and sockets are run, and any patch plastering is done so walls are ready. If you are having new flooring that goes under the units, this is the moment to lay it.
Days 3–6: cabinets, panels and appliances
Base units are levelled and fixed, followed by wall units, tall units and end panels. Integrated appliances are installed in their housings. On flat-pack kitchens, assembly takes place first, which adds time.
Days 6–8: worktops
Laminate and solid wood worktops are cut and fitted on site straight away. Quartz, granite and other stone worktops are different: they are templated once the units are fixed and usually fitted one to two weeks later, so plan for a temporary worktop or a short pause.
Days 8–10: second fix, splashbacks and finishing
The sink, tap and hob are connected, appliances are tested, the gas hob is connected and certified by a Gas Safe engineer, and sockets and lighting are finished. Tiling or splashbacks, plinths, cornice, silicone sealing and decorating complete the job, followed by a final clean and snagging check.
What can make it take longer
- Missing or damaged parts in the kitchen delivery.
- Stone worktop lead times.
- Structural changes, such as removing a wall or moving a boiler.
- Very uneven floors and walls in older properties.
Keeping disruption to a minimum
We plan the work so you are without a working sink and cooker for as short a time as possible, and we agree start times around your routine. If you would like a timeline for your own kitchen, book a free survey and we will map out each stage before we start.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use my kitchen during the installation?
Not for most of the work. We plan the job so the sink and cooker are out of action for as short a time as possible, and we can often reconnect the sink before the worktops are finished.
How long do quartz worktops take?
Quartz and granite are templated once the base units are fixed, then made to measure. Fitting usually follows one to two weeks later. A temporary worktop can be fitted in the meantime if needed.
Do you work weekends?
Our standard working days are weekdays, but we can discuss flexible scheduling for specific stages if your situation needs it.
What happens if parts are missing from the delivery?
We check the delivery before installation starts so missing items can be ordered early. If something is discovered later, we rearrange the work order to keep the job moving while the part arrives.