Kitchen queries

[Longshanks]

Hi

Am using Magnet to supply kitchen, appliances etc but our own fitter. As we'll need a fair bit of plastering and prep would the fitter arrange that for us or would that be for us to arrange separately?

Also, Magnet have said units would be ready in about 6 weeks. What happens when we arrange our own fitting? Are they delivered to us to store or would they hold until fitter ready?? Also thinking about scenario when there would be a short gap before fitter available?

Thanks for your time.

 

[phatboy]

I would expect the fitter is just a fitter, and any pre-req work should be completed by the time he shows up.

 

[Newboy]

If you've employed a fitter to fit your kitchen then it would be reasonable for the fitter to turn up on the appointed date expecting:

1) The walls ready to hang/fit units
2) The floor stripped esp. in the areas where the base units will be fitted
3) The first fix electrics complete
4) First fix plumbing complete
5) All the units and accessories to be on site and ready to be fitted
6) A clear plan of where you want the unit and appliances

If you have already found a fitter then you need to be clear what the extent of the job is - some fitters will do tiling/splashbacks/minor plumbing others will just fit the kitchen units and worktops

 

[Longshanks]

Ok thanks for that. Using a separate fitter to kitchen supplier seemed the preferred option for most. This on both grounds of cost and quality. Reading this I guess that has to be weighed against procuring spark, plasterer, plumber....

Added to this is issue of logistics mentioned in initial post. Units are delivered on given day when there could be issues with fitter availability, lack of space to store etc etc.

Can't fathom out why so many go for separate fitter option.

Thanks

 

[Newboy]

In my experience, a specialist fitter will usually do a better job than one through a retailer. Doubtless there are some good company fitters but most seem to be paid a fixed price for the job and want to knock it out as quickly as possible. There's nothing wrong with either system but I'd take a fair guess that the price you pay the retailer for fitting is significantly more than the fitters themselves get so in my mind it makes sense to pay the going rate for a good independent fitter. The only advantage with a 'package' deal (supply and fit) is that you have a single point of contact and it's up to them to get everything organised. If you're organising it yourself then you need to understand the process and the implications of things coming together at the right time/not coming together at the right time.

We've done a fair few kitchens and had good and bad from clients who have organised (or in a few cases not organised!) supply - it gets expensive (for you) when supplies haven't arrived or wrong/missing items stop the job or when job sequences are wrong. My favourite being the client who had given the electrician a different version of the plan to the fitter - not one appliance was in the same place on either plan.

 

[vinn]

OP,

Here's how we do kitchen fitting:
Design can be customer provided or we provide.
We do everything from damp & timber work to structural to first fixing and plastering.
We Sub out painting & decorating but most clients want to do it themselves.
We are labour only, the customer sources the units and tile, flooring etc - we fit.
The customer must have all materials on site before we show - all of it.
Work tops are usually sub out to specialist - we do prep.

The record of Magnet & their ilk for deliveries is shocking - missing & damaged items trickling in up to 3 months late. Same with the big bathroom companies - the ony early item will be the nightmare you will get.
If you must use their stuff then never use their fitters.

 

[Longshanks]

Thanks again. Haven't confirmed Magnet yet and now having second thoughts!

The issue about poorly motivated, paid fitters appointed by Magnet and poor quality was reason for fitting as separate entity. I'm just terrified by need for a Gantt chart and Prince 2 methodology to manage everything if we now go the other way!

 

[Longshanks]

Thanks again. Haven't confirmed Magnet yet and now having second thoughts!

The issue about poorly motivated, paid fitters appointed by Magnet and poor quality was reason for fitting as separate entity. I'm just terrified by all the