Do you need a kitchen refresh or a full refit?
Start with what is wrong with the existing kitchen. Worn doors need a different solution from damaged cabinets or a layout that makes cooking difficult. Assess the condition of the units before choosing cosmetic changes.
| Project | When it may suit your home | What to check before ordering |
|---|---|---|
| Door and handle replacement | The cabinets are sound and the layout works | Door sizes, hinge positions and compatibility with existing units |
| Worktop and sink replacement | You want to update the working surface and washing area | Cabinet support, sink dimensions, tap clearance and plumbing connections |
| New kitchen in the existing layout | The kitchen needs replacing but the main positions work | Appliance sizes, service connections and repairs behind the old units |
| Kitchen with a changed layout | You need different storage, appliance positions or circulation space | Plumbing routes, electrical work, extraction and the effect on floors and walls |
A useful first exercise is to list three things the new kitchen must improve. That could be more usable worktop space, accessible storage or room for a dishwasher. It gives the designer and fitter a clearer brief than choosing doors first.
What should a kitchen-fitting quote include?
A kitchen supplier’s price and an installation quote may cover different things. Ask for a written scope so you can see where each responsibility begins and ends.
Check whether the quote includes:
- Removing the old kitchen and arranging waste disposal.
- Assembling and fixing cabinets, doors, drawers and end panels.
- Worktop installation, joints and cut-outs, or a separate specialist worktop service.
- Sink, tap and appliance connections.
- Plumbing alterations and electrical work.
- Wall repairs, splashbacks, decorating and flooring.
- Plinths, handles, trims, sealant and final adjustments.
- Materials, delivery charges and VAT, where applicable.
Also agree how additional work will be handled if damage is found after the old kitchen is removed. A useful quote explains what is included, what is provisional and which changes need your approval.
How much does kitchen fitting cost in Peterborough?
Kitchen-fitting costs depend on the work involved, the room’s condition and the products being installed. A straightforward replacement using existing service positions has a different scope from a kitchen with an island, moved appliances and extensive preparation.
The main cost drivers are cabinet quantity, worktop type, plumbing and electrical changes, removal work and the condition of the walls and floor. Access also matters: tell the fitter about stairs, parking restrictions, shared entrances or limited storage for deliveries.
For a meaningful comparison, send each Peterborough kitchen fitter the same plan, product list and photographs. Ask them to separate installation labour, supplied materials and any allowances for work that cannot yet be assessed. Compare the total agreed scope rather than the headline labour figure. See our Prices page for current indicative rates.
A practical kitchen installation sequence
1. Survey the room and confirm the design
Check room dimensions, appliance openings, door swings and working space before placing the final order. Confirm the exact sink, tap, cooker and extraction arrangements. Supplier drawings should be checked against the actual room, including anything that may obstruct installation.
2. Check deliveries before removing the old kitchen
Match delivered units and fittings to the order. Missing panels, damaged doors or an incorrect appliance can interrupt the schedule. Agree where items will be stored and how you will manage cooking and washing while the kitchen is unavailable.
3. Remove the old kitchen and prepare services
Once the old fittings are removed, the installer can assess exposed walls, flooring and service routes. Arrange any gas work through an appropriately qualified Gas Safe registered engineer; the Gas Safe Register lets you check registration and the work an engineer is qualified to undertake. Agree the electrical work and any required certification with the electrician.
4. Fit cabinets and coordinate the worktop
Cabinets need to be set out and secured before the worktop stage. Bespoke stone or similar worktops may involve a separate measuring visit and fabrication period. Howdens’ bespoke worktop installation guidance explains that units must be fixed and level, with relevant appliance and sink information available before templating.
5. Complete connections, finishes and checks
The remaining work may include appliance connections, splashbacks, decorating, flooring and final adjustments. At handover, check doors and drawers, inspect the finish and ask for product care instructions and any relevant certificates. Record outstanding items with an agreed plan for completion.
Should flooring go down before kitchen units?
The answer depends on the flooring system. Decide the sequence with the kitchen fitter and flooring installer before either starts.
Floating flooring needs room to move and must not be trapped by fixed installations. Quick-Step’s laminate guidance identifies fixed points, including kitchen islands, as a possible cause of problems. Tiled and bonded floors have different installation requirements.
Also check the finished floor height around doors, plinths and appliances. A dishwasher should remain accessible for future servicing. If your project includes a new floor, discuss it alongside our flooring and tiling service.
Planning a kitchen project in Peterborough
360 Maintenance Solutions supports customers across Peterborough, including Hampton, Orton, Stanground, Fletton, Bretton, Longthorpe and Werrington. Send your full postcode with the enquiry so access and the property location can be considered together.
For a flat, include details of stairs, lifts and any building access arrangements. For an occupied home, explain whether the kitchen is the household’s only cooking space. For a rental property, provide the access contact and the date by which the property needs to be ready.
If other repairs are planned between tenancies, landlord maintenance in Peterborough can be discussed alongside the kitchen work. A single project brief helps identify which jobs need to happen first.
Reviewed on 3 October 2026. This is general information, not professional installation advice.