How to start a kitchen fitting business

One of the most popular jobs for new homeowners is fitting a new kitchen or remodelling an existing one. If you have the skills, knowing how to start a kitchen fitting business can be therefore be lucrative. Want to know more?

Who doesn't dream of being their own boss? Answering to no-one and managing your own diary. Bliss.

If you've spent a while being a kitchen fitter under someone else's business, you’ve probably thought about starting up on your own. Or, if you already own your own kitchen fitting business, you're probably wondering how to grow it.

In 2024, the Checkatrade website alone receivedan average of 16,000 searches per month for kitchen fitters*. It's certainly a career with lots of demand.

• Kitchen fitters with some experience can earn around £34,320 per year

• Owners of kitchen fitting businesses can expect to take home £70,800+ per year

Check out our guide on how much kitchen fitters earn to learn about earning potential for this role. For now, let's have a look at how to start a kitchen fitting business in the first place.

From training and qualifications to financing, tools, equipment, and insurance, there’s lots to learn.

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Getting the right training and qualifications

If you've already been working as a trainee kitchen fitter or on an apprenticeship, your experience will set you up well.

If you're looking to switch careers might have plenty of transferrable skills. Particularly if you have worked in:

• Bathroom fitting

• Plumbing

• Tiling

• Carpentry or joinery

• Electrical work

Starting a kitchen fitting business with increased credibility is easier recognised qualifications.

Qualifications could give your business a competitive edge, helping to attract more clients while your business gets off the ground.

Creating a plan for your kitchen fitting business

When looking at how to start a kitchen fitting business, the very first stage is to write a business plan.

It will outline your goals and how you intend to achieve them. It'll also help you to stay focused and make informed decisions.

Your business plan should include:

• Information about what services you'll offer

• Whether you want to focus on a particular niche

For example, your expertise may be as specific as installing hand-made cabinets. Or, it might be broader, with your speciality being countertop installation.

Whatever the case, you’ll have to think about the market you’re targeting:

• Do you prefer working with local homeowners?

• Or maybe you’d rather be subcontracted by interior design companies?

Not sure where to start? Why not enter your email address below for your free business plan template?

How to set up your kitchen fitting business - step by step

After getting the right training and qualifications, and after creating a business plan, you're ready to begin.

But where to start?

There are a few key steps to starting any new business, especially when it comes to larger projects like kitchen fitting.

Register your business

To help you operate as a legitimate business and not a rogue trader, it is important to register yourself with the relevant authorities.

There are a few things to remember when it comes to registration.

1. Decide on a name for your new business (catchy but relevant)

2. Decide on the structure of your business - sole trader or limited company?

3. Register your business with HMRC

4. Get listed on Companies House if you go the Limited route

5. Don't forget to complete a self-assessment tax return every year

Registering before you start to trade and work means you'll be on top of your business compliance, right from the start.

Get business insurance

Insurance for your kitchen fitting business is more important than you might first think.

You are your business, so if you’re unable to work your insurance will protect your income. That’s why it’s very important to insure your company fully and properly.

At the very least you should consider

• Public Liability Insurance (PLI) covers your liabilities toward your customers, members of the public, and third-party property

• Employers' liability insurance is a legal obligation if you employ anyone else

All Checkatrade members are required to have PLI to become a member. But to make it easier, we've teamed up with Superscript so that our members can save 20% on PLI costs.

You should also consider insurance for your work vehicle, tools and equipment, and any stock you wish to cover. If you hold stock your customers have purchased ready for installation, this is even more important.

Do businesses need insurance? The ultimate lowdown

You might think the answer to 'do businesses need insurance?' is an easy 'absolutely'! However, the yes is more complicated than you think. You can't just get any old business insurance and call it a job done. Your assets and liabilities for your unique business need assessing to work out the most

Learn more

Finances

It's important to work out your finances before beginning the process of starting a kitchen fitting business.

You’ll need enough to cover start-up costs for things like:

• Tools

• Insurance

• Work vehicle

• Fuel and running costs

• Marketing

You'll also need to be organised with your accounting and bookkeeping, keeping records of business expenses and invoices.

Bookkeeping for small business made simple

The importance of bookkeeping for your small business Bookkeeping for your small business is vitally important. It's the process by which you record and report monies coming in and payments going out of your business. Keeping on top of your company bookkeeping allows you to manage your finances

Learn more

What tools and equipment do you need?

Having the right equipment and the best kitchen fitting tools is vital in order to provide a high standard of service.

You'll also need to transport all the necessary equipment, so a suitable vehicle is a must.

Most kitchen fitters will carry the following tools:

• Wrenches

• Chisels

• Hammers

• Saws

• Screwdrivers

• Putty knife

• Electric drill

• Tape measure

• Teflon tape

• Jigsaw

When you want to start a kitchen fitting business, having the right equipment can make a big difference. You want the tools to help you do the best job.

Start your kitchen fitting business with Checkatrade

With our digital marketing strategy and strong online presence, becoming a Checkatrade member makes it easier for customers to find your new kitchen fitting business.

Right from when you start, you can display customer reviews, testimonials, and examples of your work on your profile page.

With the Checkatrade tick by your name, it makes your marketing just that little bit easier.

You can also expect a whole range of other benefits:

• Over 206,000job searches for kitchen installation last year*

• We'll guarantee your work if booked through us (T&Cs apply)

• Use of the Checkatrade app for job management and invoicing tools

• Enjoy great savings with suppliers like Selco and Wickes

• Useful business software like Quickbooks for less

Fixed membership from Checkatrade means you can expect a certain number of leads throughout the year.

Not sure if you're ready to commit yet? Why not read our article outlining what you can expect in return.

Is a Checkatrade membership worth it?

One way to figure out whether the cost of something is worth it is to look at ROI (Return on Investment). In its most basic sense, this is how much something costs compared with the income it generates. Working out the ROI of a Checkatrade membership is definitely a must-do for any trade business

Learn more

Kitchen fitting business FAQs

Is kitchen fitting a good business?

Kitchens are a major feature in every property and homeowners are often looking to upgrade, redesign or refurbish.

Without the technical skills or equipment to do this themselves, this makes kitchen fitting a potentially lucrative career. It’s a specialised service in constant demand.

How much do kitchen fitters earn?

A newly trained kitchen fitter salary starts at around £17,000 to £20,000. With more experience, your salary can climb to between £20,000 and £35,000, with senior kitchen fitters earning from £35,000 up to £50,000.

How much does a kitchen fitter charge per day?

You’ll set your own rates but, as a guideline, kitchen fitters charge an average of £180 per day. This can, of course, vary depending on the size of the project and the materials needed. For more information on what kitchen fitters charge their customers, read our kitchen fitting cost guide.

How long does it take to become a kitchen fitter?

There are many routes you can take to become a kitchen fitter. Relevant apprenticeships or college courses will usually take up to two years to complete. However, building a successful business can take many years and will rely on your ability to establish a positive reputation and secure a steady pipeline of work.

* Internal search data of the Checkatrade.com website between 1st January - 31st December 2024