NMB Kitchen Planning Handbook · Guide 5 of 6
How to choose a kitchen fitter in Manchester
Choosing the right kitchen fitter can make the difference between a smooth renovation and a stressful one. Many people assume all kitchen installers offer the same service, but the reality can be very different.
We have completed hundreds of kitchen and bathroom renovations across Prestwich, Manchester and the surrounding areas. We have seen projects run beautifully, and we have been asked to step in when things went wrong. This guide covers what to look for, the questions to ask and the warning signs to watch out for.
By Nevin Smith, kitchen fitter and director at NMB Kitchens & Bathrooms
Previous work
Look at real examples of previous work
One of the best ways to judge a kitchen fitter is by their previous installations. Any experienced installer should be able to show finished kitchens in real homes, not just showroom displays. Look closely at the finishing details:
✓ Worktop joints and alignment
✓ How the cabinets meet walls and ceilings
✓ Scribed panels and fillers
✓ Tiling and decoration
These details often separate an average installation from a truly high-quality kitchen. Many of our clients first contact us after seeing a kitchen we have finished locally.
Reviews
Read genuine client reviews
Reviews show how a company performs in real homes, beyond what it says about itself on its website. When reading them, look for patterns:
✓ Consistently positive feedback over time
✓ Comments about communication and reliability
✓ How problems or changes were handled
✓ Cleanliness and respect for the home
These tell you what it is really like to work with a fitter from start to finish.
Scroll or swipe sideways to read more reviews →
“I received a few quotes but chose NMB over other companies as I could see that Nev had great attention to detail and was very thorough in assessing everything that needed doing. The whole project went really smoothly and the quality of work is excellent.”
Lily Wright · Google review
“From the design process, the build and the finished product the service was excellent. They were incredibly professional, friendly and patient for a couple of first time renovators.”
Michael Williams · Google review
“Knocking down a wall, moving the boiler, plumbing, plastering, electrics and fixing the various issues my 1930s house presented. Extremely high standard of work, and they sorted out the building control too.”
Lava Yuki · Google review
“A superb job with our two bathrooms, from initial advice, specification and detailed CAD drawings right through to completion. Very thorough, keeping disruption to a minimum and even cleaning up as they went!”
Wayne Green · Google review
“The first visit from Nev was to take measurements, and I was sent a detailed plan of the kitchen layout the following day, which worked out perfectly. The quality of fitting is second to none. It’s a big decision investing in a kitchen and you have to get the right people.”
Zowie Hayward · Google review
“NMB completed our kitchen project in 2021 and we were so impressed we asked them to come back and do our bathroom in 2025.”
Hayley Mason
A real example
When the cheaper quote cost more
A client who had used us before for a kitchen, and for roofing work on a family property, asked us to quote for a bathroom in their new home. Our price was slightly higher than another builder’s, so they went with the cheaper option.
Unfortunately, that builder walked off the job, leaving the bathroom unfinished and in a poor state. The client called us in a panic. We put things right and finished the bathroom properly, and later fitted their new kitchen too. It shows how important it is to choose an experienced, reliable installer from the start.
What to expect
What sets a professional kitchen company apart
A professional kitchen company should offer much more than fitting cabinets. Our projects typically include:
Design, supply and fit
One company takes the kitchen from first ideas to the finished room.
Free plans and CAD drawings
So you can see the layout and check the details before anything is ordered.
Structural work
Experience removing walls and fitting steel beams as part of the kitchen project.
Full project management
Every trade scheduled and checked, with one point of contact throughout.
Local experience
Many years working in homes across Manchester, so we know the common layouts and problems.
FMB members since 2014
Vetted by the Federation of Master Builders, with our insurance and previous work checked.
Project management
Choose a company that manages the whole project
Kitchen renovations usually involve several trades: electricians, plumbers, plasterers and worktop fitters. Without proper coordination, this quickly leads to delays, miscommunication and stress. Look for a company that will:
✓ Book the trades in the right order
✓ Check the quality at each stage
✓ Deal with problems on site as they come up
✓ Keep the project on track
We manage every stage of your project ourselves, giving you one point of contact and peace of mind from start to finish.
Your home
Choose someone who visits and knows local homes
Some kitchens are designed in a showroom without anyone seeing the room. That can work for simple layouts, but real homes have practical challenges you only find in person.
A proper home visit
When we visit, we check floor levels, wall angles, access into the property and any structural work, so the kitchen works on fitting day as well as on paper.
Local experience
Older homes across Prestwich, Whitefield and Manchester often have uneven floors, walls that are not square and ceilings that slope. An experienced fitter plans for this, and knows local layouts, Building Regulations and trades.
Insurance
Check your kitchen fitter has the right insurance
Insurance is one of the most overlooked parts of choosing a fitter. A renovation involves several trades, structural work, plumbing, electrics and valuable materials. Without the right cover, a problem during the project could leave you facing unexpected costs. Make sure your installer has:
✓ Public liability insurance
✓ Employer’s liability insurance
✓ Cover for any structural work
✓ Protection against accidental damage
It is also worth asking to see proof.
Trade bodies
Check they belong to a recognised trade body
A fitter who belongs to a recognised trade body, such as the Federation of Master Builders, gives you extra reassurance. These organisations typically:
✓ Vet companies before accepting them
✓ Check references and previous work
✓ Verify insurance
✓ Carry out regular inspections
That means accountability and consistent standards. We have been FMB members since 2014.
Working together
Communication, first impressions and the small details
A kitchen renovation can take several weeks, so how a company works with you matters as much as how it fits.
Clear communication
A good fitter explains the process clearly, gives realistic timings, tells you about changes early and keeps the project organised.
First impressions
The first meeting tells you more than any brochure. You should feel listened to and confident, never pressured or rushed. Trust your instincts. With us, you deal directly with Nevin, the owner and an experienced fitter, not a salesperson.
The small details
Neat worktop joints, perfectly aligned doors and clean scribing to walls are what make a high-end finish. Our cost guide explains how these details affect the price.
Specialist or general builder?
Kitchen fitting is a specialist trade. A kitchen specialist brings experience in cabinet installation, worktop templating, integrating appliances and precise finishing.
Warning signs
Warning signs to watch out for
Be cautious if a company shows:
✓ Few examples of previous work
✓ Vague answers about the process or the quote
✓ An unusually cheap quote
✓ Poor communication from the start
My honest advice: take your time. Look at real projects, read reviews and make sure you feel confident in the company you choose. A kitchen is a big investment, and choosing the right team from the start makes all the difference.
NMB Kitchen Planning Handbook
Continue planning your kitchen
Six practical guides from our team to help you make informed decisions before your renovation starts.
Guide 1
Planning a new kitchen
Plan around how you live, think ahead and check the details before you order.
Guide 2
Setting a realistic kitchen budget
Where your money matters most, the hidden costs to allow for and how to save without cutting quality.
Guide 3
Kitchen layout ideas
Galley, L-shaped, U-shaped, island and peninsula kitchens, and how to choose the right one.
Guide 4
Kitchen storage ideas
Design storage around what you own and how you use it, from drawers to pantries and bins.
Guide 5 · You are here
Choosing a kitchen fitter
The questions to ask and the checks to make before you hire a kitchen company in Manchester.
Guide 6
Preparing for installation
What to do in the weeks before fitting day, so the work runs smoothly and on time.
Questions
Choosing a kitchen fitter: your questions answered
Quick answers to the questions we are asked most by people comparing kitchen companies.
How do I know if a kitchen fitter is experienced?
They should be able to show you previous work in real homes, point you to genuine reviews and explain their process clearly.
Should I choose a kitchen specialist or a general builder?
A kitchen specialist will usually give a better finish, because fitting cabinets, templating worktops and integrating appliances is what they do every day.
Is it better to use one company for design and installation?
Yes. One company is responsible for the whole job, so there is no passing the blame between designer, supplier and fitter, and the project runs more smoothly.
What insurance should a kitchen fitter have?
At least public liability and employer’s liability insurance, plus cover for any structural work. Ask to see proof before you agree a start date.
Should I get more than one quote?
It is sensible to compare, but compare like for like. Check what each quote includes and leaves out, such as building work, electrics, plumbing, plastering and waste removal.
Which areas do you cover?
We design and fit kitchens across Greater Manchester, including Prestwich, Whitefield, Didsbury, Altrincham, Sale, Bramhall, Wilmslow and Bolton.
Free design visit
Talk to a kitchen fitter you can trust
Tell us about your kitchen and any building work you have in mind. Nevin will arrange a free, no-obligation design visit at your home.
✓ Free home visit with no obligation
✓ Bespoke kitchen and bathroom designs for your space
✓ Full project coordination from design to completion
✓ Structural alterations and building work covered
✓ A trusted local team with consistently positive feedback