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The checklist
What to check in your kitchen quote
Each point lights up on the quote as you read.
- Who will connect any gas hob or cooker
If the fitting includes a gas hob or cooker, check who will connect it. Anyone paid to work on gas appliances in a home must be Gas Safe registered and competent for that work.
Source: HSE: domestic gas safety FAQs
- Any new electrical circuits, and who certifies them
In England, a new electrical circuit is notifiable work. Agree who will handle notification and certification before work starts.
- The extract ventilation included in the job
A new kitchen should have extract ventilation. If you’re refurbishing, existing extract ventilation must be retained or replaced.
Source: Planning Portal: ventilation in kitchens and bathrooms
- The quote is in writing
Citizens Advice says not to rely on a verbal quote and to get it in writing.
- A fixed price, not an estimate
A quote gives an agreed price for specified work. An estimate gives an approximate cost. Ask which you’ve been given.
- When each payment is due
Citizens Advice suggests agreeing payment stages, with a chance to put problems right before the final payment.
- When the work will start and finish
If no time is agreed, the law only says the work must be done within a reasonable time.
- The insurance the business holds
Ask what insurance the business holds and to see the policies. Citizens Advice includes public liability insurance among the cover to check.
- Who takes away the waste
You must take reasonable steps to make sure waste from your home only goes to someone authorised to take it, such as a registered waste carrier.
- Cancellation information, if you agree the job at home
For a contract agreed in your home, the business must give you set information and a cancellation form, on paper or another lasting form.
Before you agree
Registrations and certificates to ask for
- Check registration for any gas work
Check that the engineer is Gas Safe registered and that the work categories on their ID card cover the gas work you’re arranging.
Check the Gas Safe RegisterSource: HSE: domestic gas safety FAQs
- Agree the electrical paperwork
Ask which electrical certificate you’ll receive for the work. For notifiable work, agree how you’ll receive the separate Building Regulations compliance paperwork too.
Search the electrical competent person registerSource: Electrical Safety First: Part P of the Building Regulations
The money
Know what you’ll pay and when
Citizens Advice says to keep the deposit as low as possible and not agree to more than 25%.
NI Direct advises avoiding large deposits and never paying the whole amount up front.
If you agree a job in your home, you can usually cancel within 14 days of agreeing it.
If you asked for work to start within those 14 days and then cancel, you pay for the part already done.
Ask the business
Questions to ask before you agree
- Does the engineer’s Gas Safe registration cover the gas work in this quote? HSE: domestic gas safety FAQs
- Does this job include new circuits, and who will handle notification and certification? Planning Portal: electrics and building regulations
- Is this a fixed price or an estimate? Citizens Advice: before you get building work done
- What insurance do you have, and can I see the policy? Citizens Advice: before you get building work done
- Can I pay in stages, with the last payment once the work is finished? Citizens Advice: before you get building work done
- Who will take the waste away, and are they a registered waste carrier? GOV.UK: waste duty of care code of practice
- If we agree this at my home, will you give me the cancellation information in writing? Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, regulation 10
Common questions
Questions people ask
Who can connect a gas hob or cooker?
Anyone paid to connect a gas hob or cooker in a home must be Gas Safe registered and competent for that work. Check the work categories on their ID card.
Source: HSE: domestic gas safety FAQs
Does a new kitchen need extract ventilation?
A new kitchen should have extract ventilation. If you’re refurbishing, retain or replace any existing extract ventilation. Planning Portal says a refurbishment with no existing ventilation system need not add one.
Source: Planning Portal: ventilation in kitchens and bathrooms
How much deposit should I pay for kitchen fitting?
Citizens Advice says to keep the deposit as low as possible and not agree to more than 25%.
Should a quote be a fixed price?
A quote gives an agreed price for specified work. An estimate gives an approximate cost. Citizens Advice recommends getting the quote in writing.
Can I cancel building work I agreed to at home?
If you agree a job in your home, you can usually cancel within 14 days of agreeing it.
This guide covers England. Rules for building work differ in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. It is general information, not legal advice, and it does not say whether a price is fair.