In this episode, host Faye Newman speaks to Keith Sutton, who is a carpenter, builder and kitchen fitter from Worcestershire. Faye and Keith have worked together as kitchen designer and fitter for nearly 5 years and Keith has been a carpenter since 1987, fitting his first kitchen in 1992. They discuss the kitchen installation process, the do's and don’ts and the customer/installer relationship.

Key Takeaways:

It's crucial (for a kitchen fitter) to manage customer expectations, especially with older homes where hidden issues may arise. Regular communication and site meetings help keep clients informed and involved, ensuring a positive working relationship. 

Always consult a structural engineer to ensure safety and compliance when making alterations, as their calculations are necessary for proper steel support and building control approval. It is essential to work with reputable professionals who provide transparent costs upfront, ensuring no corners are cut and all renovations meet safety and legal standards.

Strong communication between clients, fitters, and designers is essential for successful projects, as it ensures the final product matches expectations and avoids surprises during installation.

Best Moments

‘Social media is a great thing now, because you can actually ask people what they thought of a certain company or a certain fitter, a certain tradesman, a certain designer, and you can make your own mind up from that. A good designer, a top designer, is worth their weight in gold’

‘Make sure you ask them (your kitchen fitter) for structural engineers advice first before taking a wall out. If they go along the lines of, no, you don't need a structural engineer, I would walk straight away from them’.

‘Take your time and do your homework. So many people do just go to the big chains, they think they're going to get ripped off and it's going to be more expensive from the smaller independents. The best designers that I've worked for are from independents, they will cherry-pick their designers’.

‘Now, as a customer, it’s absolutely imperative that you strike up a good relationship with your tradesmen. You've got to be open with each other from the day you ring their doorbell as a fitter to go and have a look at what they want’.

About the Host

Faye Newman is a freelance Kitchen Designer with eight years of experience in the industry. With a background in furniture design and a passion for creating spaces that reflect the essence of the home, Faye brings a unique perspective to kitchen design. Her dedication to client satisfaction and love for her craft shine through in every project she undertakes.

Connect with Faye Newman Design:

Visit the website at www.fayenewmandesign.com for more kitchen design inspiration, resources, and services.

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Whether you're renovating your kitchen, looking for organisation hacks, or seeking culinary inspiration, Love Your Kitchen is your go-to resource for all things kitchen-related.

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