Kitchen Refit: What to Expect — A Tradesman's Honest Guide

A new kitchen is one of the biggest investments you'll make in your home. It's also one of the most disruptive. As someone who's fitted dozens of kitchens across West Sussex, I want to walk you through exactly what to expect — the good, the messy, and the bits nobody tells you.

Before the Work Starts

Once you've chosen your kitchen (units, worktops, appliances, tiles, flooring), the first step is a site visit to measure up and plan the installation sequence. I'll coordinate with any electricians, gas engineers, or worktop templaters needed — you shouldn't have to chase multiple trades. We agree a start date and a realistic timeline.

Week 1: Out With the Old

Day one is stripping out the old kitchen — removing units, worktops, tiles, and old plumbing. It's dusty and loud. I sheet up the doorways and protect your floors, but expect to be without a kitchen sink and cooker from day one. This is when we discover what's behind the walls — old pipework, dodgy wiring, or damp that needs sorting before the new kitchen goes in.

Week 1–2: First Fix — Plumbing and Electrical

With the old kitchen gone, the electrician runs new cables for sockets, lighting, and appliance connections. The plumber repositions water supply and waste pipes for the new sink, dishwasher, and washing machine. Gas lines are moved for the hob if needed. This is the messy, invisible work that makes everything else possible.

Week 2: Plastering and Making Good

Once first fix is done, walls are plastered where tiles have been removed or where new electrics have been chased in. This needs to dry before tiling — usually 2–3 days. I'll also fit any new flooring at this stage, before the units go in, so the floor runs seamlessly underneath.

Week 2–3: Units and Worktops

Now it starts looking like a kitchen. Wall and base units are fitted level and plumb, then doors and drawers are hung and adjusted. Worktops are templated and cut — for laminate this is done on site, for stone or solid surface a templater visits and the worktop is made off-site, then fitted a few days later.

Week 3: Tiling, Sink, and Appliances

Wall tiles go up between the worktop and wall units. The sink is fitted and connected. Appliances — oven, hob, dishwasher, fridge — are installed and connected to power, water, and gas. By the end of this stage, the kitchen is functional.

Final Stage: Snagging and Finishing

Plinths, cornices, and pelmets are fitted. Sealant goes around the sink and worktop edges. I check every door, drawer, and appliance. Any snagging items are sorted. The kitchen gets a final clean and I walk you through everything to make sure you're happy.

How Long Does It Take?

A typical kitchen refit takes 2–3 weeks from strip-out to handover. Larger kitchens or those with structural changes (moving walls, relocating utilities) can take 4–5 weeks. I'll give you a clear timeline at the quote stage so you can plan around it.

Living Through a Kitchen Refit

Set up a temporary kitchen in another room — a kettle, microwave, and a utility sink (or use the bathroom). Dust will travel through the house despite sheeting. It's disruptive, but the end result is worth it. And because I work personally on every job, you'll always know what's happening and when.

Want a Free Kitchen Quote?

If you're thinking about a new kitchen, give me a call on 07595 595 502 or request a free quote online. I cover Littlehampton, Worthing, Bognor Regis, Arundel, and across West Sussex. No obligation, no pressure — just an honest assessment and a fair price.