Kitchen Renovation

[Elspeth]

I live in Newcastle upon Tyne - does anyone know a dependable tradesman to replace worktops etc in my kitchen? I have tried without success to find a kitchen fitter, they all want total kitchen installation work, or promise to do the job and then ignore further involvement.

[The Builder]

I'm afraid I can't help you there, Elspeth. Wrong end of the country.

What I can help with, is maybe going some way to explaining why kitchen fitters are so reluctant.
Fitting worktops is a major part of installation. In some cases tantamount to a substantial rebuild.
With "new work", everything is known. One piece is fixed to the next etc etc. To remove and replace worktops, you have to know just how everything was fixed in the first place.

Yes, there are basic generic fixings and procedures, so for a good many of these jobs, everything is straightforward. That means a quote can be given, and stuck to.

What frightens fitters off is when non-standard improvisation is needed to just make everything fit. That of course sends any quote or estimate out of the window.
Perhaps your local Builders' Merchants know of someone, I'm sure they do. When you find one, you may have to be brave and ask only for a very rough estimate, then let him get on with it on an hourly basis.
I'm afraid it often comes down to trust.

[Cloverjo]

I’m nowhere near Newcastle, sorry. But a local (to me) carpenter successfully replaced my worktops.

[SparklyKid]

A tricky job, especially when there are tiles over the worktop.

Done this a few times. Retired now.

[teacake44]

Yep all what builder says, and sometimes however careful you try and remove worktops you sometimes have the problem of tiles popping off or cracking, and depending on the age of the tiles can't be matched up. Anyone desperate for work may take it on.

[teacake44]

@13.18 whoops didn't see your post:0)

[Cloverjo]

My carpenter didn’t crack any tiles.

[teacake44]

Cloverjo, we are not saying it can't be done, or can't get someone to do it, just pointing out why its difficult to get someone, you where lucky. Most inexperienced /none DIYs assume its a simple job and can't understand why no one wants the job, like lots of jobs, theres a lot more to it than meets the eye. Glad you got it done.

[Cloverjo]

I know, teacake. My guy was good.

Husband had to call in a man to fix things when he tried to put a hook on the bathroom door. Massive hole that had to be covered by an even bigger set of hooks.
Thank goodness for people who know what they’re doing :)

[Elspeth]

Thank you all for your response, especially Mr Builder for the explanation, it is obviously harder than I thought. And it all started with a dripping tap..... new taps need new sink.....old sink wrong size to replace without new worktops...... looks like new taps only. Anyone know a plumber??

[emmie]

the poster is in the UK,

[pastafreak]

Spam!!

[AuntPollyGrey]

Kitchen fitters don't want the work they make their money fitting the units which are easy to fit and they make the most money on this aspect. Try Howdens, a builders merchants that may be able to supply your worktops and suggest a carpenter -they often have tradesmen cards on the counter top and also know a lot of people. Also try asking around for a retired fitter -they will often do the smaller jobs for cash. If you are getting anything fancy like granite then you have little chance of getting anyone to fit those without supply and fitting new units.

[emmie]

try these, you find what you are looking for..

https://www.checkatrade.com/

[AuntPollyGrey]

Emmie you do know that check-a-trade is a subscription service for Tradesmen? They charge the Tradesmen for inclusion on the site.

[emmie]

i see they advertise on the tv, so thought they might be able to help.....

[Elspeth]

Many thanks to all you later, and much appreciated, posters. I have finally managed to organise the job with my original, recommended, trader who responded but did not follow up, until Monday when he apologised for the delay. The goods are coming from Howdens and he is starting tomorrow. Fingers crossed that all goes well. I am currently emptying cupboards of years of clutter and saying a prayer to the god who protects kitchen tiles! Best wishes to you all.

[Elspeth]

For information to all you good people who were kind enough to offer support, my worktops, sink and taps were replaced on Thursday/Friday by two lovely gentlemen who really knew their stuff. Totally efficient and professional they have given my kitchen a new look.
Not a tile was cracked, they left the place spotless and
I could not be more pleased.

[Tilly2]

That's good, Elspeth. I hope you're not cooking in there and spoiling the look. :-)

[Togo]

Well done Elspeth. I did look in on the thread at the time .....and do have much experience in the kitchen fitting business and kept my peace. You found the right guys but only knew where to look after good advice on here. Some skilled fitters and carpenters do no want the full refit jobs when they have done it for a long time. It is hard work believe me. Remember those two guys and recommend them to people that you like and trust.