Buying your kitchen supply-only and hiring a fitter separately is one of the best ways to save money on a new kitchen — often hundreds or even thousands of pounds compared with a retailer’s all-in package. But it does mean handling a bit more yourself. Here is a simple step-by-step guide to doing it well.
Step 1: Design and Price Your Kitchen
Start with the design. You can use a retailer’s free design service (Wren and Magnet both offer this in showrooms), an online planner, or work it out yourself. Get the plan and a unit list, then price it supply-only — that is, the kitchen on its own, without fitting.
Step 2: Choose Where to Buy
You can buy from anywhere — Wren, Magnet, Howdens (via a trade account), DIY Kitchens, B&Q, Wickes or a local supplier. Compare on cabinet quality, not just headline price. Rigid (pre-built) cabinets like those from DIY Kitchens are sturdier and quicker to fit than flat-pack.
Step 3: Get a Fitting Quote
Before you order, get a fitting quote from an independent fitter. Send them your plan so they can price accurately and flag anything that might cause problems — an awkward corner, a tricky appliance, or a plumbing move. It is far better to catch these before you order.
Step 4: Coordinate Delivery and Fitting
This is the part that needs a little planning. The golden rule: make sure your full kitchen is delivered and checked before fitting starts. The main things to line up:
- Confirm the delivery date and a fitting start date a few days later
- Check the delivery against the order for any missing or damaged items
- Decide on worktops early — stone and quartz need templating, then a few days to make
- Clear the room and arrange any waste disposal for the old kitchen
Step 5: Sit Back While It’s Fitted
With everything on site and a good fitter booked, the installation itself is the straightforward part. A typical kitchen takes around three to five working days.
Making supply-only go smoothly
The key to a smooth supply-only fit is having everything on site before work starts — not just the units, but the handles, end panels, trims, sink, tap and appliances too. Check the delivery against your plan as soon as it arrives so any missing or damaged items can be sorted before fitting day, and agree up front who is handling the plumbing and electrics. A complete, checked delivery is what keeps the fit running without hold-ups.
What to watch out for
A few things catch people out with supply-only. Missing or damaged parts can stall the whole fit, so check everything early. Know whether your units are rigid (pre-built) or flat-pack, as that affects fitting time. And make sure your worktops and appliances suit the units you have chosen. My guides on worktop options and choosing a fitter are worth a look before you order.
Why It Saves You Money
Retailer fitting is often marked up on top of subcontracted labour. By going supply-only and using an independent fitter directly, you cut out that margin while still getting a professional finish. You also get to choose your fitter and check their reviews and previous work.
I do plenty of supply-only fitting across the Blackburn area. See my supply-only kitchen fitting in Blackburn page, or get in touch with your plan for a free quote.