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[Guest]

Hi

This looks like a good site.
I was wondering what the work situation for kitchen fitters is like at the moment? What with credit crunches and recessions. Has it had a big impact on people buying new kitchens?
I've been working in the Middle East for the past four years but will be coming back to the UK in a few months. I was hoping to start my own KF business in the South West, I was ten years as a self employed KF before going abroad.
Any advice much appreciated.

Cheers

Neil T

[rasta]

I'm in the South West, i do a mix of Kitchens and carpentry, and have work until March. All of it is from rec's or other trades i work with, as we recommend each other and use each other. I have not had a job from an advert for a long time and have ditched most adverts except for the very local stuff.
Do you have some money in the bank to pay the bills for a few months?

[Guest]

I'm in the South West, i do a mix of Kitchens and carpentry, and have work until March. All of it is from rec's or other trades i work with, as we recommend each other and use each other. I have not had a job from an advert for a long time and have ditched most adverts except for the very local stuff.
Do you have some money in the bank to pay the bills for a few months?

Thanks for the reply, good to know you are busy. I will make sure I have a few bob to keep me going until I get on my feet.
Have you ever done work for the DIY stores? I haven't but I've heard some people slagging it off. I'm considering all the options to start with. I want to have my own customers although I know from experience this takes time to build up.

[rasta]

never worked as a fitter but was a kitchen designer for 4 years for B&Q, they pay well, mess you about and it is difficult to get in.
Will you be living in a large town or city thats where the work is

[kjc.kitch]

Having fitted for both bandq and homebase. I can tell you they don't pay well!

It's regular work though if you are just starting up. So not a bad idea to get you started until your private work picks up.

Lot of bollocks that goes with working for a shed!!

Rant over

[rasta]

when i left the deal was fit price minus vat,B&Q took 40% rest went to fitter, so for a £2500, fitter would get £1250 ish, although some companies had fitters working for them so another cut in there.
Most B&Q fits seem to around 5k now, making £2500 for a fit

[kjc.kitch]

To be fair i wouldn't get out of bed for £1250

Especially for all the shit you have to put up with.

[rasta]

that was 10 years ago, 2500 now

[kjc.kitch]

even so. The amount of work and crap you have to put up with cause of their shite Clints it still aint worth it.