It is one of the most common questions we get from London homeowners: can I buy my own kitchen and just pay someone to fit it? The short answer is yes – we do it all the time. But whether it is the right choice for you depends on your budget, your confidence and how much of the project you want to manage. Here is an honest comparison.

Two ways to get a new kitchen

Supply & fit: your fitter designs, supplies and installs the whole kitchen. Fit-only: you buy the kitchen from a retailer such as IKEA, Howdens or Wren, and the fitter installs what you have bought. Both are completely normal.

Buying your own kitchen (fit-only) – pros and cons

Pros:

• You control the budget and can shop the sales and deals directly.
• You choose exactly the units, doors and worktops you want.
• Often cheaper on the units themselves, as there is no supplier margin.

Cons:

• You are responsible for measuring and ordering correctly – mistakes are your cost.
• You manage deliveries, missing parts and any returns.
• You need a fitter who is happy to work with retailer kitchens (we are).

Supply & fit – pros and cons

Pros:

• One team is responsible for the whole project, from measuring to finish.
• No risk of ordering the wrong units or quantities.
• Design advice and a single point of accountability if anything needs adjusting.

Cons:

• Usually a higher headline price, as it includes the units and the service.
• Less hands-on control over sourcing every component.

IKEA vs Howdens vs Wren – a quick comparison

• IKEA – flexible, good value, huge range of fronts. Flat-pack, so assembly time is a factor. Very popular for fit-only projects.
• Howdens – trade-only supplier; rigid (pre-built) units and quick availability, usually bought through your fitter.
• Wren – showroom-based with a wide design range and a full design service, sold direct to homeowners.

All three can produce an excellent kitchen. The best choice depends on your budget, the look you want and how much assembly you are happy to take on.

What your fitter needs from you

If you go fit-only, make it easy for your installer by having the kitchen delivered and checked before the fit date, keeping all fixings and instructions together, and sharing the plan and any appliance details in advance. A good fitter will happily advise on your order before you buy – it saves everyone time.

Our advice

If you are confident measuring and managing deliveries, buying your own kitchen can save money. If you would rather hand the whole thing to one team and not think about it, supply & fit is worth the premium. Either way, we are happy to help – including advising on your order before you commit. For typical prices, see our guide to new kitchen costs in London.