Mark Conacher, director of award-winning installation company Liberty Fitting Service, reminds designers – who installers their design matters. It matters a lot! So use reputable installers

The last decade has seen huge change in the kitchen installation industry and the new decade ahead looks like it’s set to be no different, with demand for installation excellence at the forefont.

Now is the time to finally rid the industry of poor workmanship and cowboy fitters and use reputable installers.

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When the time comes to discuss the installation of your project, all kitchen designers have a unique opportunity to help shape this change by highlighting the benefits of using a BiKBBI (British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation) accredited installer to their clients.

After all, what’s the point of having great design and a s**t fit?

Pointing out the benefits of using a BiKBBI registered installer to customers will not only help the industry but will also raise the designers’ profile through association.

High level checks

Membership to the Institute includes a series of high-level checks to insure an efficient degree of professionalism and adherence to industry standards.

Customer reviews are always a great way to get an insight into any company and a feel for the installer’s work.

Every installer must be able to offer recent customer reviews with the ability for the Institute to contact the customer to verify their reviews.

Every installation company must have a minimum of £2million public liability insurance.

Things can go wrong. But making your clients aware that everyone is fully insured will help them relax knowing, in the unlikely event that anything did go wrong, they’re not going to be left footing the bill.

And a big one for lots of people, not least of all any elderly customers you may have, members are police checked.

All installers must have a current DSB (Disclosure & Barring Service) or Disclosure Scotland criminal record check.

Health & safety

BiKBBI members must meet Health & Safety requirements and are annually assessed to confirm their competence.

Health & Safety at work is something that is so easily overlooked but its importance when working in someone’s home has to be a top priority.

A relatively recent addition to the requirements is also being able to spot asbestos, which can ultimately be a lifesaving thing.

The exam is thorough and certainly not the easiest but once complete it can be assured the installer will have a good take on spotting asbestos and understand the correct procedures for its handling.

Though not essential for the installer himself/herself, it is important the sub-contractors they work with for gas and electrical work are fully compliant.

Current certification for both Gas Safe and NICEIC is held by the BiKBBI for each sub-contractor and must be kept up-to-date.

Making sure your clients are aware of these advantages not only builds trust between them and yourself, but also with the installer.

The Roaring Twenties are back and it’s time to raise the bar! Remember: Not all installers are the same. Not the same, at all.

Kitchen fitters were recently named as the “most unprofessional trade” in a recent survey, however trade associations joined together to slam the report commissioned by showerstoyou.co.uk