Who Is Responsible If Kitchen Installation Goes Wrong?
Responsibility depends on the cause. Manufacturing defects in units are the retailer's responsibility. Installation errors are the fitter's responsibility. Install My Kitchen provides a 12-month workmanship warranty on all installations covering installation defects.
Retailer Warranty vs Workmanship Warranty
Two separate warranties apply to a newly installed kitchen. The retailer's warranty — typically 5–25 years depending on the brand — covers defects that arise from the manufacturing process. A door that warps without cause, a hinge that fails under normal use, a drawer box that breaks without misuse — these are manufacturing defects and the retailer is responsible for replacing the components. The fitter's workmanship warranty covers defects that arise from the installation itself — incorrect levelling, a poorly jointed worktop, a damaged carcass side caused during fitting. These are installation errors and the fitter is responsible for correcting them.
What Each Warranty Covers
Understanding the boundary between the two warranties matters when something goes wrong. If a door warps, it is likely a manufacturing issue — contact the retailer. If a door will not close correctly because the hinge was fitted at the wrong angle, it is an installation issue — contact the fitter. In practice, the distinction is usually clear. A professional fitter will not attempt to attribute installation errors to manufacturing defects, and a reputable retailer will not attempt to deny a genuine warranty claim. Problems arise most often when either party is unclear about their responsibilities — a written quote from the fitter and a clear written warranty from the retailer prevents ambiguity.
Our 12-Month Workmanship Guarantee
Install My Kitchen provides a 12-month workmanship warranty on all installations. If any aspect of the installation proves defective within 12 months — a joint that opens, a unit that has moved, a plinth that has come away — we return to correct it at no charge. This guarantee reflects our confidence in the quality of our work. Call 07399 651836 to discuss this in more detail.
Related Questions
Contact your fitter first — they can inspect the problem and advise on the likely cause. If the cause is clearly manufacturing-related, they can help you document the issue to present to the retailer.
You can contact both parties, but responsibility will ultimately rest with one or the other depending on the cause. In most cases, a professional fitter and a reputable retailer will resolve the matter without requiring the customer to pursue a formal dispute.
A 12-month workmanship warranty covers defects that result directly from the installation — levelling issues, fitting errors, joint failures, and trim problems. It does not cover damage caused by the homeowner or normal wear and tear.
If your fitter has ceased trading, pursuing a warranty claim becomes difficult. This is one reason to choose a well-established local fitter with a proven track record rather than the cheapest option available. Install My Kitchen has operated in Coventry for 30 years.
Ready to Book Your Kitchen Installation?
Book a survey and get a fixed quote within 24 hours. Survey fee £195 — credited back on booking.