What to Expect During Your Kitchen Installation: Ebstone’s Six-Stage Process Explained

One of the most common questions we hear from new clients is a variation of the same thing: what actually happens between saying yes and having a finished kitchen? It is a completely reasonable question. A bespoke kitchen is a significant investment, and the installation period involves disruption to one of the most used rooms in your home. Knowing what to expect makes the whole experience considerably easier.

At Ebstone Kitchens, every project follows a structured six-stage process, with a dedicated project manager assigned to your job from the start. Here is an honest account of what each stage involves. You can also get a fuller picture on our Your Journey page.

Stage 1: The Initial Consultation

Your kitchen journey begins at our Ealing showroom, where you will meet one of our designers for an initial consultation. This conversation is about understanding how you live, how you cook, what you like, and what drives you mad about your current kitchen. There are no commitments at this stage and no sales pressure.

You are welcome to bring measurements, photos of your current space, and any inspiration images you have collected. The more context you can give us, the more useful this first meeting will be. If you are not sure what style of kitchen you want, our showroom is an excellent starting point: we have working displays of both our British Mackintosh kitchens and our German Nolte kitchens, as well as appliances you can see and touch.

Stage 2: Design and Specification

Following the initial consultation, our designer will produce a detailed design proposal including CAD drawings, 3D visuals, a full product specification, and a transparent quotation. This takes into account your layout, your chosen range, appliances, worktop material, and any structural requirements.

Most clients go through one or two rounds of revisions at this stage. The aim is not to finalise everything immediately but to arrive at a specification that you are genuinely confident in before any orders are placed. We will talk through the pricing in detail so there are no surprises later.

Stage 3: Pre-Installation Survey and Planning

Once the design is confirmed and a deposit has been placed, your dedicated project manager will visit your home to carry out a detailed survey. This covers room dimensions, structural considerations, the location of services (gas, water, electricity), flooring levels, and anything else that could affect the installation.

This survey is where we identify any works that need to happen before the kitchen goes in: rewiring, plumbing rerouting, wall removal, or plastering. We will coordinate these with trusted trades or work alongside your own contractors. Getting this stage right is what allows the installation itself to run smoothly.

Stage 4: Manufacturing and Lead Times

Once your kitchen has been signed off, it enters production. Lead times vary depending on the range you have chosen and the current production schedule, but as a guide you should expect somewhere between eight and fourteen weeks from order to delivery for most bespoke kitchens. Your project manager will give you a confirmed timeline at this stage.

During this period, your project manager will also be coordinating the delivery schedule for worktops, appliances, and any additional elements to ensure everything arrives in the right order. A Quooker tap, for example, needs to be on site before the worktop is templated. These sequencing details matter and are managed as part of the project coordination.

Stage 5: Installation

Installation is the most disruptive phase, and we will be upfront about that. You will need to plan for a period without a working kitchen, typically one to three weeks depending on the complexity of the project. Most clients set up a temporary kitchen in another room, and we can advise on what you will realistically need during this period.

Your project manager will be on site regularly and in daily contact throughout the installation. Our installers are directly employed or long-standing trade partners: we do not use ad hoc labour. The sequence of work is carefully managed: stripping out the old kitchen, any structural works, first fix electrics and plumbing, cabinet installation, worktop templating and fitting, appliance connection, and final finishing works.

Worktops are templated once the cabinets are in place and typically return within seven to ten working days depending on the material. This is the point most clients feel the project is nearly done, because in many ways it is.

Stage 6: Handover and Aftercare

Once installation is complete, your project manager will carry out a thorough walkthrough with you before sign-off. Any snagging items, however minor, will be noted and dealt with promptly. We will make sure you know how every appliance operates, talk you through maintenance requirements for your worktop material, and confirm warranty details for the cabinets and appliances.

The relationship does not end at handover. A significant portion of our new clients come to us through referrals from existing clients, which tells us something about the experience people have. If something needs attention in the months after installation, we are straightforward to contact and quick to respond. Take a look at some of the projects we have completed across West London to get a sense of what is possible.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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How long does a typical kitchen installation take from first consultation to completion?
For most bespoke kitchen projects, you should allow four to six months from initial consultation to a finished kitchen. This includes the design and specification phase, manufacturing lead time, and the installation period itself. Simpler projects can move faster; larger or more complex ones may take longer.

Will I have a single point of contact throughout?
Yes. Once your project moves past the initial design stage, you will be assigned a dedicated project manager who oversees your job from survey through to handover. This is one of the things our clients consistently tell us they value most about working with us.

Do I need to be at home during the installation?
You do not need to be present every day, but we would recommend being available at the start of each key phase and at the end for sign-off. Your project manager will let you know when your presence is particularly useful. Many of our clients are at work during the day and check in morning and evening.

What happens if something is damaged during installation?
It is rare, but if anything is damaged during the installation process we will replace it as a matter of course. This is covered under our project management responsibility. You should never be in a position of chasing subcontractors for resolution on a problem that occurred during your kitchen installation.

Can you work alongside my own builder or architect?
Yes, and we do this regularly. If you have an architect overseeing a wider renovation, or a preferred builder handling structural works, we are experienced at coordinating with other trades. The key is establishing clear lines of communication and responsibility early in the project, which your project manager will manage. Learn more about how we work on our Your Journey page.