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Kitchen Fitting

My parents have been ripped off

Anonymous user 07/08/2026 - 7.58 AM

Please can someone offer some advice? My parents booked to have their old kitchen ripped out and replaced with a new kitchen. They have gone with an independent tradesperson who uses ex display kitchens, so far they have given him around £7000 in cash (no receipts) and £8000 in various bank transfers. The job was quoted to take 2 weeks they are now 6 weeks into this job with no functioning kitchen. Their dishwasher is supposed to be plumbed in but has no water when turned on, the sink is leaking, they bought a new range and the fitter has sawed off the gas supply pipe at the back so isn't able to fit the oven so far. They are struggling to get into contact with him when he isn't there. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

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3 Answers

Picka Uppa Ltd

Rating: 5 out of 5
Preston
I'm sorry to hear your parents are in this situation. Six weeks without a working kitchen, after paying around £15,000, is understandably very stressful. You mention the job was quoted to take two weeks, so I'm assuming there is a quotation or some written communication. If so, make sure your parents keep copies of everything, including the quote, bank transfers, text messages, WhatsApp conversations, emails and photographs of the work carried out. I wouldn't make any further payments until the outstanding work has been completed and any defects have been rectified. Ask the fitter in writing for a clear date to return and complete the work. If he doesn't respond or repeatedly fails to attend, obtain an independent inspection and quotation from another reputable kitchen fitter so your parents know exactly what still needs doing and what it will cost to put right. One thing that does concern me is the gas pipe having been cut. Any work involving a gas supply should only be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer, so I'd recommend having that checked before attempting to install or use the range. Hopefully this can still be resolved amicably, but keeping a clear paper trail from this point onwards will make things much easier if further action becomes necessary.
Answered4 August 2026
1

Work up

No reviews yet

Manchester
Immediate Steps: * Safety First: Contact a registered Gas Safe engineer immediately to inspect/cap the sawed gas line. Turn off the water supply to the leaking sink. * Stop Payments: Do not give the tradesperson any more money. * Document Everything: Take photos of all sub-standard/unfinished work and gather all receipts, bank records, and messages. * Report & Legal Action: Contact Citizens Advice Consumer Service to report the rogue trader to Trading Standards. Contact your bank regarding the £8,000 transfers. * Formal Notice: Send a written Letter Before Action giving them 7 days to resolve the issues before taking them to court. Good luck
Answered4 August 2026
1

Shaun Kelly

Rating: 5 out of 5
Exeter
Ex display is sold as seen i presume that was the cash if the range was part of that check there is a chrome pipe high on the back with a threaded connection there should be a check valve on the gas pipe behind as long as you have both your gas fitter will charge 1 fee check the valve the dishwasher is connected to is on the blue bit should be in line with the pipe given that check your fitter connected the waste to the white trap on the sink and its not been left open hope it helps 6 weeks is a long time without a working kitchen
Answered7 August 2026
0