Discovering a chip in your new kitchen worktop during or after installation is frustrating. Whether the chip was caused during fitting, delivery or was pre-existing in the slab, knowing your rights and the right way to approach the situation helps you get the best outcome.
Who Is Responsible for a Chip During Installation?
If a chip occurs during the kitchen installation process — from tools, dropped items or improper handling — responsibility lies with the fitter or the company they work for. You are entitled to have the damage repaired or (in the case of significant damage affecting the worktop’s integrity) the worktop replaced at the fitter’s cost. Document the damage with photos as soon as you notice it.
Pre-Existing Damage in Worktop Slabs
Occasionally, chips are pre-existing in the slab — from quarrying, fabrication or transport. If a chip was present when the worktop was delivered and installed, responsibility lies with the worktop supplier, not the fitter. Again, document with photos at the time of installation before the area is cleaned or used.
Getting a Repair vs Getting a Replacement
For a single chip, a responsible fitter or supplier will typically arrange a professional surface repair rather than full worktop replacement. This is the appropriate remedy for a localised chip — replacement is disproportionate and unnecessary for damage that can be repaired to a near-invisible standard. If the offered repair looks poor, a second opinion from an independent specialist is reasonable.
Independent Repair Quotes
If a fitter or supplier is being unresponsive or the repair they arrange is inadequate, getting an independent quote from a surface repair specialist gives you documented evidence of the reasonable cost of putting the damage right — useful if the matter escalates to a formal complaint or small claims process.
Request an independent repair quote for installation damage →
