Getting a kitchen quote can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling multiple suppliers, tradespeople, and design decisions all at once. But a detailed, well-structured quote isn’t just a formality. It protects you from unexpected costs, helps you compare suppliers fairly, and gives you a clear picture of what you’re actually getting for your money.
Here’s a comprehensive checklist of everything a solid kitchen quote should include.
1. Your Personal and Project Details
Before anything else, check that the quote clearly identifies:
- Your full name and address
- The supplier or company’s contact details and company registration number
- The date the quote was issued
- A quote reference number
- The quote’s validity period (usually 30–90 days)
These basics matter more than you might think. Without a reference number and validity date, you have little to stand on if a price changes between agreement and order.
2. A Full List of Units and Cabinets
The quote should itemise every single cabinet included in your kitchen design. For each unit, look for:
- Unit type (e.g. base unit, wall unit, tall unit, corner unit, larder unit)
- Dimensions: width, height, and depth
- Door style and finish
- Carcass colour or material
- Quantity
- Individual unit price
Don’t accept a quote that just says “kitchen units: £3,500.” If something changes or a unit is missed, you’ll have no record of what was originally agreed.
3. Worktops
Worktops are often one of the biggest cost variables in a kitchen, so the quote should specify:
- Material (e.g. granite, quartz, laminate, solid wood, Corian)
- Colour or finish
- Thickness (typically 20mm, 30mm, or 40mm)
- Total linear metres
- Edge profile (e.g. square, bullnose, bevelled)
- Any cutouts for sinks, hobs, or drainage grooves
- Upstands or splashbacks if included
If worktops are templated and fitted by a third party, make sure the quote clarifies who is responsible for measuring, supply, and installation.
4. Appliances
If appliances are being supplied as part of the kitchen package, each one should be listed with:
- Brand and model number
- Dimensions and installation type (built-in, integrated, freestanding)
- Colour or finish
- Individual price (or a note if bundled)
- Whether installation is included
This is particularly important for integrated appliances like dishwashers, ovens, and fridges, where the housing unit dimensions must match exactly.
5. Sink and Tap
Don’t assume these are included; always check. The quote should state:
- Sink brand, model, material, and number of bowls
- Tap brand, model, and finish
- Whether waste kits and overflow fittings are included
6. Hardware and Accessories
Small items add up quickly. A thorough quote will include:
- Door handles or knobs: quantity, style, and finish
- Hinges: soft-close type and quantity
- Drawer runners: push-to-open, soft-close, full-extension
- Internal storage accessories: pull-out bins, cutlery trays, pan drawers, corner solutions
- Legs and plinths
- Cornice, pelmet, or light pelmet
- Filler panels and end panels
These items are often where quotes diverge significantly between suppliers, so make sure you’re comparing like for like.
7. Delivery
Check that the quote specifies:
- Whether delivery is included or charged separately
- Delivery timescale from order to arrival
- Whether a delivery survey or pre-delivery check is included
- What happens if items arrive damaged
8. Installation
If installation is included, the quote should detail:
- What’s covered: fitting units, worktops, appliances, and plumbing connections
- What’s not covered: electrical work, gas connections, tiling, plastering
- Number of days estimated
- Whether a project manager or single point of contact is provided
- Waste removal: who takes away the old kitchen and packaging
Many kitchen quotes exclude plumbing and electrical work. Make sure you have separate quotes from qualified tradespeople for these elements so you’re not caught off guard.
9. Design Service
If you’ve been working with a designer, the quote should confirm:
- Whether the design service is free or charged, and under what conditions
- How many revisions are included
- Whether a detailed CAD plan is provided
- Any fees that apply if you don’t proceed
10. Payment Terms
A reputable supplier will clearly state:
- Deposit amount (typically 25–50%)
- When the balance is due: on delivery, on completion, or in stages
- Accepted payment methods
- What happens if the project is delayed or cancelled
Be cautious of any supplier asking for full payment upfront before delivery.
11. Guarantee and Aftercare
Finally, check what warranty or guarantee comes with the kitchen:
- How long the units and doors are guaranteed for (10–25 years is standard for quality kitchens)
- Whether appliances carry manufacturer warranties
- What the process is for raising issues after installation
- Whether a post-installation visit is included
A Quick Comparison Tip
When you’re comparing multiple quotes, create a simple spreadsheet and map each line item side by side. It’s common for quotes to look very different in price, often because one supplier has included items another hasn’t. The cheapest quote isn’t always the best value, and the most expensive isn’t always the most comprehensive.
Taking the time to check these details before you sign anything will save you a lot of stress (and potentially a lot of money) further down the line.
