Comparing kitchen quotes is harder than it should be. One company sends a single figure on a page. Another sends twelve pages of codes and abbreviations. A third gives you a price that looks wonderfully low until you realise the fitting, the worktops and the electrics are not included.
The simple answer is that a good kitchen quote should show you exactly what every part of the job costs, so you can see what you are paying for and compare like with like. That is why we produce a fully itemised quotation for every customer, and why we think you should expect the same from anyone you are considering.
Why a single headline price can be misleading
A headline price tells you very little. Two kitchens that look almost identical in a brochure can differ enormously in what sits behind the doors: the thickness of the cabinet panels, the quality of the hinges and drawer runners, and whether the price includes installation, building work or appliances.
Over more than twenty years in the trade, first as a kitchen fitter and now as designers, we have seen countless customers caught out by this. A quote that seemed cheaper at the start became considerably more expensive once the extras were added, or the kitchen started to show its age within a few years because cheaper components had been used. Our article on what a 25-year guarantee really means explores this difference between price and value in more detail.
What an itemised kitchen quote should include
Every project is different, but a clear and honest quotation should break down the following areas.
Cabinetry and furniture
Each unit should be listed, ideally with its size and type. You should be able to see the door style and finish, the carcass construction and any specialist storage. Our Quantum units, for example, are built in Devon with 18mm solid tops and back panels, and that should be clear from the quote rather than hidden.
Hardware and internal fittings
Hinges, drawer systems and pull-out mechanisms are what you interact with every single day. A quote should tell you what brand you are getting. We specify Blum and Hettich for hinges and drawers, and Kessebohmer for pull-outs, and you can read why in our guide to German kitchen hardware.
Worktops
Worktops are usually templated and fabricated after the units are installed, so the quote should state the material, thickness, edge profile and any upstands, splashbacks or cut-outs for sinks and hobs. If you are still deciding, our guide to choosing the right kitchen worktop is a helpful starting point.
Appliances, sinks and taps
Each appliance should be listed by brand and model so you know exactly what you are getting. The same applies to your sink, tap and any boiling water tap.
Installation
Fitting should be shown clearly, including who is doing it. Our installations are carried out by a small team of dedicated kitchen fitters who have worked alongside us for many years.
Building, electrical, plumbing and plastering work
If your project involves removing a wall, moving plumbing or rewiring, those costs need to be visible. We work with a trusted building team we have known for fifteen years, and their work can be included so there is one clear picture of the whole project. You can find out more on our building works page.
What is not included
This is often the most useful part of any quote. Flooring, decorating, lighting and removal of the old kitchen are sometimes excluded. A good company will tell you plainly.
Questions to ask when comparing quotes
When you have two or three quotes in front of you, these questions help you compare fairly.
- Are the cabinet panels the same thickness in each quote?
- Which brands of hinges and drawer runners are included?
- Is installation included, and who carries it out?
- Who will project manage the job day to day?
- Are building, electrical and plumbing costs included or estimated separately?
- What guarantee applies, and what does it cover?
Can you change things after the quote?
Yes. A quotation is a starting point for a conversation, not a final contract. We often find that once customers see the itemised breakdown, they want to adjust something, perhaps upgrading the worktop or reconsidering the number of wall units. Changes can be made after the quote has been produced, and we will also let you know about any offers or promotions that may apply.
Once you are happy and decide to go ahead, we carry out a final survey in your home. We mark out the position of every unit, and the island if there is one, so we can double check everything fits perfectly before anything is ordered. It also gives you a chance to picture exactly where everything will be.
The value of knowing exactly where your money goes
The real benefit of an itemised quote is confidence. You can see what each part of the project costs, make informed choices about where to invest and where to save, and avoid unwelcome surprises later. It also shows you that the company has thought through every detail of the project before giving you a price.
Summary
A kitchen quote should be clear, complete and itemised. It should tell you what you are getting, who is doing the work and what is not included. When you compare quotes, look beyond the headline figure to the components, the installation and the guarantee, because that is where the real differences lie.
If you would like a better idea of what a bespoke kitchen could cost before you visit, download our kitchen pricing guide.
FAQs
What should be included in a kitchen quote?
A good kitchen quote should itemise the cabinetry, doors, hardware, worktops, appliances, sinks and taps, installation and any building, electrical, plumbing or plastering work. It should also make clear what is not included, such as flooring or decorating.
Why do kitchen quotes vary so much?
Quotes vary because of differences in materials, cabinet construction, hardware quality, appliances and what is included in the price. A lower quote may use thinner panels or cheaper hinges, or may exclude installation and building work.
Can I make changes after receiving my kitchen quotation?
Yes. We are happy to make changes once the quote has been produced, and further adjustments can still be made before the final survey and ordering.
Does your quote include building work?
If your project requires building work, such as removing a wall, our trusted building team can carry this out and it can be included so you have a complete picture of the project costs.
How do I compare two kitchen quotes fairly?
Compare the cabinet construction, hardware brands, worktop specification, appliances, installation and guarantee rather than the total price alone. Ask each company what is excluded so you are comparing like with like.
