A kitchen company can only quote what you've described. Vague briefs produce vague quotes that are hard to compare and easy to under-specify. Asking the right questions — of yourself and of suppliers — before the quoting process starts makes the whole exercise faster and more useful.
Questions to ask yourself first
Before you speak to any supplier, you should be able to answer these: What is the kitchen's current footprint and are you changing it? What appliances are you keeping, replacing, or adding? What is your absolute budget ceiling and your realistic target budget? What is your non-negotiable finish requirement (if any)? When do you want to be using the new kitchen by?
Questions to ask every supplier before they start designing
- Do you manufacture your own cabinetry or outsource it?
- What hardware brands do you specify as standard?
- Is your quote price fixed once we've agreed the design?
- What typically causes variations to your quotes mid-project?
- Who manages the other trades (plumber, electrician, tiler) — you or me?
- What is your current lead time from sign-off to installation?
- Can I see a kitchen you've completed at a similar budget level?
"What is NOT included in this quote that I might need to budget for separately?" This single question reveals more than reading the quote itself.
Questions to ask when reviewing a quote
- What brand and model are the hinges and drawer runners?
- What is the door material — thermolaminate, 2-pac, veneer?
- Is the benchtop price for 20mm or 40mm?
- What edge profile is quoted?
- Are sink and cooktop cutouts included in the benchtop price?
- Is installation and waste removal included?
- What are the payment terms and what does each payment trigger?
- What is the warranty on cabinetry and hardware?
Red flag questions: what to ask if something seems off
If a quote is significantly cheaper than others, ask: "Can you walk me through the main areas where your quote differs from others I've received?" This forces a supplier to either explain legitimate efficiencies or reveal where they've excluded items or downgraded specifications. Either way you learn something important.
Send the same written brief to all suppliers before they visit. This ensures they're all quoting a consistent scope from the start, rather than each designing a different kitchen and quoting that design.
Frequently asked questions
Bring dimensioned kitchen measurements, photos of the existing kitchen, your appliance specifications, and three to five style reference images. The more clearly you can describe what you want, the more accurate the quote will be.
Yes — be honest about your budget range. A supplier who knows your budget can tell you what's achievable and what trade-offs you'll need to make, rather than quoting aspirationally and having to negotiate down later.
A simple quote for a straightforward renovation can be produced in 3–5 days. A detailed design-and-quote process for a complex project can take 2–4 weeks, particularly if it involves a 3D design presentation.
For a rough budget estimate, yes. For a proper fixed-price quote, no — any reputable cabinet maker needs to measure the space and understand the existing conditions before they can price accurately.