What a Bespoke Joinery Quote Should Include

A custom kitchen or wardrobe is a meaningful investment, so the quote you sign should leave nothing to guesswork. Here’s what a transparent, itemised proposal looks like — and the warning signs of one that isn’t.

What a good quote spells out

• Materials and finishes — the exact board, veneer or polyurethane, edge detail, and finish sheen, named specifically (not just “premium materials”).
• Hardware — the brand and range of runners and hinges (for example, Blum Legrabox), since this drives both feel and longevity.
• Scope of work — design, manufacturing, delivery, installation, and clean-up, with what’s included in each.
• Coordination — whether stone, splashbacks, appliances, plumbing and electrical are managed by the joiner or left to you.
• Timeline — a realistic lead time from approved design to installation.
• Warranty — what’s covered and for how long.

Red flags to watch for

1. Vague materials. “High-quality cabinetry” with no specifics usually hides cost-cutting on boards or hardware.
2. No itemisation. A single lump sum makes it impossible to compare or to know what you can adjust.
3. Hidden extras. Ask directly whether removal, delivery and site clean-up are included.
4. Pressure to sign fast. A reputable joiner is happy for you to take the quote away and compare.

Questions worth asking

• Who actually builds the cabinetry, and where?
• Is the on-site measure free, and is the quote fixed after it?
• What happens if something doesn’t fit perfectly on install day?

The bottom line

A clear, itemised quote is a sign of a maker who has nothing to hide. You should finish reading it knowing exactly what you’re paying for.

Our on-site measures and itemised quotes are always free. Book yours here.