Why cabinet maker quotes vary so much
Cabinetry can look deceptively simple on paper, but the final price depends on far more than the number of cupboards. A quote for a kitchen, laundry, wardrobe, or custom storage system may change based on:
- materials and finish quality - size and layout complexity - hardware brand and specification - whether the cabinets are custom-made, modular, or a mix of both - site access, delivery, and installation conditions - demolition, removal, and making good - coordination with plumbers, electricians, and builders
In New Zealand, quote differences are often wider in the main centres because labour demand is strong and lead times can be longer. In smaller regions, travel, freight, and supply availability can also affect pricing. That is why the cheapest quote is not always the best value.
Start with a clear brief before asking for quotes
The quality of your quotes depends on the quality of your brief. If each cabinet maker is pricing a different scope, you cannot compare them fairly.
Before requesting quotes, write down:
- the rooms involved: kitchen, bathroom, laundry, wardrobe, office, garage, or other - rough dimensions or a sketch of the space - what you want included: cabinets only, bench top, handles, soft-close hardware, splashback, installation, or full project management - preferred materials and finishes if you have them - appliance sizes and models, if relevant - whether you want flat-pack supply, custom manufacture, or a design-and-build service - your target start date and whether the job must fit around other trades - whether the old cabinetry needs removal and disposal
If you have plans, floor measurements, or design drawings, attach them. If not, even a simple measured sketch with photos is helpful. Cabinet makers can price more accurately when they know wall lengths, ceiling height, plumbing points, windows, and any uneven floors or walls.
How to request cabinet maker quotes
The best way to get useful quotes is to ask for written quotes from at least three cabinet makers. Try to compare people offering a similar service level. For example, compare custom joinery quotes with custom joinery quotes, not with a standard kitchen retailer unless you understand the differences in scope and finish.
When you contact a cabinet maker, ask them to quote on the same brief and request that they itemise the main components. A good request might include:
- your drawings or room measurements - photos of the existing space - what finish you want, such as melamine, laminate, paint, veneer, solid timber, or two-pack paint - whether bench tops are to be included and what material you prefer - appliance cut-out details if applicable - any deadline or key dates - whether you want supply only or supply and install
It also helps to ask upfront:
- whether they visit the site before quoting - how long the quote remains valid - whether the price includes GST - whether they can work with your builder or other trades - what deposit is required
What a good cabinet maker quote should include
A proper quote should make it clear what you are buying. If the quote is vague, it is hard to judge value or avoid surprises later.
Look for the following details:
| Quote item | What to check | |---|---| | Scope of work | Exactly what cabinets, fittings, and areas are included | | Materials | Board type, timber species, laminate, paint system, edge banding, and thicknesses | | Hardware | Hinges, drawer runners, lift systems, handles, soft-close mechanisms, and brand/specification | | Finish | Colour, sheen, paint system, and whether samples are available | | Dimensions | Cabinet sizes, carcass depth, benchtop thickness, and any scribing to walls or floors | | Installation | Whether install is included, and who handles adjustments onsite | | Demolition and removal | Old cabinetry removal, waste disposal, and making good | | Exclusions | Items not included, such as plumbing, electrical, plaster repairs, or painting | | Lead time | Manufacture time, install date, and any seasonal delays | | Payment terms | Deposit, progress payments, and final payment timing | | Quote validity | How long the price is held for | | Variations | How extra work will be costed and approved |
A quote that clearly identifies exclusions is often more trustworthy than one that looks cheap but leaves out important items.
Fixed price vs charge-up: which is better?
Cabinet makers in NZ may quote on a fixed price basis or charge up on time and materials, sometimes with a mix of both.
Fixed price
A fixed price means the cabinet maker agrees to complete the specified scope for a set amount.
**Pros:** - you know the budget upfront - easier to compare between quotes - lower risk of bill shock if the scope stays unchanged
**Watch for:** - hidden exclusions - a high price margin built in for uncertainty - vague wording that makes variations more likely
Fixed price works best when your design is finalised and the site conditions are known.
Charge-up
Charge-up pricing means you pay for labour, materials, and sometimes subcontractors as the job progresses, often with a margin or administration fee added.
**Pros:** - flexible if the design may change - can suit complicated renovations where unknowns are likely - useful when you want early work started before final details are locked in
**Watch for:** - final cost can end up higher than expected - you need strong trust and good record-keeping - less certainty if the scope evolves
If a cabinet maker proposes charge-up, ask for an estimate, a labour rate, material markup, and a written approval process for any spend above a set amount.
How to compare quotes fairly
Do not compare the total number only. Compare like with like.
Use this checklist:
- Are the quotes based on the same drawings and scope? - Do they all include GST? - Are they all supply only, or supply and install? - Are benchtops, handles, and hardware the same quality level? - Are installation, delivery, and site measure included? - Are demolition, disposal, and making good included? - Are council consent-related costs excluded consistently? - Is one quote allowing for premium hardware or thicker board than the others?
If one quote is significantly higher, ask why. It may include better hardware, more detailed installation, or a more durable finish. If one quote is significantly lower, ask the cabinet maker to walk you through exactly what is covered.
A fair comparison often comes down to total value over time. A slightly more expensive quote with better hinges, drawer runners, moisture-resistant board in wet areas, and accurate installation may outlast a cheaper alternative by years.
Spotting quotes that are too cheap
An unusually low quote is not always a bargain. It can be a sign that something important has been missed or deliberately excluded.
Red flags include:
- no site measure or inspection before quoting - a one-line price with no breakdown - no mention of hardware brand or board specification - unrealistically short lead times - pressure to pay a large deposit immediately - vague wording like “all cabinetry as discussed” without detail - no GST statement - no exclusions listed - no mention of variations or how they will be approved
A quote may also be too cheap if it assumes the existing room is perfectly square and level, especially in older NZ homes where floors, walls, and framing are often out by a noticeable amount. Extra scribing, trimming, and onsite adjustment can take time, so these are often where low quotes unravel.
If the quote seems unusually low, ask:
- What exactly is the board and hardware specification? - Does the price include installation and final adjustments? - What happens if the walls or floor are not level? - Is removal of the old kitchen included? - Are plumbing and electrical changes excluded? - Are there any allowances or provisional sums?
Credentials, consent, and who can do what
Most cabinet making itself is not restricted work, but a kitchen or laundry project can involve regulated or consented work around it.
Check whether your job also needs:
- a building consent from your local council for structural alterations or certain larger renovations - a licensed building practitioner if restricted building work applies - a registered electrician for electrical work - a plumber, gasfitter, or drainlayer for the relevant restricted work
Cabinet makers often work alongside these trades, but they should not be doing work outside their competence or legal scope. If your project includes new power points, moving a sink, installing a gas hob, or altering drainage, make sure the right licensed trades are engaged.
Also ask for:
- proof of relevant experience with similar projects - references or photos of completed work - public liability insurance details - warranty terms for workmanship and any supplied products
Questions to ask before you accept a quote
Before signing, have a short conversation with the cabinet maker and ask:
- Have you allowed for a final site measure before manufacture? - What brand and grade of hardware are you specifying? - Is the price fixed, or are there any provisional sums? - What is excluded from the price? - Who arranges other trades? - What deposit is required and when are progress payments due? - How do you handle defects or adjustments after installation? - What is the expected timeline from approval to completion?
Their answers should be clear and consistent with the written quote. If not, ask them to update the document before you proceed.
Common ways homeowners end up paying more
Many budget blowouts happen after the quote is accepted, not during quoting.
Common causes include:
- changing the design after manufacture has started - choosing upgraded hardware or finishes later - discovering the room needs extra levelling or packing - plumbing or electrical work not being included from the start - extra demolition, rubbish removal, or repairs to damaged walls - delays caused by appliance changes or late deliveries
To reduce surprises, confirm all appliances, tapware, sink sizes, and handles early. If you are renovating in winter, allow extra time for logistics and drying/finishing conditions, especially where painting or sealing is involved.
A simple process for getting the best result
A sensible quote process looks like this:
1. Prepare a clear brief with measurements, photos, and a wish list. 2. Invite at least three cabinet makers to quote in writing. 3. Make sure each one prices the same scope. 4. Compare specifications, exclusions, and timing, not just the total price. 5. Check credentials, insurance, and relevant trade registrations where applicable. 6. Confirm payment terms, variation rules, and warranty before accepting. 7. Keep all agreements in writing.
That approach gives you a much better chance of getting cabinetry that fits properly, lasts well, and stays within budget.