Paying a deposit to a cabinet maker is standard practice in New Zealand — it covers the cost of materials ordered specifically for your job and secures your place in their schedule. A deposit of 30–50% of the total quoted price is generally considered reasonable, with the balance paid on completion or in agreed staged payments for larger projects.
Why Cabinet Makers Charge a Deposit
Custom cabinetry is made to measure, which means your cabinet maker will order or cut materials — such as MDF, plywood, solid timber, or hardware — specifically for your job before a single panel is installed. These materials can't easily be resold if a customer pulls out. A deposit:
- Covers the upfront cost of materials and components
- Confirms your commitment so the tradesperson can schedule your job
- Helps the business manage cash flow across multiple projects
This is entirely normal and you should expect it. What matters is that the amount is fair and the terms are clearly documented.
What's a Reasonable Deposit Range?
As a general guide for NZ cabinet making work:
| Project size | Typical deposit range |
|---|---|
| Small job (e.g. single vanity or wardrobe) | 30–40% |
| Medium job (e.g. kitchen or laundry) | 33–50% |
| Large or staged fit-out | 20–33% per stage |
These are approximate figures only — the right amount depends on the specific job, materials required, and the individual business. Always discuss and agree on the deposit before signing anything.
What the Law Says in New Zealand
There is no single law that sets a maximum deposit for cabinet making work in New Zealand. However, the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 and the Fair Trading Act 1986 both apply to residential work. Under these laws, tradespeople must:
- Complete work with reasonable care and skill
- Use materials that are fit for purpose
- Charge a reasonable price if no price was agreed in advance
If a tradesperson takes a large deposit and then fails to deliver, you may have grounds for a claim through the Disputes Tribunal (for amounts up to $30,000). Consumer NZ has useful guidance on your rights when hiring tradespeople.
Be cautious of any request for a deposit above 50% before work has started — this is unusual and worth questioning.
Always Get a Written Contract
Before paying any deposit, make sure you have a written quote or contract that clearly states:
- Total price (GST inclusive)
- Deposit amount and due date
- Payment milestones (e.g. 40% deposit, 40% on delivery of cabinets, 20% on completion)
- Scope of work — what's included and what's not
- Lead times and estimated completion date
- What happens if either party needs to cancel
A reputable cabinet maker will have no problem providing this. If someone is reluctant to put things in writing, that's a red flag.
Staged Payments for Larger Jobs
For a full kitchen or large fit-out, a staged payment structure is often fairer for both parties than one large upfront deposit. A common structure might look like:
- Stage 1: 33–40% deposit on signing to order materials
- Stage 2: 30–40% on delivery of cabinets to site
- Stage 3: Final 20–30% on practical completion
This approach means you're only paying for work that has actually progressed, which protects you if something goes wrong mid-project.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
- Requests for cash only with no receipt
- A deposit of more than 50% before any work or materials have been ordered
- No written quote or contract
- Pressure to pay immediately without time to review the agreement
- No business address, website, or verifiable reviews
Always check that your cabinet maker is a legitimate business. You can ask for their GST number, look for reviews, and check whether they belong to a trade association.
Protecting Your Deposit
- Pay by bank transfer or credit card rather than cash — this gives you a clear paper trail
- Keep copies of all quotes, contracts, and receipts
- If paying a large sum, consider whether your home insurance or credit card provider offers any consumer protection
- For disputes, the Disputes Tribunal process is a low-cost option
When to Call a Professional
Cabinet making itself is not licensed or restricted work in the same way that electrical or plumbing is — however, any electrical work (such as installing rangehood wiring or under-cabinet lighting) must be carried out by a registered electrician under the Electrical Workers Registration Board. Similarly, plumbing connections for kitchen sinks or laundry tubs must be done by a licensed plumber registered with the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board.
For the cabinetry itself, look for an experienced, reputable tradesperson with a solid portfolio and good references. You can find qualified local cabinet makers on tradedirectory.co.nz.
