Most kitchen cabinet jobs in New Zealand follow a structured payment schedule split across three key stages: an upfront deposit, one or more progress payments, and a final balance on completion. Understanding this structure helps you budget confidently and protects both you and your cabinetmaker throughout the project.
Why Payment Schedules Exist
Custom kitchen cabinetry is a significant investment. Your cabinetmaker typically orders materials, cuts and assembles components, and arranges delivery and installation — all before the job is finished. A staged payment schedule means they can cover material and labour costs as the work progresses, while you retain some financial leverage until you're satisfied with the completed result. It's a fair arrangement for both parties when set up correctly.
The Typical Three-Stage Structure
While every cabinetmaker is different, the most common payment breakdown in NZ looks something like this:
| Stage | Typical Percentage | When It's Due |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit | 30–50% | On signing the contract / order confirmation |
| Progress payment | 30–40% | When cabinets are ready for delivery or installation begins |
| Final balance | 10–30% | On practical completion / sign-off |
Some larger or more complex jobs may include a fourth milestone — for example, a payment tied to the delivery of materials or the completion of carcass installation, with a separate payment for doors, hardware, and finishing.
The Deposit: What's Normal?
A deposit of 30–50% is standard practice in the NZ cabinet-making trade. This covers the cost of materials your cabinetmaker orders specifically for your job — sheet goods, hardware, benchtops, and any custom components. Because these are bespoke items, they generally can't be returned or resold if you change your mind.
Be cautious of any tradesperson asking for more than 50% upfront before any work has started. Equally, be wary of someone who asks for no deposit at all — it may signal they're not financially stable enough to carry the job.
Progress Payments
A progress payment is typically triggered when a defined milestone is reached. Common milestones include:
- Cabinets fabricated and ready to leave the workshop
- Delivery to site
- Carcasses installed and level
- Doors, drawers, and hardware fitted
Make sure your contract clearly defines what each milestone looks like so there's no dispute about when a payment is due. A good cabinetmaker will be happy to show you the completed work before you release each payment.
The Final Balance: Hold It Until You're Happy
The final balance — ideally 10–20% of the total — should only be paid once you've inspected the finished kitchen and are satisfied. Walk through the job with your cabinetmaker and check:
- All doors and drawers open and close smoothly
- Hinges and soft-close mechanisms are adjusted correctly
- Benchtops are properly joined and sealed
- Any agreed snag items have been fixed
Retaining a meaningful final payment gives you practical leverage to ensure any minor defects are sorted before you sign off.
What Should Be in Your Contract?
Always get a written contract before any money changes hands. A solid kitchen cabinet contract should include:
- A detailed scope of work and materials specification
- The full price (GST inclusive)
- The payment schedule with clear milestone descriptions
- Lead times and estimated installation dates
- A process for variations (changes to the original scope)
- Warranty terms — what's covered and for how long
Consumer NZ has useful general guidance on contracts and your rights as a consumer, including what to do if a dispute arises.
Variations and Change Orders
If you decide to change something mid-project — a different benchtop material, extra drawers, or a layout tweak — expect a variation invoice. These are typically payable before the additional work proceeds or at the next scheduled milestone. Agreeing on variations in writing prevents misunderstandings later.
GST and Receipts
All payments should be GST-inclusive and you should receive a proper tax invoice for each payment. If your cabinetmaker is GST-registered (which any established business will be), this is a legal requirement. Keep all invoices and receipts — you may need them for insurance purposes or if a dispute arises.
Red Flags to Watch For
- No written contract or quote
- Requests for full payment upfront
- Pressure to pay cash with no invoice
- Vague milestone descriptions that could be interpreted loosely
- No mention of a warranty on workmanship
When to Call a Professional
Cabinet making itself is not licensed or restricted work in NZ, but associated trades often are. If your kitchen renovation involves electrical work (new power points, rangehood wiring), this must be carried out by a registered electrician — check the Electrical Workers Registration Board. Plumbing connections for your sink must be done by a licensed plumber registered with the Plumbers Gasfitters & Drainlayers Board. If structural changes are involved, you may need a building consent — always check with your local council first.
For the cabinetry itself, hiring a qualified and experienced professional is strongly recommended. You can find trusted local cabinet makers on tradedirectory.co.nz.
Sources & Further Reading
- Consumer NZ – Contracts and consumer rights
- MBIE Building Performance – Building consent information
- Licensed Building Practitioners – When LBP work is required
- Electrical Workers Registration Board – Licensed electricians
- Plumbers Gasfitters & Drainlayers Board – Licensed plumbers
- BRANZ – Building research and best practice
