Start with an item schedule
List every cabinet or furniture item with quantity, dimensions and location. For kitchens, separate base units, wall units, tall units, islands and any standalone features. Ask how each supplier measures these items and whether the unit is linear metres, square metres or an individually priced piece.
Compare material and hardware specifications
A “wood kitchen” can describe the visible finish without explaining the cabinet underneath. Record the board type and thickness, back panel, edge finish, front construction, exposed sides, hinges and drawer runners. A colour name or a hardware brand without its model does not make two offers equivalent.
Make exclusions visible
Check worktops, appliances, sink, plumbing, electrical work, lighting, removal of old units, transport, lifting and installation. Each can materially change the overall amount. An excluded item is not automatically a defect in an offer; it needs a separate cost and a clear responsibility.
Agree variations and payments before production
Keep the approved drawing revision and finish sample with the quotation. Request written treatment of later changes, payment stages, taxes where applicable and delivery assumptions. Manufacturing duration and any warranty should be specified for the actual project, in the quotation.
Use a simple comparison worksheet
For each row below, record “included”, “excluded” or “not specified” beside both offers. Ask about any row marked “not specified” before comparing the totals. Keep the original quotations and drawings so a later change can be traced to its approved version.
| Item | What to clarify |
|---|---|
| Dimensions & quantities | Same drawings, measuring method and item count. |
| Materials & finish | Construction, thickness, edges, sample and visible surfaces. |
| Hardware | Exact models, quantities, intended loads and accessories. |
| Site costs | Transport, lifting, fixing, installation and preparation. |
| Commercial terms | Taxes, payment stages, variations, timing and agreed warranty. |
