1. Identify the project and pricing basis

Show the client or business name, project address, quote number, issue date and quote revision. Reference the drawing set, revision and other documents used for pricing. If the quote is based on site measurements, a concept, an incomplete set or unverified dimensions, state that basis clearly.

Use consistent room names so the quote can be compared with plans and later revisions. Keep contact information and the issuing business details easy to find.

2. Describe scope by room or work package

Break down kitchens, laundries, wardrobes, vanities, studies, bars and other joinery. Describe the principal cabinet types and visible elements without overwhelming the client with the internal cost workbook.

Include relevant base, upper and tall cabinetry, islands, open shelving, panels, fillers, scribes, kickers, bulkheads and feature cladding. State whether drafting, shop drawings, delivery, installation, site protection, removal or disposal are included where applicable.

Readable outside, structured inside

The client quote can be concise while the internal estimate remains cabinet-level. The two should still reconcile to the same scope and revision.

3. Record materials, finishes and hardware

Identify carcass material and visible finish systems at a level that defines the price. Include manufacturer, range, colour, finish or allowance where confirmed. If a final selection is pending, describe the provisional basis.

List significant hardware such as hinges, runners, handles, lift systems, bins and organisers where the choice affects price or client expectation. Identify benchtop, appliance and specialist supplier responsibilities rather than leaving them ambiguous.

Avoid terms such as “standard hardware” unless the business has a clearly defined standard that the client can understand.

4. Separate inclusions, exclusions and assumptions

Inclusions

State work included in the price: manufacture, specified materials, hardware, delivery, installation, drafting or other services. Include project-specific site work only when it has been allowed.

Exclusions

Identify work outside scope, which may include plumbing, electrical work, appliances, stone, demolition, painting, wall preparation, hazardous material handling or after-hours access. The correct list depends on the project.

Assumptions and provisional allowances

Record the dimension, finish, hardware, access or construction basis used where information is incomplete. Provisional allowances should describe what is allowed and how changes will be treated. Confirm important assumptions before manufacture.

5. Include appropriate commercial information

Depending on jurisdiction, project type and professional advice, a quote may address price, applicable tax, payment stages, deposit, quote expiry, anticipated timing, variation process, ownership, warranty and acceptance. These provisions can carry legal consequences, so use terms reviewed for the business rather than copying generic wording from an article.

Lead time should describe its basis and dependencies rather than promise a date the business cannot control. Note that final scheduling may depend on approval, deposit, site readiness, selections and supplier availability.

Explain how variations are authorised and priced. A client request, drawing revision or site condition can change cost even when the original quote was accurate for its stated basis.

6. Control quote revisions

Give each issue a revision or version and preserve the previous document. Summarise material changes: added cabinetry, changed finishes, revised appliance details, installation changes or updated drawings. Recheck scope, assumptions and total rather than editing only the visible line that prompted the revision.

Make clear which revision supersedes the earlier issue and which drawing set it references. Keep the internal takeoff and client-facing document aligned.

Pre-issue cabinetry quote checklist

  • Project, address, quote number, date and revision are correct.
  • Drawing issue and pricing basis are identified.
  • Every included room or work package is listed.
  • Materials, finishes and significant hardware are described.
  • Delivery, installation and drafting responsibilities are clear.
  • Inclusions, exclusions and assumptions are visible.
  • Provisional allowances are explained.
  • Price, tax treatment and payment information have been reviewed.
  • Lead-time wording reflects real dependencies.
  • Variation and acceptance terms use approved business wording.
  • A responsible person has reviewed the final scope and total.

Common questions

Should a quote show every internal cost?

Usually the internal costing record can contain more detail than the client document. The quote should still define the supplied scope clearly enough to avoid misunderstanding.

How detailed should exclusions be?

Detailed enough to identify realistic scope boundaries. Use project-specific exclusions and avoid a generic list that contradicts the actual work.

Is a quote automatically a contract?

That depends on its wording, acceptance and applicable law. Obtain legal advice for the business's quote and contract terms.

Keep scope and pricing connected

JOINA provides an editable cabinet quoting workflow so room scope, pricing inputs and quote output can be reviewed together.

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