1. Is the estimate against a drawing?
A per-square-foot number on its own tells you nothing about what is included. A written estimate against a drawing means both sides are describing the same kitchen.
2. Which board grade goes where?
“Plywood” is not a specification. BWP for the sink and hob runs, BWR for dry runs — named per run, in writing. See the kitchen guide.
3. Which hardware, and is soft-close on everything?
Hinges and drawer channels are where a cheap job shows first. Ask for the brand, and whether soft-close is on every door or only the ones in the showroom.
4. Can I handle a sample of the finish?
A shutter finish chosen from a phone photo is the most common regret. Matte and gloss behave very differently in daily use.
5. Who does the electrical and plumbing changes?
And are they in the price? Chimney, purifier, TV and lighting points all need first-fix work before the ceiling goes up.
6. What happens to what is there now?
Existing platforms, old wardrobes, fittings: removal and disposal is either in the quote or it is not.
7. How are payments staged?
Payments tied to stages of work — drawing agreed, carcasses installed, handover — keep both sides aligned better than payments tied to dates.
8. What is the order of work, and who supervises it?
The sequence matters more than people expect; our guide to the order of interior work explains why.
9. What gets checked at handover?
Doors level, soft-close working, every light on its switch, no chipped edges. A handover walk-through should cover all of it.
10. What is covered afterwards?
Shutters settle and hinges need adjusting in the first months. Ask what happens when they do, and for how long.