The measurement basis matters as much as the rate. Separate cabinet categories and state exactly which shutters, hardware and site services each price includes.
Separate
Base, wall, tall and loft cabinets before entering quantities.
Specify
Carcass, shutters, dimensions, fittings and corner treatment.
Coordinate
Confirm appliances, countertop cut-outs and service responsibilities.
Split the kitchen into measurable components
List base cabinets, wall cabinets, tall units and lofts separately. Reference the layout or elevation and record the dimensions used for each quantity. State how corners, appliance gaps and open shelves are measured, because different conventions can produce different quantities for the same kitchen.
Use the unit appropriate to each item. Cabinet runs may use running feet under a defined height and depth, while panels may use square feet and accessories may be priced per piece. Do not combine unlike units into one overall quantity.
Define carcass, shutter and finish specifications
For each cabinet category, state the carcass material, thickness, internal finish, shutter material and external finish. Record edge treatment, exposed side panels and back-panel scope. If wet-area construction differs from the rest of the kitchen, describe that difference where it applies.
Name the hardware or define a documented allowance. Hinges, channels, handles, baskets and lift systems should not disappear under an undefined accessories heading. State quantities and any selected product references, especially when premium fittings replace a standard allowance.
Draw a clear boundary around related work
Identify the countertop, backsplash, sink, tap, appliances and cut-outs as included, excluded or client-supplied. State who takes final appliance measurements and who coordinates plumbing and electrical points. Cabinet installation does not automatically define responsibility for all connected services.
Record demolition, disposal, wall repairs, delivery and fitting where relevant. Check access and site readiness before committing to installation assumptions. Where final measurements depend on completed civil work, mark the affected quantities as subject to verification.
Review the kitchen schedule against the drawing
Walk through the layout cabinet by cabinet. Count drawers, shelves, shutters and selected accessories, then reconcile them with the quotation. Verify whether the base rate includes standard hardware and whether premium hardware is an additional cost or a replacement amount.
Keep the approved layout, material selection and quotation revision together. Changes to appliance size or cabinet layout can affect several items, so review the complete affected run rather than changing only the most visible line.
What to include
- Base, wall, tall and loft units separated
- Measurement convention written down
- Carcass and shutter specifications recorded
- Hardware quantities and allowances clear
- Countertop, appliances and service responsibilities defined
Worked example
Check what a kitchen running-foot rate actually covers
Two suppliers may use the same unit label but include different cabinet dimensions or components. Ask for the measurement convention before using a rate to compare proposals.
Too vague to approve
Kitchen: 20 running feet, complete with accessories.
A clearer version
Base cabinets: measured run, agreed height and depth, specified carcass and shutters. Wall cabinets: separate run and dimensions. Tall units: individual items. List standard hardware, selected premium fittings, exposed panels and installation. State countertop, appliance and service scope separately.
For an L-shaped layout, agree how the corner is measured and identify appliance gaps before finalizing the quantity. Do not add base and wall lengths into a single figure without explaining what it represents. When comparing an upgrade, establish whether it replaces included hardware or adds a new accessory.
Sample schedule
Use these fields to organize your own scope. Add the verified quantities, project-specific rates and selected specifications before issue.
Base units
Specified height, depth, carcass and shutters
- Unit / type
- running ft
- Review point
- Define corners and appliance gaps
Wall units
Separate height and finish specification
- Unit / type
- running ft
- Review point
- Do not reuse base-unit rate blindly
Tall unit
Drawing-specific cabinet and fittings
- Unit / type
- item
- Review point
- State internal accessories
Hardware
Selected hinges, channels and baskets
- Unit / type
- piece / set
- Review point
- Distinguish standard from upgrades
| Item | What to specify | Unit / type | Review point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base units | Specified height, depth, carcass and shutters | running ft | Define corners and appliance gaps |
| Wall units | Separate height and finish specification | running ft | Do not reuse base-unit rate blindly |
| Tall unit | Drawing-specific cabinet and fittings | item | State internal accessories |
| Hardware | Selected hinges, channels and baskets | piece / set | Distinguish standard from upgrades |
Before you send it, catch these mistakes
- Comparing running-foot rates with no height or depth
- Charging twice for hardware already in the base rate
- Assuming the countertop includes sink and cut-outs
- Leaving corner measurements undefined
Get your quotation inputs ready
Tick off what you have, then copy the list into your project notes. Use the unchecked items to guide your next site visit or client conversation.
Use this while reading. Your selections reset when you leave this page.
Frequently asked questions
Should kitchen base and wall units share one rate?
Only if the scope and measurement convention justify it and are stated clearly. Separate lines usually make different dimensions and specifications easier to compare.
Are appliances part of a modular kitchen quote?
Only when listed. Identify each appliance as included, excluded or client-supplied, and state responsibility for measurements and installation coordination.