A quote for fitted furniture is more than a number. It’s the written record of what will be made, what it will be made from, how it will be finished and what happens on the day it’s fitted. If two quotes look very different, the reason is usually in the detail, not the bottom line.
This guide sets out what a clear quote should include, so you can compare quotes fairly and avoid surprises later. It applies to any maker, not just us.
Why it should be in writing
Fitted furniture is made for one room. Once it’s cut and painted, it can’t easily be changed or sent back. A written quote gives both sides the same picture of the job before anything is made. It also gives you something to check against when the furniture arrives.
A verbal estimate at the end of a visit can be useful as a rough guide. But it isn’t a quote. Ask for the detail in writing before you agree to go ahead.
A clear description of the furniture
The quote should describe each piece in plain words. For example: a pair of alcove units with low cupboards and shelves above, or a run of fitted wardrobes across one wall. Look for:
- the overall sizes, or at least the space each piece fills
- the layout inside: hanging rails, shelves, drawers, cupboards
- the type of doors and how they open (see wardrobe doors compared)
- any details such as a plinth, cornice, scribed edges or a cut-out round a skirting board.
If a drawing or sketch was discussed, it helps if the quote refers to it.
Materials and finish, named
A quote should say what the furniture is made from. “Quality materials” tells you nothing. A clear quote names the board, such as moisture-resistant MDF or birch plywood, and where each is used. Our guide to MDF vs plywood explains the difference.
It should also name the finish. Is it spray painted in a workshop or hand painted on site? Is the paint colour agreed, or still to be chosen? Who chooses the sheen? See spray-painted vs hand-painted furniture for how the two compare.
Thinking about fitted furniture? We design, make and fit it across London: we visit, measure and talk through the design, then send a written quote. Arrange a design visit.
What’s included and what isn’t
This is where most misunderstandings start. A good quote says clearly what’s part of the job and what’s left to you or another trade. Check for:
- Electrics. Sockets, lighting or moving a switch are work for an electrician. Who arranges that?
- Plumbing and gas. In a kitchen or a boiler cupboard, these are for a plumber or a Gas Safe registered engineer.
- Plastering and decorating. Is any making good or painting of the walls around the furniture expected, and by whom?
- Old furniture. If something has to come out first, who removes it and where does it go?
- Worktops, sinks and appliances in a kitchen: which are part of the quote and which you supply.
Access, parking and fitting
Fitted furniture made in a workshop has to reach your room. The quote, or the notes with it, should reflect how the pieces will get in: the stairs, the lift, the hallway. It should also say what was agreed about parking. Much of London is in controlled parking zones, so this matters. Our guide to parking for tradespeople in London explains the options.
Ask how the fitting dates are agreed and what you need to do to get the room ready. We cover that in getting your room ready for fitting day.
Changes after the quote
Plans change. You might want another drawer, a different handle position or a deeper shelf. Ask how changes are handled once the quote is agreed, and whether a change could affect the price or the timing. It’s easier to settle this at the start than halfway through making.
Finally, read the payment terms on any quote you receive. Check when payment is due and what it covers, and ask about anything that isn’t clear.
Quick answers
Should a quote name the materials?
Yes. A clear quote names the board used for the carcasses, shelves and doors, and the finish. Without that, two quotes can’t be compared fairly.
Does a quote for fitted wardrobes include electrics?
Not usually. Carpenters build the furniture. Any new sockets or lighting are work for an electrician, so check who arranges it.
Why do quotes for the same room differ?
Different materials, finishes, interior layouts and details all change the job. Compare the descriptions line by line, not just the totals.
How do I get a quote from Bespoke Carpentry?
Get in touch through our contact form. We arrange a design visit to measure and talk through the design, then send a written quote.
Related services
More advice
- What Happens at a Design Visit
- Choosing a Carpenter in London: A Checklist
- What Affects the Cost of Fitted Wardrobes?
- MDF vs Plywood for Fitted Furniture
- All advice
This guide is general information about fitted furniture. It isn’t legal, planning or building advice; for those, speak to the council, your landlord or managing agent, or a suitably qualified professional.