Three quotes for the same kitchen can differ by thousands, and the cheapest one is rarely cheap by the end. What separates a good contractor from a risky one shows up long before the invoice.
Ask what is excluded
A detailed quote lists what is not included as clearly as what is. Making good after electrics, waste disposal, and appliance connection are the three items most often left off a low quote and added later as extras.
Check the sequencing, not just the price
Ask who is on site in which week. A contractor who can answer that immediately has planned the job. One who cannot is intending to work it out as they go, and that is where delays live.
Look at finished work, not renders
Ask to see a kitchen they finished two years ago rather than two months ago. Doors that still line up and worktop joints that have not opened tell you more than any photograph taken on handover day.
Get it in writing
Payment stages, a start date, a realistic finish date, and who is responsible for certification. A contractor comfortable putting that on paper is a contractor comfortable being held to it.
