Twelve Questions Worth Asking Before You Sign

What exactly is in the quoted scope, line by line?

Ask for the exclusions list specifically. Most disputes come from work everyone assumed was included — electrical rework, painting, hardware upgrades, transport and installation.

What is the carcass material and thickness?

BWP or BWR ply at 18mm for carcasses, 18mm for shutters. MDF has a place in painted shutters but not in a kitchen carcass near water.

Which hardware brand and which warranty?

Hinges and runners are what fail first. Ask for the make and the cycle rating, and get the warranty terms in writing rather than as a claim.

Who supervises the site, and how often?

A named person with a defined visit frequency. Projects go wrong in the gap between the designer's drawing and the installer's interpretation.

What is the payment schedule tied to?

Milestones you can verify — design sign-off, factory release, delivery, installation, handover. Payment tied to dates rather than deliverables removes your leverage.

What happens if the programme slips?

Ask what the remedy is. A studio confident in its programme will have an answer; one that has not thought about it will change the subject.