Refresh
- Paint and hardware
- Lighting and backsplash
- Fixtures
- Possibly counters
QuoteGeni Kitchen Buyer’s Guide
Build the kitchen on paper before anyone prices it.
Full-color ideas for cabinets, wood, countertops, sinks, layouts, storage, flooring, appliances and lighting. Then compare three contractors on the same project.
1
One kitchen remodel can mean five completely different projects.
Start by deciding whether you are refreshing finishes, replacing cabinets, or reconfiguring the entire room.
Design first. Scope second. Quotes third.Cabinets, counters, sinks, appliances, lighting and layout all affect each other.
2
What level of kitchen project are you buying?
Three common levels with very different labor, materials and disruption.
Replace
- New cabinets
- New counters
- Keep basic footprint
- Update sink and appliances
Reconfigure
- Move appliances or sink
- Add or change island
- Possible wall changes
- Coordinate several trades
3
Cabinets: construction, door style and wood all matter.
“New cabinets” is not enough detail for a meaningful quote.
Ask what you are actually getting
- Stock, semi-custom or custom
- Box material and thickness
- Drawer construction and slides
- Soft-close hinges
- Door style: Shaker, slab, raised panel
- Finish and hardware
- Installation and trim
OakStrong grain and durable character.
MapleSmoother grain and clean painted or stained looks.
CherryWarm color that often deepens with age and light.
Walnut / HickoryDistinctive grain and richer natural color.
4
Countertops: compare the material, not just the color.
Real countertop examples, plus the maintenance and performance differences that matter after installation.
QuartzLow maintenance. Nonporous surface, consistent patterns, no routine sealing. Protect it from very hot pans.
GraniteNatural stone. Every slab varies. Very heat resistant; many installations benefit from periodic sealing.
MarbleClassic veining. Beautiful, but more prone to etching and staining from acids such as lemon or vinegar.
Solid SurfaceRepairable and seamless-looking. Easy to clean and fabricate; less heat resistant than natural stone.
Compare the exact slab or color, thickness, edge profile, seam locations, sink cutouts, backsplash, templating, delivery and installation. “Countertop included” is not a specification.
Countertop reference photos: Wikimedia Commons, licensed for reuse by their respective creators.
5
Sinks and faucets: style changes the cabinet and counter plan.
Farmhouse, undermount, stainless, fireclay and workstation sinks all create different installation details.
Farmhouse / Apron-Front
The front is exposed and the sink-base cabinet must be planned for it.
Stainless / Undermount
Practical, durable and available in single-bowl, double-bowl and workstation formats.
Fireclay / Porcelain
Classic appearance with heavier construction and installation considerations.
Do not forget faucet reach, sprayer clearance, garbage disposal, soap dispenser, water filtration and whether the sink fits the selected cabinet.
6
Popular kitchen layouts and how they affect the job.
The right layout improves movement, storage and work zones. An island only helps when the room has enough clearance around it.
L-SHAPED
Open and Flexible
Good for corner spaces and often pairs well with an island.
U-SHAPED
Maximum Work Surface
Lots of cabinets and counter space, with careful attention to aisle width.
GALLEY
Efficient Work Zone
Two parallel runs can be highly functional when clearances are comfortable.
ISLAND / PENINSULA
Prep, Seating & Storage
Plan enough space around it for doors, appliances and traffic.
Before changing the footprint, mark the sink, refrigerator, range, dishwasher, island and major walkways on a measured plan. Moving plumbing, gas, electrical, walls or appliances can add several trades and change the flooring and cabinet scope.
7
Storage is where good cabinets become a better kitchen.
Use the cabinet interior, corners and pantry space on purpose.
Deep Drawers
Pots, pans and dishes can be easier to reach than in deep base cabinets.
Pull-Out Pantry
Turns narrow spaces into organized, accessible storage.
Corner Solutions
Lazy Susans, swing-outs and specialty inserts make dead corners useful.
Trash / Recycling
Integrated pull-outs keep everyday function close to the prep zone.
See the Storage Open
Ask to see how drawers, waste pull-outs and under-sink storage actually operate before choosing the cabinet package.
Organizers & Inserts
Confirm which inserts are included in the cabinet price and which are optional upgrades.
Storage questions
- Where do the toaster, mixer and coffee maker live?
- How many deep drawers are included?
- Where are trays, cutting boards and lids stored?
- Is a pull-out pantry included or merely shown as an option?
- Are drawer inserts and organizers included in the quote?
- What is the usable interior depth after hardware is installed?
Make the contractor specify
- Drawer-box construction and slide rating
- Soft-close hardware
- Lazy Susan or blind-corner mechanism
- Trash and recycling pull-out size
- Pantry shelf or roll-out count
- Which accessories are allowances versus included products
8
Backsplash and flooring tie the kitchen together.
These surfaces need to look good, clean easily and stand up to everyday kitchen use.
Backsplash
Ceramic, porcelain, glass, stone or slab. Confirm height, pattern, edge trim and outlets.
Flooring
Hardwood, engineered wood, tile and resilient products each have different moisture and durability considerations.
Tile Pattern & Edge Trim
Confirm pattern, grout color, exposed-edge treatment, outlet cuts and where the backsplash stops.
9
Appliances, lighting and everyday comfort.
Appliances can quietly change the cabinet, electrical, gas and ventilation plan. Lighting can rescue or ruin the finished room.
Appliances
- Exact model dimensions
- Electrical or gas requirements
- Ventilation
- Door and drawer clearances
Lighting Plan
- Ambient ceiling lighting
- Task lighting at work surfaces
- Under-cabinet lighting
- Pendants, switching and dimming
Comfort & Clearances
- Comfortable aisle widths
- Easy-reach storage
- Lever or touch faucets
- Lighting without dark work zones
Selected reference images in sections 2–9 are from Wikimedia Commons and are used under their listed public-domain or Creative Commons licenses.
10
Compare the same kitchen three times.
Do not compare three total prices. Compare three complete written scopes.
| COMPARE | CONTRACTOR A | CONTRACTOR B | CONTRACTOR C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Demolition & disposal | ________ | ________ | ________ |
| Cabinet manufacturer / line / construction | ________ | ________ | ________ |
| Countertop material / edge / seams | ________ | ________ | ________ |
| Sink / faucet / disposal | ________ | ________ | ________ |
| Appliances / ventilation | ________ | ________ | ________ |
| Plumbing / electrical / gas | ________ | ________ | ________ |
| Flooring / backsplash / paint / trim | ________ | ________ | ________ |
| Allowances / exclusions | ________ | ________ | ________ |
| Schedule / warranty / cleanup | ________ | ________ | ________ |
| Total written price | $________ | $________ | $________ |
Ask before signing: “Exactly which cabinets, countertop, sink, faucet, appliance work, electrical work, plumbing work, flooring, backsplash and allowances are included in this price?”
Get educated. Get quotes. Make a smarter choice.
Define the kitchen first. Then ask local contractors to price the same project.
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