The size of the room and what moves
A small galley and a large open kitchen are different projects, even with similar finishes. The biggest jump comes when walls, windows or plumbing change place.
Ask which parts of the estimate are for moving things and which are for replacing them.
The cabinets
Cabinets are usually the largest single line. Stock, semi-custom and custom differ in how they fit, how they are finished and how long they take to arrive.
Ask how the cabinets are built and who installs and adjusts them.
Counters, tile and floors
A stone slab is priced by the type, the edge and the cutouts. Backsplash tile and flooring come down to the material and how much careful cutting they need.
Ask for the slab or tile named in the scope, not just a category.
What is behind the walls
Older houses can hide wiring, pipes or framing that needs work once the walls open. A good scope says how those surprises are handled and who approves them.
Ask what happens if something unexpected turns up.
Permits, lighting and the small things
Permits, new lighting circuits, hardware and trim add up. They are easy to leave out of a quick quote and easy to forget until they are on an invoice.
Ask whether all of them are included in the number you were given.
