When clients share a cabinet quote that looks too good to be true, it usually is. Promises of low prices often hide missing essentials, like hardware, trim, installation, and delivery. Without those, “budget” cabinets balloon into surprise expenses, project delays, and even full replacements. At Haven & Oak, we deliver quotes that cover everything, materials, labor, support, so there are no unwelcome surprises and your investment holds value long-term.
1. What Budget Quotes Frequently Leave Out
Many low-cost quotes focus solely on cabinet boxes, hoping clients won’t notice missing components. Here’s what’s usually excluded:
- Soft-close hinges and drawer slides
- Drawer pulls and door handles
- Crown molding, filler pieces, trim, and kickplates
- Delivery fees or logistics
- Professional installation and on-site adjustments
- Warranty coverage or support services
Without those elements, you get a bare-bones product that doesn’t function well, or look complete.
2. Hidden Costs Add Up Quickly
Buying cheap cabinets often leads to later charges:
A. Hardware & Trim Purchased Separately
Quality soft-close hardware costs $50–$80 per cabinet unit. Buying trim or molding later adds dozens more dollars per linear foot, including freight.
B. Labor for Add-On Installation
If you need help installing missing parts, expect $80–$120/hr. This nearly doubles anticipated costs.
C. Multiple Delivery Fees
Partial orders require repeat deliveries, logistics costs 3–5% of the cabinet cost each time.
D. Time & Mistakes
Clients often spend days tracking missing pieces and fixing fit issues, time that costs more than you bargained for.
3. Real-Life Examples That Teach
Reddit Installers Share Their Warnings
“Chipped laminate, warped doors, you really get what you pay for.”
“Clients think they’re saving until they need new panels and labor.”
HomeAdvisor Cabinet Data Shows…
Budget RTA (ready-to-assemble) cabinets may cost $30–$40 per linear foot, but labor and parts often double that price.
4. Material Price vs. Quality Outcome
| Component | Budget Cabinets | Quality Cabinets |
| Cabinet Box | Particle board | Plywood or solid wood |
| Doors | Thin laminate or veneer | Solid wood or wood-faced |
| Hardware | Basic, no budget | Soft-close hinges, heavy-duty slides |
| Trim & moldings | None or cheap stock | Custom or matching pieces |
Particle board may cost less upfront, but is prone to swelling and damage, especially in humid areas. Quality carpentry includes frames that withstand everyday life, saving replacement costs later.
5. The True Cost of “Cheap” Down the Line
Here’s a scenario:
- Initial budget cabinet cost: $6,000
- Add hardware and trim: $3,000
- Extra labor & adjustments: $2,500
- Delivery/redo charges: $1,000
- Unexpected replacements: $2,000
- → Total cost after install: $14,500
In contrast, a comprehensive quality package delivered upfront covers materials, labor, and support, ending well under that total.
6. How to Spot a Truly Transparent Quote
Ask for clear documentation including:
- Cabinet box materials (plywood vs particle board)
- Hardware summary: hinges, slides, handles included?
- Trim and molding lists (crown, fillers, caps)
- Delivery and installation costs itemized
- Warranty & support details, repairs, refits, replacements
If any item is missing or broadly labeled “extras,” it should raise a red flag.
7. Budgeting Smart: Spend Smarter, Not Less
- Allocate 30–35% of remodel budget to cabinets, a reliable rule of thumb.
- Go for semi-custom lines that include quality basics, with flexible hardware or finish options.
- Prioritize long-lasting elements: soft-close, sealed surfaces, solid assembly.
A slightly higher upfront cost saves from constant rework.
8. Checklist Before Signing Off
| Item | Included? |
| Cabinet box and doors | ✓ or ✗ |
| Soft-close hardware | ✓ or ✗ |
| Crown molding & trim | ✓ or ✗ |
| Delivery logistics | ✓ or ✗ |
| Professional install | ✓ or ✗ |
| On-site adjustments | ✓ or ✗ |
| Warranty and support | ✓ or ✗ |
| Clear material specs | ✓ or ✗ |
If boxes remain unchecked, push back until everything is included in the quote before proceeding.