What is a Joiner, Cabinetmaker, or Kitchen Designer?

These professionals specialise in the design, fabrication, and installation of your kitchen and other custom joinery (e.g. bathroom vanities, wardrobes, and laundry cabinetry). Whether you're seeking a functional standard fit-out or a high-end designer kitchen, these trades bring expertise in both aesthetics and precision craftsmanship.

What does a Joiner or Kitchen Designer do?

Your Joiner or Kitchen Designer will complete works according to your agreed scope of works.

Typically, a Joiner or Cabinetmaker will:

  • Review your approved plans and selections
  • Design or confirm kitchen and joinery layouts
  • Produce detailed shop drawings for approval
  • Complete a site measure (Check Measure) once walls are in
  • Supply and install all joinery items
  • Coordinate with other trades such as plumbers, electricians, and tilers
  • Perform a post-install service check to resolve any final defects or adjustments

Tip: Why the Right Joinery Contractor Matters

A great joinery contractor won’t just build to plan — they’ll catch layout issues early, recommend smarter storage solutions, and help you avoid expensive mistakes with appliance fit or access clearances.

What Makes a Joiner of Kitchen Designer?

Look for someone who:

  • Have strong technical experience in kitchen and joinery installations
  • Are willing to coordinate timing with your site schedule
  • Can provide detailed shop drawings for review
  • Use high-quality materials and offer workmanship guarantees
  • Understand appliance integration and services coordination

Before You Begin: What You’ll Need Ready

To get quotes from Joiners or Kitchen Designers, you’ll need:

  • Finalised architectural plans (including elevations of wet areas)
  • Your selections for cabinetry finishes, handles, appliances, and benchtops
  • Electrical and plumbing layout (if available)
  • Appliance specifications and cut-out dimensions
  • Your kitchen and joinery budget

Average Timeframe

For this task, Pros typically provide quotes within 7-10 business days.

When Can I Expect Quotes?

Timeframes often vary based on demand and the type of Pro you're engaging (e.g. a plumber). If additional communication or clarification is needed is needed, the quoting process may take longer.

 

Don't be alarmed if you don't receive quotes or communication from any Build Buddy Pros straight away. Some work is more complex and the Pro may need time to comprehend your documents or scope of work. Depending on the job, there may even be some work required by the Pro before they are able to quote (e.g. a site visit might be required).

 

If the average timeframe indicated here has passed, and you have not received any messages or quotes, please feel free to contact the Build Buddy Expert Guidance and Support team for an update on quoting for this task.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do I need a separate designer if my joiner already does drawings?

    Not always. Many joiners provide in-house design services or can work from your Interior Designer’s selections. Make sure their scope includes full shop drawings for approval.

  • When should the Check Measure happen?

    After internal walls are built and before linings are installed. This ensures precise fit and avoids clashes with framing, plumbing, or electrical services.

  • What’s involved in the Post-Install Service?

    It covers minor tweaks or fixes once your cabinetry is installed — like adjusting hinges, aligning doors, or resolving defects. It ensures everything functions and finishes to spec.

How to Complete this Task?

STEP 1

Review and Adjust the Scope of Works

Timeframes may vary based on demand and the type of Pro you're engaging (e.g., a plumber). If additional communication or clarification is needed, the quoting process may take longer.

STEP 2

Confirm Required Documents Are Uploaded

Check that the following required document(s) are uploaded for this task. These are essential to proceed:

STEP 3

Update the Quality Assurance Checklist

Go to the Quality Assurance tab in this task and review the checklist. Edit any details to suit your project requirements. Being clear and upfront helps set expectations with the Pro. Updating the checklist before requesting quotes ensures everyone is aligned.

STEP 4

Request Quotes

Click the orange ‘Request Quotes’ button to start the quoting process.

STEP 5

Review the Quotes

Once you receive quotes:

  • Review each one carefully, including the payment schedule and any special terms
  • Download attached quote documents for detailed review
  • Check each Pro’s profile and read past client reviews

STEP 6

Communicate with the Pro

If needed, message or call the Pro to clarify details or negotiate terms.

STEP 7

Accept a Quote

Choose the quote that best suits your needs. Once you accept a quote, any other pending quotes will be automatically declined. An agreement will automatically be generated.

STEP 8

Complete the Tasks In Your App

New tasks will appear to guide you through this job — follow each step carefully. Make sure to use the Quality Assurance Checklist, and refer to your contract and final Scope of Works whenever needed.

NEED HELP?

Reach Out to Your Build Buddy Pro

If you have any questions or need a hand, your Build Buddy Pro is your best first contact. They’re a licensed expert in their field and can understand the ins and outs of your project. You can message them via the platform, or you can call them directly.


If you have already contacted your Build Buddy Pro and still need further assistance, the Build Buddy Expert Guidance and Support team are here to help. They will be able to guide you on your next steps or help you find answers to any questions you may have.