Getting a Quote for Kitchen Cabinet Installation
A homeowner meets with a contractor or kitchen designer to discuss options for new kitchen cabinets, outlining their preferences and budget while requesting a detailed quotation.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
quote
A quote is an estimated price given by a service provider for a job or product, like the cost for installing cabinets. Use it when asking for price information in business or repair situations.
leaning towards
This phrase means preferring or being inclined to choose something. It's useful in discussions to express your tentative preference without committing fully.
minimalist
Minimalist describes a simple, clean design with few decorations or extras. It's common in home improvement to talk about modern, uncluttered styles.
storage solutions
These are clever ways or products to organize and store items efficiently, like shelves or drawers in cabinets. Practical for talking about home organization.
budget
A budget is the amount of money you plan to spend on something. In conversations about projects, it's key to mention your budget to set expectations.
measurements
Measurements refer to the sizes or dimensions of something, like length and width. Essential in repair or installation talks to ensure things fit properly.
breakdown
A breakdown is a detailed list that separates costs into categories, like materials and labor. Request it for transparency in quotes or bills.
comprehensive
Comprehensive means complete and including everything important. Use it to describe a full report or service that covers all details.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
I'm looking to get a quote for new kitchen cabinets.
This sentence is a polite way to request a price estimate. It's useful for starting business discussions. Note the gerund 'looking to get' which shows intention; use it in service inquiries to sound professional.
Have you thought about what style or finish you're leaning towards?
This is a question to gather preferences. It's practical for consultants or salespeople. The present continuous 'you're leaning towards' expresses current inclination; great for open-ended questions in planning talks.
I like a modern, minimalist look, maybe a light grey or white.
This expresses design preferences clearly. Useful when describing tastes in home improvement. 'Maybe' adds flexibility; it's a simple structure for sharing ideas without being too firm.
Do you have a rough budget in mind for the cabinets themselves?
This asks about spending limits indirectly. Key for negotiations. 'Rough' means approximate, and 'in mind' implies a mental plan; use this to guide discussions on affordability.
I'm trying to keep it between $10,000 and $15,000 for the materials and installation.
This states a price range. Essential for budget talks. The preposition 'between' shows limits, and 'trying to keep' indicates effort; adapt numbers for your own situations to negotiate costs.
I'll take some measurements now and then we can discuss specific options in more detail.
This outlines next steps in a project. Useful for professionals. 'Take measurements' is a common phrase, and 'in more detail' suggests deeper discussion; it builds trust by showing a plan.
Please include a breakdown of costs—materials, labor, and any potential extras.
This requests detailed pricing info. Practical for transparency. The dash introduces examples; use this politely with 'please' when dealing with contractors to avoid surprises.
I'll email it to you as soon as it's ready.
This promises future action. Common in service endings. 'As soon as' means immediately after; it's reassuring and professional, use it to confirm follow-up in business emails or calls.