Why does my modular kitchen quote not include the sink, hob, and chimney?

Many modular kitchen brands treat the sink, hob, chimney, and faucet as separate products, not part of the cabinet quote. They are often sold as add-ons by the same brand or through a partner, and their prices are added later. Always ask for a complete list of appliances and fixtures in the initial quotation, and compare the total cost including these items.

How much extra should I budget for plumbing and electrical work in a modular kitchen?

The cost depends on your home’s existing connections and the distance you need to move them. On average, expect to pay ₹1,500 to ₹4,000 per point for a new water supply or drain, and a similar amount for a new electrical socket. If you need to run a gas line, the charge can be ₹3,000 to ₹7,000 depending on the length and your local agency. Get a separate written estimate from a local plumber and electrician before you finalize the kitchen order.

Are delivery and installation fees always extra in a modular kitchen quote?

Not always, but they are commonly listed as separate line items. Some brands include free delivery and installation within a certain distance, but charge extra for high-rise buildings without a lift, for stairs, or for sites beyond the city limit. Always ask for a written confirmation of the delivery and installation charges, including any potential additional fees for a second visit or for moving heavy items.

What is the typical warranty on modular kitchen hardware and how do I claim it?

Most brands offer a 1 to 5 year warranty on the cabinet carcass and a shorter warranty (often 1 year) on hinges, channels, and other moving parts. The warranty usually covers manufacturing defects, not normal wear, accidental damage, or improper use. To claim it, keep your purchase invoice, note the brand’s service helpline, and be prepared to pay a service call fee if the issue is not covered. Read the warranty terms carefully to know what is excluded.

Modular Kitchen Hidden Costs: What Appears After the Quote

Stage 1: Pre-Installation Site Work and Structural Adjustments

The first hidden costs in a modular kitchen often appear before any cabinet is delivered. Your quoted price usually assumes a level, ready-to-fit space. If your existing floor is uneven, the installers may need to add a leveling compound or shim the base units, which adds labor and material charges. Wall tiling that is damaged or partially removed during demolition may also need repair or replacement before the new units can sit flush.

Electrical and plumbing points are rarely where the modular design assumes them to be. Moving a gas line, extending a water supply, or adding a new power outlet for a chimney or dishwasher can add ₹8,000 to ₹25,000 or more depending on your city and the distance from existing connections. These are typically quoted separately by your contractor, not by the modular kitchen brand, and they are often the largest source of surprise.

If your kitchen has a pillar, a sloping ceiling, or a window that blocks a planned cabinet, the fabricator may need to make on-site adjustments. Cutting a module to fit an odd corner or boxing around a beam is extra work that is rarely included in the base quote. Ask your designer to mark any such condition in writing before you confirm the order, and get a separate estimate for the civil and electrical work from a local professional.

Stage 2: Delivery, Transit, and Installation Fees Beyond the Base Quote

The price you see on the quotation often covers only the factory-made modules and their standard assembly. Delivery charges are commonly added as a separate line item, especially if you live in a high-rise without a service elevator, if the building has restricted loading hours, or if the site is beyond the brand’s free delivery radius. Some companies also charge a ‘carpet area surcharge’ for kitchens above a certain square footage.

Installation itself may be quoted at a flat rate, but that rate typically assumes a straightforward, straight-run layout. If your design includes a U-shape, an island, or a tall unit that requires more than two installers, the labor hours increase. The same applies if the installation takes more than a day because of a delay in your electrical work or if the team has to return for a second visit after the countertop template is made.

Watch for charges that appear only on the final invoice: nails, screws, silicone sealant, and adhesive are sometimes billed as ‘consumables.’ Some brands add a fee for disposing of your old kitchen cabinets or for shifting heavy appliances. Before signing, ask for a complete list of what the installation cost excludes, and request a written note on any per-kg or per-meter charge for extra material.

Stage 3: Plumbing, Electrical, and Gas Connection Surprises

The modular kitchen quote rarely includes the cost of running new water lines, waste pipes, or a gas connection to the new appliance positions. A plumber may charge ₹1,500 to ₹4,000 per point to extend or relocate a supply line, and an electrician may charge a similar amount for a new power socket. If your existing wiring is old or not earthed, you might also face an upgrade cost that your electrician will insist on before the chimney or hob is connected.

Gas connection is a separate hidden cost that catches many buyers off guard. The piping from the main line to your hob, the valve, and the pressure test are not part of the modular kitchen price. In some cities, the local gas utility charges a connection fee, and a private agency may charge for the flexible hose and regulator. Always ask your kitchen brand if they coordinate with the gas agency, or if you need to arrange it separately before the installation day.

A common surprise is the need for a water purifier with its own tap and drain point. If your kitchen design did not plan for a dedicated purifier line, the plumber will need to tee into an existing supply, which adds both material and labor. The same applies to a dishwasher: the drain line and the inlet valve are often not included in the standard installation, so budget an extra ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 for these connections depending on your home’s layout.

Stage 4: Accessories, Hardware, and Finishing Upgrades That Add Up

The base quote for a modular kitchen usually includes a standard set of accessories: a couple of baskets, basic hinges, and a straight chrome rod. Everything beyond that—soft-close dampers, lift-up shutters, a corner carousel, a pull-out pantry, or a cutlery insert—is charged as an extra. These small items can add 15% to 30% to your total if you are not careful, because the per-piece prices are rarely shown on the initial design sheet.

The finish of the cabinet doors is another area where hidden costs appear. A laminate finish is standard, but if you choose acrylic, PU, or a textured membrane, the per-square-foot rate jumps significantly. The same applies to the countertop: a granite or quartz slab may be quoted at a base thickness, but if you need a seam, a sink cutout, or a backlit panel, the fabrication charge increases. Edge banding, dado rails, and a stainless steel backsplash are all additional line items.

Some brands charge extra for a handle-less profile, a push-to-open mechanism, or a ‘soft-close’ system on every drawer. Before you finalize, ask for a detailed cost sheet that lists every accessory with its individual price. If the brand quotes a ‘package’ price, clarify what is included in that package—many standard packages do not include a chimney, a hob, a sink, or a faucet, which can add another ₹15,000 to ₹40,000 to the final bill.

Stage 5: Post-Installation Costs: Maintenance, Warranty, and Repairs

After the kitchen is installed, the hidden costs shift from one-time expenses to ongoing ones. The warranty on modular kitchens typically covers only manufacturing defects in the cabinet carcass, not the moving parts like hinges, channels, or the soft-close mechanism. These wear items may need replacement within 2 to 3 years, and the brand will charge you for the part and the service call. Check the warranty terms carefully: some brands charge a visit fee of ₹500 to ₹1,500 even if the issue is covered.

The finish on the cabinet edges and the countertop also has a limited life. A chip or a water stain that appears after the first year is usually treated as wear and tear, not a warranty claim. Re-polishing a granite top or replacing a single damaged door can cost ₹3,000 to ₹8,000 per unit, depending on the material. If you have a wooden frame, you may also need to redo the anti-termite treatment after 5 years, which is an additional service charge.

Finally, remember that the modular kitchen brand’s installation team may not be responsible for fixing a leak in your plumbing or a short circuit in the wiring after the handover. You will need to call a local plumber or electrician for such issues, and their call-out fees are your responsibility. To avoid surprises, keep a list of the brand’s service numbers and the warranty period for each component, and ask for a written breakdown of what is and is not covered under the installation warranty.