Before you prepare a quotation for a kitchen or bathroom project, you need to talk to the client about the details of the job.

It's important to meet with the client at least once on-site.

This allows you to talk about the design while you're standing there, and compare the plans and other working drawings with the actual building.

If the job is a renovation project, you'll also talk to the client about any remodelling that needs to be done to the existing structure, such as moving walls, doors or windows.

The process of checking the details of the job on-site and confirming measurements is called the site assessment.

Set out below are the sorts of things you might need to check during this process.

Naturally, there will be some differences between a site assessment for a new project and one for a renovation.

However, the general approach will be much the same.

Site assessment

Building structure and materials used

The construction of the floor, walls and ceiling will have a bearing on your installation methods. As well as looking at the structure and materials used in the floor and walls, you should also check the levels in the floor and squareness of the walls.

If you are renovating an older building, remember to look out for hazardous materials, such as asbestos fibro sheeting.

Room design

This includes the shape of the room, positioning of windows, and any architectural features. These factors will influence the design and appearance of the cabinets and other aspects of the project.

Your client may want advice on practical ways to create the 'look and feel' that they're trying to achieve.

Access to the work area

If the rooms you're working in are above the ground floor, you may need to manoeuvre cupboards and materials through stairwells or lifts. General site access could also be limited due to trucks in the way or parking restrictions on the street.

It's best to take these potential problems into account before you agree on a final price with the client.

Positioning of services

Outlets for water, sewer, gas, electrical points and air conditioning should be carefully noted. You need to make sure that the cut-out positions in the cabinets are correct so that the pipes and cables will run through easily.

You also need to anticipate any problems in advance for the tradespeople who will connect up these services.