Kitchen hardware
The classic carrot territory. Kitchen hardware carries model numbers, is easy to price-match — and is exactly where quotes quietly add $100–$200 per item, because most homeowners have never heard the trade price.
| Item | Watch for | Fair range |
|---|
| Lifting dish rack (90cm, e.g. Higold) | Quoted $400+ is common | $250–$350 |
| Pull-out basket (built-in) | Per unit, excluding carpentry | $120–$220 |
| Stainless steel sink (undermount) | Check gauge & brand | $220–$380 |
| Pull-out kitchen tap | Brand matters here | $120–$250 |
| Sink + tap set (branded) | Bundle should be cheaper than separate | $350–$550 |
Aircon
Aircon units are heavily price-matched online, so unit markups are smaller — the carrot usually hides in the installation line: piping grade, insulation class and trunking are where a low unit price gets clawed back.
| Item | Watch for | Fair range |
|---|
| System 3 (inverter, branded) | Check insulation class included | $2,800–$3,600 |
| System 4 (inverter, branded) | "Upgraded piping" add-ons | $3,600–$4,600 |
Digital locks & doors
| Item | Watch for | Fair range |
|---|
| Digital door lock (branded) | Install usually included | $350–$650 |
| Digital gate lock (branded) | Bundle deals often better | $300–$550 |
Lighting & electrical
| Item | Watch for | Fair range |
|---|
| Magnetic track set (per track) | Count modules, not just tracks | $350–$600 |
| LED downlight (installed, per pc) | Bulk pricing should apply | $25–$55 |
| Ceiling fan with light (branded) | Install fee sometimes doubled | $280–$500 |
| Switches & sockets (branded, per point) | Brand substitution is common | $8–$20 |
Bathroom
| Item | Watch for | Fair range |
|---|
| Instant water heater (branded) | Model year matters | $180–$320 |
| Storage heater (25–40L) | Include installation check | $280–$480 |
| Rain shower set (branded) | Huge brand price spread | $250–$500 |
| One-piece toilet bowl (branded) | Check exact model number | $300–$600 |
Windows
| Item | Watch for | Fair range |
|---|
| Day-night roller blinds (per panel) | Measure by panel, not window | $120–$250 |
| Motorised curtain track (per window) | Motor brand drives price | $400–$800 |
How to read your own quote
- Circle every item with a brand or model number. Those are checkable — services aren't.
- Compare against the ranges above. Within range: likely fair. 10–20% above: worth a question. 30%+ above: classic carrot.
- Watch for missing model numbers. "Kitchen sink — $600" with no brand stated is the oldest trick: you can't price-match what isn't named. Ask for the model in writing.
- Check bundle logic. A sink + tap "package" that costs more than the items separately is a carrot wearing a bow.
These ranges are general. Exact models, finishes and years move prices — which is exactly what the full check is for. Send your quote and the engine matches your actual items, not categories: free, verdict in 4 working hours.