Carpentry and Woodworking - Kitchen Cabinet Drawings

My friend wants to remodel her kitchen (counters and cabinets) She has a 30 yr old non-extravagant home with a fairly simple medium-sized kitchen. One of the bidders told her that their cost would include architect's layout and drawings. I didn't think this kind of thing was needed--a unrequired expense.
What do you think?

Plans are always made in advance of any remodeling, but it sounds like a big box store, such as Home Depot would be a better option for your friend. They usually do the plans included in the cost of the job material. Even if she hires a non HD contractor to install the material (which can be cost effective).

Let me re-phrase, I was a little off. Depot Or Lowes is not in her sights Can a contractor just measure and figure to need this length counter here, and these size cabs to fit there--without architects drawings? This job is just a swap of counters and cabinets--nothing is being changed on the dimensions.

Cabinet makers do not need architectural drawings for existing homes. We just go in there, take measurements, note any specifics, double check the measurements, take note again of specifics, and maybe even triple check the measurements.

Our policy is similar to what it sounds like your friend's contracter does. We sell two products. The first is the drawings. We design your kitchen or house (well, the cabinets and surfaces at least), and sell you the drawings for a reasonable price. Then you can either accept our bid and buy our cabinets installed, or you can reject our bid and take your paid-for plans to another shop and they can build them, no hard feelings.

BTW, be SURE SURE SURE your friend get references. There is a trend in our area for economy-style cabinets. The contractor gets the down-payment and hauls @$$.

We have a showroom and oodles of references so we have a very solid reputation.

Hope this helps!