Cabinet maker checklist

If you’re starting to plan a new kitchen one of the biggest decisions you have is choosing your cabinet maker. Here’s what we think should be on your cabinet maker checklist.

Communication

With any remodeling or building project, there are many parties involved. From carpenters to plumbers to painters and of course, you the homeowner. Good communication is a critical component of a successful project. Your cabinet maker should be able to communicate plans, timelines, and budget changes to you and your construction team. This info should be accessible electronically and be easy for you to access.

Materials and impact

What your cabinets are made of and finished with will have an impact on your own kitchen environment, and also the wider earth. High-quality materials such as sustainably grown hardwoods, formaldehyde-free plywoods, and water bourne finishes will not only be better for you and your family, they will also last longer and are a better choice for our environment. Materials matter, so be picky.

Design

The amount of design help that a cabinet maker offers will vary widely. From full-service kitchen design to just building what they’re told. Even if you’re working with an interior designer or architect, due to the specific nature of kitchen design, a kitchen designer will have valuable input. Ask your cabinet maker if they offer design services, and chat with their designers. Ask about the kind of plans they provide and how much (if any) design time is included in your price.

Longevity

Well made cabinetry will last a long time. Will your cabinet maker be around to help with adjustments or paint touch-ups in five years? Or ten years? Your cabinet maker doesn’t have to be an established monolith, but it’s worth asking about their history and their future plans. If those involve building cabinetry until they’ve funded their one-way flight to surf in Thailand, maybe keep looking around.

craftsmanship

This is what it all comes down to in the end. By choosing custom cabinetry you’re working on the assumption that your kitchen (or bathroom, or mudroom) will be well made and last a long time. The methods of construction that your cabinet maker uses will determine if that’s the case. Your cabinet maker should be open and transparent about the way they build their cabinets (if they’re wood nerds like us, you might get more information than you wanted!). So ask questions about face frames and door thickness, ask if their drawers are made on-site and if they do their own finish work.

takeaway

Take your time with this decision. Meet people, ask questions, visit showrooms and cabinet shops (in person or virtually) and ensure that you find the right fit for you. Start looking well in advance of when you will need your kitchen so that your choices are not dictated by busy schedules. One last thing – and this one’s important – is there a shop dog?

Want to chat more about your project? Give us a call.