It’s rare that anyone combine phrases like “cost effective” and “custom cabinets” in the same sentence. For a long time custom cabinets were not affordable for those that hoped for a customized kitchen made by those with carpentry talent. However, technology is changing the front of most areas of our lives and this includes the manufacturing of custom cabinets. Large cabinet manufacturers have used this technology for years but now smaller shops are starting to invest just to compete with the large manufacturing process but with one big exception. They strive to maintain a custom service with their custom cabinets. Unfortunately, not every custom cabinet shop can make such an investment but I interviewed one such cabinet maker that did.
I’m writing this article because I believe in the small business. I support entrepreneurs but more importantly those with such a unique skill set that when combined with technology can offer you some of the best custom cabinets of all time. How is this possible? A lot has to do with the machines behind the cabinets. No longer do men need to hold up a large 4 foot by 8 foot sheet of plywood in order to cut with a table saw and hold a straight line. Now, they can set it down on a robotic table and allow the computer program to cut the pieces out within 1/100th of an inch in accuracy. Not only is this accurate BUT cost effective for you.
Local shop owner, Steve Oates, shared this story, “I received a phone call from a local resident. She was anxious to receive a fast quote over the phone for some custom cabinets. In particular, she was wanting a custom island to match her kitchen cabinets. According to the caller, Home Depo_ quoted her about $6,700 for a kitchen island including a non-granite countertop. After speaking with her I shared that I felt pretty sure we could probably save her at least $1,400. But I went one step further. I even included granite with her cabinets and she could choose up to 20 styles.” She was surprised as I was when he shared the story.
Steve continued to explain that larger manufacturers do not have the capacity to adjust cabinets for custom fits without seriously charging the clients extra because it goes outside of their normal process. Steve indicated, “All we do is customized. We’re just using the same equipment and software but our service is still customized. Recently I traveled to local Charlotte residence when taking my final measurements for an upcoming kitchen renovation project. I noticed that the cabinet above the stovetop hood wasn’t allowing a proper fit for that stovetop ventilation system. Since the homeowner wanted to reuse this hood and save money, I simply took my pencil out and made a small note to adjust the size by 1/8″ on either side. No extra cost and not trouble. That’s the custom cabinet approach. We helped them save money by reusing some equipment.
In closing Steve talked some more about the custom service included with his custom cabinets. He said, “I try to explain to all my clients wishing to purchase any custom cabinet project. I firmly believe the process is equally important to the product! Too many of my clients have told horror stories of contractors that are great at sales, horrible at delivery, and just ok with the end product. We wish to be fantastic to work with from the moment we enter the home until the last tool is removed and we work hard to that end. We are committed to creating such a pleasant experience that they can’t wait to tell their friends. In my mind, it’s even more important that their new kitchen becomes a center piece for gatherings as they share their home with others and create a sense of community.
Outdated Kitchen? Before you buy any custom kitchen cabinets be sure to read this aricle about Custom Cabinets, Custom Kitchen Cabinets.
categories: custom cabinets,cabinet makers,custom kitchen cabinets,kitchen cabinets,home improvement,kitchens,do it yourself,home,contractors,business,small business
Tags: Business, cabinet makers, contractors, custom cabinets, custom kitchen cabinets, do it yourself, home, Home Improvement, kitchen cabinets, kitchens, Small Business
