Sounds cheap. Everything depends, of course, on the specific design, the workmanship and on where you live, but it sounds cheap.

ok thanks...i saw the guys work on my brother's house and a few other houses and he does great work.

I agree. It sounds cheap, as in there must be some quality tradeoffs for them to cost that little. Poplar is one of the cost cutting items, as it is soft and not preferred for kitchens because of that. Maple would be better. Will these be site constructed, or woodshop constructed? What about finishing? Site finished or shop finished? UV catalyzed conversion varnish?

"Custom" cabinets really doesn't mean that much other than you don't buy them from a retailer. Some of the best quality cabinets I have seen have been custom, as has some of the worst. It's not the label, it's the ingredients that determine quality.

It is woodshop constructed...maple was about 2k more...also site finished but before he finishes it he will mock up my kitchen at the workshop and i can see if i like everything.