have to disagree with bubblyjock somewhat.....standard industry specs can range drastically for levels of quality....they aren't all pretty much the same inside. The components you'll find in the big box stores are low to mid-grade quality level.......you'll find a ton of stapled construction and plastic connectors............something you won't find on high grade or custom cabinets.

I would start with a layout. Establish what components you want (i.e. drawers, cabinets, pantry, etc.,etc) and where you want them. Where you want wall cabinets, shelves, etc., etc. Where your appliances will go, what kind of sink you want.....what kind of counter top you want. Then establish the style and finish details (i.e. modern, laminate, flush face or shaker, stained wood, full overlay etc., etc.) Gather up pictures of kitchen looks you like for examples. The grade or quality of the cabinets is going to determine your linear foot cost..

Once you get an idea of what you want nailed down, go visit a number of dealers and suppliers to get a better idea of what the ball park cost will be for specific cabinet lines based on your layout......then you can better determine your budget based on your wants and desires and your bank account. I tell clients to start with wish list without considering the cost factor and we work backwards from there.

The hard truth is, we all have Cadillac taste but very few have the Cadillac budget......and don't forget the small custom cabinet contractor. I once lucked into a deal with an older cabinet maker. He was retired and between jobs........I got 24' of lower and upper cabinets, custom made, full wood boxes and solid wood face frames, with doors and hardware in a shaker style for $200 / lf. A little less than half the cost I got from the nearest dealer quote.....and better quality. All I had to do was stain and finish them......the money I saved the client we put into a high quality porcelain farm style sink and soap stone counter tops.

That's the fun of this process.......you never know what you're going to stumble on to sometimes.