GC's custom cabinets same price as vs diamond/schrock?

7 years ago

Our GC has a local in-house cabinet shop and is quoting us essentially the same price for custom cabinets as we're getting from Lowes for Diamond cabinets (same as Schrock and, surprisingly, Lowes is cheaper than the other two bids we received for the equivalent Schrock cabs). And, the CG said these are not RTA's.

The custom cabinets have the benefit of sizing down to 1/8" and short lead-times but, I have a hard time believing custom would be the same cost and still have the same quality. Especially since I'm in California and I've heard the paints that are allowed to be used here aren't as good as outside CA due to strict CA environmental laws.

I know to ask about undermount cabinet rollers and dovetail construction as well as equivalent pull-outs but, what other questions should I ask? Do you think custom at the same price as mid-priced cabinets (Diamond) is realistic?

Featured Answer

wilson853

7 years ago

Often times a local cabinet shop will do an excellent job at a better price, but if you are doing a painted finish, you need to determine what their step by step finishing process is. The best results are obtained with a post catalyzed conversion varnish but they may not have that capability. Also do a search on what constitutes good, best and better cabinet construction so when you interview your GC's cabinet maker, you can talk their language and compare it to the construction of the other lines. How are their boxes constructed? what brand and type of hardware do they use? is it full extension and soft close? do they make their own doors and drawer fronts, if not, who is their vendor? Most importantly, find out how long they have been in business, make a visit to their shop, and ask for references that have had their cabinets installed for a while.

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Comments (6)

MizLizzie
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
My KD sells Schrock. She put in a Schrock kitchen for me in 1988 that I am told still looks brand new, but the quality may have been better back in the day, when they were still an independent. I recently had her quote a lake house kitchen for me and the Schrock price came back very high – – we both thought so. So we went to a local but high-end cabinet maker and after paying her a design commission, his price was only 5% higher, but with longer lead times. I conclude from this that perhaps the various Masterbrand lines have become relatively more expensive. Others here can speak to that better than I can. I saw the new cabs in the shop Friday, and there is no comparison to Schrock. Totally different product. Well worth 5% and a few weeks. I hope that helps a little.
pgsd thanked MizLizzie
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pgsd
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks Wilson and MixLizzie, excellent thoughts. Yes, we're looking at painted finish so the "The best results are obtained with a post catalyzed conversion varnish" is good info. I'll ask but, like you, suspect they may not have that capability.
traci_from_seattle
7 years ago
My custom cabinet guy ended up being just a few thousand more than Kraftmaid and the quality is far superior, unlimited customization, better wood species choices, and the painted ones use a post catalyzed conversion varnish.
pgsd thanked traci_from_seattle
PRO
Creative Visual Concepts, Kevin Strader
7 years ago
I would take a look at some kitchens they've done and if the quality is there then I would go custom.
pgsd thanked Creative Visual Concepts, Kevin Strader
Helen
7 years ago
I just finished a remodel and used a local custom cabinet maker recommended by my designer.

I was able to look at his work in two homes that were currently being remodeled by my designer and GC and they looked fabulous.

My doors were custom designed because I wanted something inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright and I also had lots of custom portions - both for function and aesthetics. The cabinet maker also did a wall unit/desk area for my office as well as a custom room divider. I can't even begin to list items that would have run up the cost to unaffordable in a semi-custom line like Kraftmaid.

I don't regret going the custom route at all and am grateful that I had access to this source through my designer and GC.
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