So, you’ve decided to remodel your kitchen and instead of going with prefab cabinets you’re going to have custom cabinets built to suit the needs of your new kitchen. Today’s blog topic is going to address some of the important questions you should be asking – and the reasons why – before you move forward with those new cabinets.
In addition to the questions listed below, it’s always a good idea to ask your contractor for references and to see samples of their work in-person. If possible, ask to see samples that are at least 5 years old so that you can see how well the cabinets hold up through day-to-day use.
Now, lets get started with the 10 Questions to Ask a Kitchen Cabinetmaker
1. Do you make the doors and drawers yourself?
This is a very important question that most people overlook when getting custom cabinets made. If a cabinetmaker makes his own cabinet frames but uses mass-produced doors and/or drawers, the end product may not have the most seamless finish or be the best quality.
2. Do you design custom interiors for the cabinets?
Although you want your cabinets to look professional, don’t forget the utilitarian purpose of them – to store your kitchen item. Items such as shelving, slide-out trays and specialty drawers are all things to consider and discuss beforehand with your cabinetmaker. The last thing you want is to discover after the cabinets are installed that you no longer have room to store what you need in your kitchen.
3. Can I see and approve the drawing of the cabinet designs beforehand?
You will definitely want to carefully consider the customized options mentioned above, as well as your needs based on the location of major elements in your kitchen (such as the range, dishwasher, refrigerator and sink). For example, you’ll probably want a cabinet designed to hold your pots and pans near the cooktop instead of the refrigerator or sink. Seeing and approving these design before they are built removes any unpleasant surprises and also can act as a guide after the work is completed.
4. Do you check for moisture content in the wood before it’s used?
Excess moisture in cabinetry wood can lead to warping, which could be a very serious problem down the line. In addition, wood that contains too much moisture can prevent certain finishes from adhering and setting into the cabinets.
5. How long will the cabinets take to make and install, and is installation included in the price quote?
These may seem like common sense questions to ask, but the answers are essential to helping you stay on time and on budget with your kitchen remodel.
6. What does the warranty cover?
First of all, we’re assuming that your new cabinets will come with a warranty as a standard. If the cabinetmaker is not offering you one, walk away – a respectable cabinetmaker should provide a fair guarantee on the quality of their work. That being said get the details of the warranty in writing and make sure you get clarification for anything you don’t understand.
7. What materials do you use in the construction of the cabinets?
The best construction material for kitchen cabinets is a poplar core, such as plywood, for the frames, and faces doors and drawers made of solid hardwood for durability. Avoid any cabinetmaker who uses stapled medium-density fibreboard (MDF), as it isn’t structurally sound.
8. Will the cabinets be finished in the shop or in the home?
Ideally, you’d want to have the cabinets finished at a cabinetmaker’s shop, because it is a more controlled environment, which prevents dust and debris from attaching to the final product. Cabinetmaking shops have special filters to push out dust and circulate cleaner air, while in-home finishing stirs up dust in the air, making it difficult to prevent a clean finish without bumps.
9. How is the finish dried between layers?
Drying between layers is an important finishing step. Larger manufacturers use powerful lights built within huge ovens that accelerate the process, and some finishes will take up to a month to set. Drying completely between layers ensures that the finish adheres well to the surface and provide a blemish-free final product.
10. What types of hardware do you use?
The most important aspect of base cabinetry is the interior hardware used for the functionality of the cabinets. Under-mounted, soft close drawer slides are great features and a hallmark of quality work. Be sure to find out what is being installed beforehand to avoid any potential surprises when it comes to open and closing cabinet doors or drawers.
Once you’ve asked these questions and are satisfied with the answers provided, all that remains is having your new cabinets installed so that you can have years of enjoyment in your newly remodeled kitchen! MDV Remodeling has long standing relationships with some of the finest cabinetmakers in the DC area. Working with us on your kitchen remodel will not only be easy and stress free, it will be complete with top-notch, beautiful cabinetry. Learn more.