7 Questions to Ask Your Custom Cabinet Maker

If you’re new to the idea of custom kitchen cabinets and don’t know where to start, this article is for you. Working collaboratively with a cabinet maker can be an incredibly rewarding experience as your creativity shines through in the final product. But how can you make sure you’re getting exactly what you want?

Asking your custom cabinet maker the right questions will ensure that you’re happy with the finished product. So, we’ve compiled a list of 7 questions that you should have at the ready before diving into a new project.

What Materials Are You Using?

Before starting a custom cabinet project (or any build for that matter) you want to know what materials are available to you and what materials the contractor suggests you use. 

That last answer will be different for everyone as it can depend on many factors like budget, lifestyle, and overall style preference. A cabinet company may make their recommendations based on materials that are already present in your home, or based on the unique atmosphere of your kitchen. Depending on where you live or the type of property you’re designing, some materials are better suited for different climates and weather conditions. Knowing what materials are available can also open your mind to different creative ideas. 

We have a great selection of real wood species, including red alder, maple, cherry, oak and walnut. We also carry alternative materials such as MDF (medium density fibreboard) and TFL (thermo fused laminate). Different materials work for different budgets and lifestyles, so we’re happy to make recommendations based on your needs. 

How Much Can I Design?

At the end of the day, your kitchen should be designed to fit your needs and the needs of your family. Having custom cabinets is a part of this, as you can decide where they’re placed, the specific dimensions, and unique style. But sometimes smaller details, such as cabinet interiors or where the hardware is placed on the cabinet, fall to the cabinet maker unintentionally. If you’re aware at the start of the project of how much say you have in the overall design, this won’t happen. 

During the cabinet design process, you ask how much of the design you’re able to control. This will ensure that the cabinets are truly customized to your liking and nothing is missed. 

Can I Visit the Production Site?

Custom cabinet makers usually allow their clients to stop by the manufacturing site so you can see how the products are made. Our factory is over 80,000 sq/ft and employs over 55 people. If you’d like to learn more about the process and see us in action, stop by for a free tour! Depending on the size and scale of the business, a company might also have a showroom. If they do, you can stop by for a tour or book an appointment. Asking to see the showroom is a great way to get a look and feel for the range of products a cabinet maker has to offer. You can see how the products look in real life and touch the materials to make sure they’re exactly what you want in a final design. 

Do You Outsource Your Cabinets?

Some cabinet makers will outsource products, meaning that they only carry other lines of cabinetry in their showrooms. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with this, but it is a good question to ask if you’re looking for custom kitchen cabinets. It can be helpful for making sure materials are reliable, communication is clear, and the end result is what was expected. 

While we do carry other cabinet lines, 90% of our sales are from our own cabinet line, Orchard Hill. 

How Much Experience Do You Have?

It’s always great to know how much experience a custom cabinet maker has before you decide to hire them for a project. While everyone has to start somewhere, more experienced cabinet makers are a better option for larger projects, like kitchen renovations. 

By choosing an experienced company with knowledgeable staff, you’ll get great value for your money and a committed team. They’ll also be able to foresee any future challenges the project might entail—saving you money (and a headache) in the long run. 

What Other Services Do You Offer?

Ask about other cabinet services at the same time, like bathroom vanities or cabinet lockers. If you choose to work with a company that offers several different services, you’re able to rely on them for other renovations you might want in the future. It also shows that they have diverse skills and knowledge, which is always a plus when trying to find a cabinet maker you can trust. 

If you’re shopping around for custom cabinet makers, keep track of who offers what so you can refer to your list before making a decision. 

How Long Will the Project Take?

Lastly, you’ll want to make sure that your custom cabinet maker gives you an estimated timeline for the project. It’s important to remember that any custom project has its own unique set of challenges and advantages. While a custom cabinet maker won’t be able to give you an exact completion date, they will be able to give you a maximum date and a minimum date.

Usually, these two dates will not be drastically different from each other. But it’s in your best interest that the cabinet maker manages your expectations and delivers honesty, as well as work that isn’t rushed. 

It’s also important to note that due to the pandemic many companies have been experiencing product shipment delays and shortages. This can have a significant impact on a project’s timeline, so it’s best to give yourself at least six months to a year to get everything done. If your goal is to have a renovation completed by the end of 2022, you’ll want to get started now!

There You Have It!

With these questions handy, you’ll have a better idea of the scope of your custom cabinet project. If these questions have sparked other inquiries, be sure to write them down. There’s no limit to the amount of questions you can ask a custom cabinet maker, as all we want to do is make sure you’re happy with the final product. 

If you’re ready to start planning your next kitchen renovation, or want to learn more about something mentioned above, don’t hesitate to reach out.