Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on HomeGuide.
How much do custom cabinets cost near me?
Custom cabinets cost$500 to $1,200 per linear foot installed, and semi-custom cabinets cost $200 to $550 per linear foot. The average cost to install fully custom cabinets is $12,000 to $18,000. Cabinet makers charge $50 to $150 per hour for labor alone.
What does a cabinet maker do?
Cabinet makers design, build, finish, install, and repair custom bathroom and kitchen cabinetry, bookshelves, storage racks, closets, shelving, pantries, wine cellars, bars, and heirloom-quality furniture.
How long does it take to build custom cabinets?
Custom cabinets take 6 to 12 weeks on average to design, order materials, build, and install. The cabinet building time depends on the style, design planning, materials and availability, finishes, and add-ons.
What to consider before installing cabinets?
Consider the following factors when planning your custom cabinetry.
Materials – Cabinet makers can build custom cabinets from different types of wood, glass, metal, and other materials. Hardware for handles and hinges also comes in various designs and materials.
Design style – Cabinets come in six main types to choose from: Shaker-style, beadboard, glass-front, flat-front, plywood, and natural unfinished wood. Decide if you prefer sliding or pivot doors, need extra storage space, or need additional drawers.
Finishing – Select from various finishing options such as painted, stained, glazed, natural, varnished, or distressed. Ask the cabinet maker about green options and non-toxic varnishes and stains.
Add-ons – Considier installing built-in and add-on accessories such as storage systems, wine racks, custom lighting, stemware racks, pull-out trash bins, roll-out shelving, appliance panels, bookcases, and more.
How much does refinishing or refacing cabinets cost in my area?
Cabinet refacing costs$100 to $500 per linear foot, which is 50% to 75% less than replacing cabinets. Refacing is recommended for custom cabinetry when there is no damage to the cabinet doors or boxes.
Refinishing or repainting cabinets costs$3 to $10 per square foot or $900 to $3,800. Refinishing or repainting is significantly cheaper than new custom cabinets or refacing, and is recommended when cabinets show minor wear or needs an updated look.
How do I find cabinet makers in my area?
Start by searching our list of cabinet makers, then compare reviews and costs. After finding and contacting potential services:
Get at least three free estimates from cabinet builders to compare.
Ask for recommendations from family, friends, and neighbors.
Select companies that are licensed, insured, and certified.
Read reviews and check out their previous work on HomeGuide and Google.
Ask about their warranties and guarantees.
Ask for a full itemized estimate in writing.
Avoid making large payments upfront. Come up with a payment schedule for work completed.
After asking questions and verifying their credentials, hire the best custom cabinet maker in your area.
What questions to ask local cabinet builders before hiring?
When hiring a cabinet builder, ask them the following questions:
How long have you been in business?
How many similar projects have you completed?
Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?
Can you provide testimonials, references, and pictures from past customers?
What type of wood or materials do you recommend using?
Which cabinet design style would match my home?
What size should my cabinets be?
How will the cabinets be assembled?
How will the drawers and slide-out shelves be made?
What accessories can we install behind the doors?
Will the cabinets be finished on-site or in the shop?
Are there any potential complications you foresee with this project?
How long will the cabinets take to make and install?
What does your warranty policy include?
Can you provide me a written estimate or contract with a breakdown of all costs?
What’s your payment schedule?
What do I need to provide to get started?
Reviews for Washington cabinet builders
Recent success stories from people in the Washington area.
Mr. M.
I just wanted to extend my sincerest satisfaction to your company. From the beginning, your manager John provided an awesome demonstration of the quality windows you provide. The Capital Remodeling Inc. installers were superb and very prompt. They installed 8 windows in my residence on time and the quality of the workmanship they provided significantly enhanced my house. Lastly, the follow up courtesy call was very considerate and helpful. She ensured I had no issues with any aspect of the job and the quality of the windows. Again, please accept my deepest appreciation for a job well done to your employees. Great job Capital Remodeling Inc.
Capital Remodeling, INC.
Emma F.
Emington and his crew with Home Improvement were a pleasure to work with.
And I want to start off by saying this house was in very bad shape. It might have been easier to knock this house down and rebuild.
Home Improvement were professional with respect for the persons living in the house and neighbors that surrounded the area.
Ermington’s crew works as a unit. The first time we met, Home Improvement gave me an estimate and the second time we met we discussed the details of the estimate.
I was absolutely positive this house didn’t need a new roof. I couldn’t have been more wrong. In a blink of an eye the 4 men who came with Emington were grabbing their ladders and were now in the attic and on the roof of my house. As we talked Emington’s crew was sending him photos of the attic and roof damage. As we moved forward, I was blissfully unaware of what I wanted in colors and styles. Emington told me to drive around the neighborhood and look at siding and roof colors. Extremely good advice. I told him what I saw and from there he suggested what colors would complement each other.
His crew replaced the roof first. There was no screaming or cross talking from the crew for the roof replacement. The siding was next. Same crew, same results. Excellent work and respectful. I noticed they paid attention to splices with the siding. Everything looked even with no gaps. The windows were next along with the air conditioning.
The perfect plan was to bring each company to me for each project. Pella came in for the windows and showed me styles, designs, etc.… I never had to run around looking for what I wanted. There was no sales pitch and no one talked me into an upgrade. This also applied to the air conditioning.
There was a timeline but because I worked in an environment where my clients always need a ship date, I was already prepared for delays and wrong products. I can assure you mistakes will happen to delay projects that are totally out of the contractor’s hands. But with Home Improvement, Emington took control and followed up on the issue right away. He would send me emails and updates. This was very much appreciated. There was also an emergency with my family and we had to put the entire project on hold for 30 days. Emington understood and he never gave me a hard time nor did he up charge me for lost time.
Home Improvement and Emington and crew were very easy to work with. If I wanted to make a change, they would tell me honestly if that change would affect another room or if the cost was so far out of range I would decline. The crew was polite respectful, no cussing and they cleaned up after themselves. Emington’s crew also did little things to help us out. Took the battered trash cans and got rid of them for us, accepted delivers and so on. These things add up and, in the end, saves you time.
At the moment, I decided to hire Emington and crew from Home Improvement to build a screened in back porch. My decision was based on his work and the art of his craft.
I highly recommend Home Improvement as one of the best contractors I have ever worked with.
This was not my first rodeo with a construction company to turn a house into home. This site was the first time I worked with a structure in ruin and Home Improvements turned it into a home. My highest recommendations go to Home Improvement, Emington and Crew.
Emma Fox
Home Improvements LLC
Shala
Danny is very knowledgeable about what he does. He is very meticulous and delivers on time. He was very patient with us as we changed plans couple times. Overall I am very satisfied with his service and professionalism.
Atlas Design Center VA
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Nearby custom cabinet makers in and around Washington