The two phrases “budget conscious” and “custom cabinets” are rarely used in the same sentence. It’s definitely true that for many years custom cabinets were not affordable for those that dreamed of a custom kitchen but this is changing. The technology used to assist large cabinet manufacturers with improving efficiency and cost is now available to the local custom cabinet shop IF they have the money to invest. And one such cabinet shop has done this very thing.

I’m writing this article because I believe in the small business. I support entrepreneurs but more importantly those with such a unique skill set that when combined with technology can offer you some of the best custom cabinets of all time. How is this possible? A lot has to do with the machines behind the cabinets. No longer do men need to hold up a large 4 foot by 8 foot sheet of plywood in order to cut with a table saw and hold a straight line. Now, they can set it down on a robotic table and allow the computer program to cut the pieces out within 1/100th of an inch in accuracy. Not only is this accurate BUT cost effective for you.

Steve Oates, shop owner, told me recently, “I got a call from a women who wanted me to quote over the phone a price to compete with Home Depot. She was quoted about $6,700 just for a kitchen island with an artificial countertop. After I talked with her a bit I told her I was confident we could save her about $1,400 AND offer her a choice of 20 styles of granite included in the price.” She was shocked and I was too when he told me.

Local custom cabinet shop owner, Steve Oates, unfolded this recent example, “My phone rang last week and one struggling Mom called to obtain a verbal quote. I could tell she was anxious to obtain a quote fast so I asked a few questions. Reading from a recent quote from “Home Depo” she said, “can you beat $6,700?” In my mind I’m wondering what she asked for that drove the cost up a bit but after talking a few minutes I instantly knew the cause. She was trying to adjust a manufacturer’s standard cabinet to make it customized.” “I talked with her a few more minutes then shared that I felt we could save her about $1,400 and in addition include a granite top. I even gave her up to 20 granite types to choose from. Needless to say the client was very pleased and surprised.”

In closing Steve talked some more about the custom service included with his custom cabinets. He said, “I try to explain to all my clients wishing to purchase any custom cabinet project. I firmly believe the process is equally important to the product! Too many of my clients have told horror stories of contractors that are great at sales, horrible at delivery, and just ok with the end product. We wish to be fantastic to work with from the moment we enter the home until the last tool is removed and we work hard to that end. We are committed to creating such a pleasant experience that they can’t wait to tell their friends. In my mind, it’s even more important that their new kitchen becomes a center piece for gatherings as they share their home with others and create a sense of community.”

Outdated Kitchen? Before you buy any custom kitchen cabinets be sure to read this aricle about Custom Cabinets, Custom Kitchen Cabinets.