Have you been dreaming about doing some home renovations and installing custom cabinets? If so, your main criteria for finding a good cabinet maker are the quality of the cabinetry product and completing the work on time.

Reputable and skilled cabinet makers know that quality is the cornerstone of their profession. They recognize that if you can’t do quality work, you shouldn’t waste your time making anything. Professional cabinet makers also recognize that if a product is made too quickly with a poor outcome, no one will remember how quickly it was created, but they’ll remember the poor workmanship.

By doing your homework ahead of time and asking for referrals from friends or co-workers, you will be in a better position to perform a careful analysis of potential applicants. You will quickly determine the degree of professional skills of your candidates and eliminate any potential concerns. Prior to your commitment, you can engage in a constructive dialogue, during which you’ll have the opportunity to ask many questions. By performing this process, you will have a better comfort level with your potential contractor.

When thinking of choosing the custom route rather than off-the-shelf stock cabinets, here’s what to look for in your cabinet maker:

• Pays attention to the details of the design during the planning phase
• Offers customers flexibility in their project designs
• Ability to seamlessly match millwork, trim or furniture pieces
• Works from a fresh and new perspective, ensuring you’re getting something uniquely you
• Uses superior materials, hardware and construction methods.
• The quality, reputation and craftsmanship are impeccable

Practical questions to ask when hiring a cabinet maker:

1. Are all of the cabinetry work done by you, like the doors, or do you order them elsewhere?

The answer should be yes since no professional craftsman would risk ruining their reputation by purchasing mass-produced products.

2. Is it possible to get some references from your clients and speak to them?

The contractor who you are considering hiring should have an ample list of referrals that he can direct you to for recommendations of his work. If he cannot provide you with a referral list of clients to talk to, be cautious.

3. Can I see some of the work you’ve done prior to five years ago?

This is a great question since most cabinet makers promote their currently completed projects. However, if you have the opportunity to see some work from the past, you will feel confident that your prospective cabinet maker’s work can stand the test of time.

4. Do you do your own finishing?

Some may do their own finishing or contract some of the work out to a third party. If they have good quality control for contracting out the finishing work, there should be no problem.

5. Do you only build cabinets or offer assistance with other wood projects?

If you have a high-quality, skilled, and professional cabinet maker, you will get a positive response. You will know that you can complement other projects with your existing cabinet maker and keep everything under one roof.

6. Can I visit your workshop and showroom?

Yes is the answer you should receive, but don’t expect to find a tidy or spacious location. Instead, you will see the process of cabinet making and evidence of their skills and expertise.

If you’ve chosen the custom cabinet route, contact us today and ask our team all of the questions above and more. We’re looking forward to working with you on your new house project.