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Comparing Custom and Big Box Cabinet Options - Surprising Results!

By
Home Stager with Creative Concepts-Home Staging and Contracting, Salem Oregon CCB #180695

custom cabinetsWe've been involved in many kitchen and bathroom remodels and cabinetry is always key to not only a beautiful but highly functional room.

Recently we were doing a full kitchen remodel and decided to compare the big box store to custom cabinetry options

First I set up an appointment with "big box" store kitchen designer.  I had measurements of the space and ideas of what I wanted.  The designer was wonderful, but since she wasn't in the room her ideas were limited.  This home's price range is moderate, and the lower end cabinets were inferior quality in my opinion.  I would not order them for this home.  I selected the lowest end cabinet options that looked of passable quality.  Big box stores charge extra to come out and measure/view the room which was the next step.

Then I contacted a custom cabinetmaker, Chris Lemon of CL Woodworks.  Chris has helped us transform several kitchens and bathrooms.  I trust his advice and workmanship.  He evaluated the space and offered some innovative options that we hadn't considered that improved functionality and flow for the kitchen.  The next day we received faxed computerized plans of a few options and the according prices.  His custom cabinetry for this kitchen was less than the bid from the big box store and the quality difference was significantly better! 

 

Cabinet maker Salem Oregon

 

What things are you looking for in cabinets?

Quality?

Durability?

Custom Options?

Innovative ideas?

Value and Affordability?

 

By choosing a local cabinet maker, you can optimize your budget and options.  As I said, we have worked on many projects with the professionals at CL Woodworks.  Some have been a minor jobs like new doors only, others fully redesigned spaces.  Each job has kept our objectives and goals in mind -- as well as our budget!

 

updating kitchen cabinetsCL Woodworks is in located in Keizer Oregon and his workmanship has been featured in custom and tour homes for many years throughout the Salem area.   When investing money into a home, it's important to work with licensed contractors of top integrity and values.  We know the team at CL Woodworks not only have these important traits, but are excellent communicators and will work hard to make sure each job exceeds their customer's expectations.

So go ahead - check out the big box store for your cabinet options.  Then check out the local options with CL Woodworks.  Contact Chris Lemon at 503-851-9557.  Not only are you supporting our local economy - but the value and quality can't be beat!

 

 

 

 

Creative Concepts and Contracting is a professional home staging company serving Salem Oregon and surrounding areas -- helping homeowners create beautiful homes to live in or to sell quickly!

 

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Ginger Foust
Certified Staging Professional - Oakhurst, CA
Home Stager Oakhurst CA, Dream Interior Redesign & Staging

Beautiful kitchens Margaret.  I have found the same to be true.  I had a local cabinet man do my last custom home and the workmanship and attention to detail was top notch.

With the BB stores the quality just isn't the same and often the installer for the BB stores isn't always the best.  I have one design client that's been fighting with HD for almost a year over the crappy install job on her high-end cabinets.  They will be fixed, but only because she's a fighter and will not give up.  Next time I would recommend a local guy and I know that she will never use HD again. 

People need to know...thanks for sharing the info.

 

 

 

Aug 02, 2009 03:17 AM
Kathy Alexander
GreatStages Home Staging and Redesign - Vancouver, WA
Home Stager Camas WA, Home Staging Southwest WA

Nice testimonial, Margaret and I couldn't agree more. When we were building we checked out many options for cabinetry and found that the local custom cabinet shops offered a superior product at a better price. Another advantage is that it is the greener option - you are sustaining the local economy and not transporting long distances.

Aug 02, 2009 03:38 AM
Anonymous
Kathy Corjasso

Thanks for the comparison Margaret.  I have often wondered about that and now you have saved me the work to find out.  You are the best!

Aug 02, 2009 03:47 AM
#3
Gina Dougherty
Fusion Design Consulting - Redondo Beach, CA
Home Staging Redondo Beach, CA- FusionDesignConsulting.com

I've found the same to be true.  I have a local cabinet maker who provides so many options, solutions and customer service as well as competitive prices. 

It's also important to support local businesses.

Aug 02, 2009 04:47 AM
Melissa Marro
Keller Williams First Coast Realty - The Marro Team - Orange Park, FL
Jacksonville Real Estate and Home Staging

Thanks for this post.  We just put in an offer on a home that has a kitchen that needs to be completely gutted and we'll need to completely remodel.  I would have thought custom kitchens from the smaller stores to be too expensive.  I'll definately get multiple bids and include our smaller stores as well....

Aug 02, 2009 04:48 AM
Anonymous
Heather Dickey

I have seen with the current economic concerns a return by consumers to going back to the way it used to be.  When customer service and quality of product was paramount. Consumer's are more diligent, and those that provide these products and services , if they are smart , also provide superior customer service like Mr. Lemon. It is wonderful to be able to refer friends and clients to local companies and know that they will have a great experience. Thank you for sharing yours.

Aug 02, 2009 05:29 AM
#6
Margaret Oscilia
Creative Concepts-Home Staging and Contracting, Salem Oregon - Salem, OR
Home Stager, Salem Oregon

Thanks for reading Ginger!  All these cabinets are products of CL Woodworks -- beautiful workmanship!

Kathy - I agree.  I always thought that big box stores would provide cheaper cabinets at maybe a slightly inferior cost.  Boy was I wrong!  And yes -- it's a great "green" option!

Kathy C. - Since you are local be sure to pass on the word to your clients about this great way to update their homes when preparing to sell!

Gina - I love it when you find a true craftsman who has wonderful ideas -- it makes remodeling or building so much easier and provides such a wonderful product!

Aug 02, 2009 06:41 AM
Margaret Oscilia
Creative Concepts-Home Staging and Contracting, Salem Oregon - Salem, OR
Home Stager, Salem Oregon

Melissa - I think you'd be much happier with the craftsmanship from a local cabinet shop -- and maybe some innovative ideas.  It's worth searching for a great partner when starting such a big project!

Heather - Craftmanship and customer service -- plus local business support -- I agree -- it's a win-win situation!  We love to refer local businesses -- Salem is still a small town to us!

Aug 02, 2009 06:44 AM
Cathy Lee
CL Design Services Home Staging - Danville, CA
ASP, IAHSP, RESA Danville, CA

We needed two cabinets built in our family room and had Home Depot and Lowe's quote the job-then called a local cabinet maker. Guess who we hired?? The local builder did such a beautiful job at half the price!! I am so happy and have referred him TONS of business!! 

Great blog Margaret!! 

Aug 02, 2009 02:23 PM
Cindy Bryant
Redesign Etc. Home Staging - Houston, TX
"Houston Home Staging Pros"

The big box stores do a great job, but persoanlly when I get ready to build, I'm going with a custom builder, can't beat the details and quality.  IMHO

Aug 02, 2009 04:57 PM
SHARON CHARBONEAU
UPSTAGING YOUR HOMES - Sechelt, BC

Great post Margaret!

It is interesting how the public would automatically assume that the big box store would be less expensive than custom cabinet makers.

This is a common error.   We all have to remember not to A-S-S-U-M-E, as it makes an ASS of U & ME

Aug 04, 2009 05:17 AM
Randy Brusven
Silverton, OR

Well done Margaret.  Custom cabinets do make a difference, and using someone local is good for business.  Thanks for the post, Randy.

Aug 04, 2009 09:47 AM
Jim Hale
ACTIONAGENTS.NET - Eugene, OR
Eugene Oregon's Best Home Search Website

This is very encouraging over all.  Do you think it would still be true if we were not in a recession?

Would this cabinet guy work in Eugene?  Not soon.  Just generally?

Aug 11, 2009 05:39 PM
Margaret Oscilia
Creative Concepts-Home Staging and Contracting, Salem Oregon - Salem, OR
Home Stager, Salem Oregon

Cathy Lee - It's pretty surprising to get such quality at a lower cost isn't it!

Cindy - you're right - the details AND the vision to give you things that make your kitchen fabulous - not just updated!

Sharon - Thanks for reading!

Randy - Hi local friend!  We try to keep the local businesses busy!

Jim - Yes - I know he is working on a job in Eugene right now.  So yes, please keep him in mind!

Aug 12, 2009 12:06 AM