Before I start you should know that I am a home buider. I also have a cabinet, and millworks shop that insures I will never see the inside of a big box store unless I want too.
I have always thought that this is one of the most misunderstood/under-understood subjects in real estate, building, and home improvement. I have heard that custom cabinetry cost more, is more time consuming, and will keep your home tore up longer. These myths are perpetuated by pre-manufactured outlets trying to increase sales.
Custom cabinets are cabinets that are specifically made to fit your kitchen, bath, or wherever else needed. Don't let the word custom through you. Big Box store cabinets are those that have to be modified with fillers and other adjustments to fit your situation as well as can be expected. The cost is not much different between the two unless you get extravagant.
The hang-ups with the big box stores are that your order is handled mostly by people whom have never seen a cabinet until they were offered the designer job. That means your project is doomed to be plagued by mistakes, set backs, misunderstandings, not available in this style, and my favorite "Special Order". Is that custom?
The big hang-up with the custom shop is time. Most custom shops are producing for at least one builder, and some walk in customers. So getting the time frame you want only requires you to shop early. But you will be able to get higher quality cabinets, and just what you wanted. The best time to start looking for a cabinet maker is the day you get your plans. Framers, plumbers, and isolation people are everywhere, and their jobs don't take as much time or skill. So make your cabinet man one of the first people you find, and you will get more value for your money. Feel free to contact my email with questions.
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