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Resources For Kitchen Cabinetry - Part IILast time I talked about specific sources and the best value in stock and custom kitchen cabinetry. I gave you the lo-down on how to get the best options going for kitchen cabinets and supplies. I also offered specific details on who offers what and how important it is to use in stock items. In this article, Part II,we will talk about the value in a professionally designed kitchen layout and how you can save a mint on mistakes when you take the time to draw it up beforehand. But here is the real bonus: If you make an appointment with a kitchen specialist at many of the big box stores they will layout your whole kitchen project for free! Let them know you are weighing the difference in price of ordering special vs. getting the in stock cabinetry and they will do your whole kitchen layout for you on their Computer Aided Drawing (CAD). Do make the distinction that you haven't yet decided because they may not be willing to do it just for the in stock products. It is good also to see the variation in price of the stocked vs. special order cabinets. In fact, they will come to the location and do field measures but I believe the charge for this will be included in your final purchase. If they don't do a field measure, you are free to bring in your kitchen dimensions and present your information to the kitchen designer and they will work with what you have. You must come to them with complete measurements and because you are using their in stock cabinetry, I prefer not wasting their time on scheduling a field measure. By the way, when you take your own measurements onsite have someone else go over them as well for verification. Mistakes in this area can be costly but again, take some comfort in knowing that they can generally be returned if you use in stock cabinetry. These drawings will be used many times. At time of pick up or delivery for verifying products, finishes, etc. The drawings will also be used on site for installers, plumbers, electrical and can even be used for the city when obtaining permits for changes in electrical and plumbing and gas lines.
Trust me when I tell you that you will be ahead of the game if you come in to the city with these drawings specifying dimensions and before and after renditions. You will look like you know what you are doing and in fact, you will because you have answered all of the same questions the city wants answered while sitting with the kitchen representative. Many stores offer this feature; just know that the service is often available for free only at the big box stores. You get a great deal of value and professionalism and they get a loyal customer who keeps coming back for more. The only downside of the In-Stock products: Generally they don't stock the crown molding and the cabinet sizes available are limited. They do stock fillers and 1/4 rounds but the crown will have to be ordered and is somewhat pricey. As I recall they stock maple and oak. White is a special order. By the way, I did spend a lot of time getting quotes from local cabinet makers and found that they always came in much higher, sometimes even double the price that I could get the materials for from one of the previously mentioned sources. I'm sure there may be exceptions to this rule but I found it wasn't worth my time only to come up with the same conclusion each time. When you establish these relationships, even the big guys can be personable and are sometimes able to offer resources and discounts not available elsewhere. Hope this information was helpful and remember, that when you ask someone who knows, you save yourself countless hours of research and time. Our aim is to help you!
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