It seems like other areas of my home could benefit from the function and beauty of cabinetry as well. Can it be used in other rooms besides the kitchen?

Absolutely! Cabinetry is fast becoming a creative household solution to the lifestyle dilemmas of today’s busy families. Visit our Idea Gallery for examples of its various uses around the house and to read up on current trends in cabinetry.

Will I get a good return on my cabinet investment?

The answer to this question will also be dependent on several outside factors, such as the value of the home, how it compares to other homes in the neighborhood and the neighborhood itself. But typically interior upgrades such as new kitchen cabinets that offer a buyer modern convenience, ample storage, functional design, style, safety and low maintenance are likely to increase the value of your home and give you more return on your investment (it is estimated in most cases to be, on average, about 81 percent of the initial cost).

There are so many things to know about this whole process. How do we go about getting started?

Remodeling projects take time, money, patience and forethought. By following these general guidelines, you can make the process more manageable and stress-free.

Prepare yourself. Remodeling is not an easy process. There will be personal intrusions, noise, distractions and inconveniences, but they can be avoided if you plan in advance.

Determine your needs. Sit down with pen and paper and try to define what it is you really want. Start an ideas folder, making lists of what you like and don’t like in your current room and look for possible ways to improve on them, using this website, product brochures, wood samples and ideas you’ve seen in magazines. Determine how the room is to be used and tie that into features you’d like to add.

Know your limits. Have a solid budget in mind before getting started. This will help keep you on track as you begin visiting showrooms, exploring options and talking with contractors. You don’t want any surprises.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Make sure you completely understand what you’re getting before you buy anything or begin work. Keep the lines of communication open with your dealer/designer/contractor and let them know when you have any hesitations or misgivings. Once a contract has been signed, it’s much more difficult to slam on the brakes.

Be open to new ideas. Your contractor and/or designer are the experts and may have solutions and options that you’ve never even thought of.

Plan to visit the dealer showroom more than once. There will be several major decisions involved in the execution of your project. To make the most of everyone’s time, consider bringing a blueprint or drawing of the room to help dealers/designers grasp your particular situation and offer you the most viable options. Make use of our convenient planning guides so that you can have this information in hand.

Check your contractor’s references. It’s also a good idea to contact the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been filed against them. Since everyone operates differently, it’s wise to let your contractor know up front what your expectations are so that they may live up to their end of the agreement.

Do I have to spend an arm and a leg today to get beautiful, quality cabinetry I will love for years to come?

No! Buyers today have more options than ever and can choose from basically two major types of cabinetry.

Stock cabinets such as Quality Cabinets® and WoodStar® are factory-made and come in a wide variety of sizes; they are generally the best choice for value-conscious cabinet shoppers. More choices than ever are available in styles, finishes, accessories and upgrades, so you can create a custom look, feel and function – but at a fraction of the custom price.

Custom cabinets give buyers the chance to choose from almost any wood species, style, accessory and finish. They are often built on-site to the homebuilder’s exact specifications – but at a high price.

What are some telltale signs of high-quality construction I can look for as I shop?

To ensure you are getting a durable, long-lasting product, look for the following before making a purchase:

• Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA) seal of approval. The KCMA certification program measures cabinets for structural, construction and finish requirements that simulate years of household use. Cabinets that pass (such as ours) are awarded a KCMA seal on the inside of the doors.
• Face frames are constructed of solid kiln-dried hardwoods.
• High-quality construction details like dovetailed drawers, adjustable hinges or easy-glide drawers.
• Sealer and topcoat to provide a durable finish, resistant to water and household chemicals.
• Manufacturer’s warranty. Any reputable manufacturer will offer one. For example, Quality Cabinets® will fully stand behind our quality and workmanship for two years from the date of purchase, and WoodStar®, for one year.