You’ve come to a crossroads in your kitchen remodeling project “should I get custom cabinets or semi-custom cabinets?” You’re about to spend a decent chunk of money on cabinets, the last thing you want is to choose the wrong ones! Perhaps you aren’t even sure what the difference is?
Never fear, Bay Cities is here! We have helped hundreds of our clients navigate in finding their perfect cabinets. However, because we come across this question so frequently, we’ve decided to write an article. We hope you’re you find it helpful enough in making the decision on which cabinets to get. Let’s begin…. When looking at the difference between custom cabinets and semi-custom cabinets, it is in reference to the production method used to make them, not the quality of the cabinets themselves. Whether you’re beginning a kitchen remodel, or are in the process of one, the amount of options for details is almost endless.
This breakdown of custom and semi-custom cabinets will hopefully help you narrow down your decision on which cabinets to use for your kitchen remodel.
Semi-custom cabinets are exactly how it sounds. They are prefabricated cabinets with options for extra detailing. A leading manufacture of these cabinets is Kraftmaid Cabinets. The value propositions are, they are a lower cost alternative to custom cabinets and they can offer a limited number of custom features. In some cases they can be customized to meet your aesthetic and functional requirements. Basic cabinetry sizes still apply. However, you have the option to change certain dimensions, such as resizing cabinet drawers, door fronts, or increasing the depth.
Custom cabinets are created to your design and specifications. In other words, you can have whatever you want! Because someone is creating your cabinetry vision, custom cabinets are generally more expensive because it is labor-intensive and built off-site by a skilled cabinetry carpenter. It is also important to note that custom cabinets take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months to complete.
Whether you choose semi-custom or custom cabinets, it really depends on how much you’re willing spend and how much customization you need/want. I would recommend custom cabinets under the following 3 conditions:
1. You house is worth more than $500k.
2. You can afford it and you plan on staying in the home for more than 5 years.
3. You need and/or want the customizable storage.
At Bay Cities Construction, we pride ourselves on guiding our clients through the selection process. We are in Torrance, CA so keep in mind that California costs are higher than in other parts of the country. That is why when we talk about cost, we talk about percentages of budgets. That way the information is actionable in other parts of the country. As a course of business, we help clients decide on which cabinets to select.
I cannot over-emphasize the importance of designing towards a budget. Know what total budget makes sense. Every week we have come across plans and designs, draft by outside 3rd parties that are way too expensive for the budget of the client. We have written a cost guide article on kitchen remodeling. Follow this link to learn more about kitchen remodeling costs in Los Angeles, California region.
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