Why You Might Want to Avoid Your Local Custom Cabinetmaker

When it comes to home renovations and remodeling, one of the toughest decisions homeowners face is whether they hire a local custom cabinetmaker for their project. While the idea of supporting local artisans and having a unique, handcrafted product may sound appealing, there are several reasons why this might not always be the best choice.

Unfortunately, there are no regulations or licensing requirements to become a custom cabinetmaker, and 'custom' most-certainly does not mean 'quality'. Anyone can easily create a website, pull "recent project photos" from Pinterest, and suddenly claim to be an expert. We've discussed how to ensure you're working with a reputable professional, and ultimately, they’re either qualified or they’re not. The majority of the disasters (and disappointed homeowners) we've helped with haven't come from "cheap box store imports"... but rather local custom cabinetmakers.

We've seen so much unnecessary stress and frustration from homeowners that we want to help others avoid. Here are some real-world examples of red flags to watch out for from unqualified professionals, helping you ensure your project runs smoothly and without any headaches!

Limited Expertise With Finishes

I personally consider the finish to be one of the most crucial details of cabinetry. Additionally, most finishes we see today are not that difficult for a skilled finisher to execute. Red flags to watch out for include things like asking homeowners to create their own samples (which is like taking your car to a mechanic and being asked how to fix it), using hardware store finishes, and a general lack of understanding of how professional cabinet finishes work — all warning signs we want to avoid.

Here are a few recent examples of relatively simple finishes that were completely ruined by a "professional" who just didn’t know what they were doing:

Inspiration photo above, what was delivered below.

What was agreed-upon above, what was delivered below.

Inspiration above, what was delivered below.

What was expected above, and what was delivered below.

Some recent examples of brand-new cabinets "professionally" painted.

Having the finisher/cabinetmaker create samples (not the homeowner), using professional grade cabinet finishes that will last for decades, and having clear systems in place to set and maintain expectations before, during, and after the process are all standard for good custom shops and larger manufacturers.

Inconsistent Quality

The quality of custom cabinetry can vary significantly depending on the craftsman. While some local cabinetmakers might produce exceptional results, others might fall short of expectations due to limitations in materials, equipment, or skill.

This was a project completed by a custom cabinetmaker whose very-frustrated homeowner came to our group asking for help.

Here is a small sample of some of the disasters we've seen just recently. All were built by a "professional custom cabinetmaker" — Here is a small sample of some of the disasters we've seen *just recently*. All were built by a "professional custom cabinetmaker"

So What Do We Do About It?

It can seem like there are only two options for buying cabinetry: the big box store or the local guy my GC suggests I use. The truth is, there are so many other great options! In writing this piece, I worked with one of our brilliant experts Chelsea Mullens and she suggested taking the following approach:

Here are the best ways to approach buying your new cabinetry -

If available in your community, vet and pay for the quality cabinet maker. Look for clear signs of professionalism and skill level, engage someone of the appropriate caliber for your expectations, and know you’re getting a ‘built for you’ custom piece.

Purchase from a manufacturer for a good quality, predictable, and dependable product (especially the finish!). Potentially pay a little more, but that’s the trade-off for peace of mind. There are many good regional and national brands and a lot depends on your specific design, so just ask in the group and we'll point you in the right direction.

If you are budget driven, which is a-ok, order quality RTA and trade your sweat equity for cost. We like The RTA Store for most projects, and Conestoga retailers like The Cabinet Joint for more custom designs.

Please don’t hire cheap, inexperienced, or lazy ‘custom’ trades to save a buck. It will always bite you in the butt.

The point of this blog isn't to scare anyone, rather help us understand that 'custom' doesn't mean 'quality'. If you want to start the process with a local custom cabinetmaker, by all means do - just make sure they're qualified! If they aren't, know that you have lots of other good options: Regional and national manufacturers throughout the US that create exceptional cabinets, and some pretty good online retailers that will ship directly to you.

The Value of Unbiased Expertise

Building new or remodeling a house can be an incredibly stressful and anxious process. Especially if you feel your builder, contractor, or cabinetmaker isn't as supportive as you'd prefer. That is why Wayhome exists: to support you. We understand that you're not just building a house, you're creating a home, and every detail has to be perfect.