Working with our Customers

How do I begin the process of acquiring cabinets for my home?

Typically, I will ask a prospective client to come visit me in our new showroom. We have excellent displays that clearly will show you in person, exactly what type of work we do . By coming in, you will have the opportunity to touch and feel the cabinetry. By opening and closing doors, exploring what some of our high end "Gizmos" actually do, you will have a much better sense of how our cabinetry can look and function in your home. By seeing door styles, finishes, cabinetry styles and construction materials and hardware, you should leave with a real sense of what your cabinetry is going to be. This is time well spent, because it can answer so many questions, as well as allow you a much better understanding of any estimate that I propose to you.

Do I need to bring anything with me when I visit your showroom?

If you have any plans ,then yes, definitely bring them . If you do not have drawings already, we'lll ask you to hand draw a quick sketch of what you think you may want, with some ballpark measurements. Do not feel intimidated by these drawing tasks. If we do the job for you, we will visit your site and take very accurate measurents . This is just to get a reasonable feel for the size and scope, and from even a simple drawing, we can generate a detailed estimate, complete with specifications.

Showroom Visit

At this initial meeting at the Curtis Cabinetry Showroom, we will discuss your needs and desires as they relate to cabinetry. We may discuss your budget, and when applicable, you may be shown what projects of similar size, style, or function may have cost. At this point, you may ask us for drawings and an estimate. We will be happy to do both.

We will produce a free and accurate estimate based on our discussions at our showroom meeting. This estimate will be yours to keep.
The drawings done at this estimate phase are not intended to be final drawings, but rather to allow the customer to get a better feel for what is actually being estimated. Drawings are very time consuming and are considered part of the job, so they are viewable by computer screen only, until a contract has been initiated.

Design and Planning Phase?

After the estimate has been reviewed and considered acceptable, the work of making the actual plan begins. Looking at a site in person sometimes reveals options that were not initially considered. Our experience and expertise may cause us to suggest minor or major alternatives if they seem appropriate to your style and budget concerns. We try our best to ask you further questions on your preferences and try to better understand how you anticipate using your new cabinetry. We will then take Accurate Jobsite Measurements . Armed with this information, and with notes of your showroom visit, we can begin designing your project.

A Design Fee typically of 3-5% of the estimate is due at this time, and is non refundable. It is part of the overall cost, not in addition to.

We will supply you with elevation, floor plan, and 3D views. On the drawings, we will put relevant notes that may be required to help you understand exactly what you are buying. Although I will try to draw something you love right away, it often will require a few redraws to get it just right. When the design is finally complete and you are happy and understand it completely, I will create a Proposal.

Proposal?

The proposal is often very similar to the estimate. The difference is it will now include exact measurements, styling, options, and all drawings as well as delivery and installation notes. It will include a payment schedule as well as an anticipated delivery date. Acceptance of the proposal is what will actually place your project in the manufacturing schedule.

Scheduling

Scheduling is something that we recognize as being of critical importance. Whether it is because you are trying to line up sub-contractors in a kitchen project, or it's an entertainment center that you may not need on a specific date, but you really want it, we will do our best to set a date and actually deliver on it. If there are any delays, for whatever reason, we will notify you well in advance.

As a general rule, we deliver Entertainment Centers and similar projects on a 5 - 8 week schedule. Kitchens we deliver on a 6-10 week schedule depending on design, size, and complexity. Most kitchens are delivered within 6-8 weeks, Fastest delivery time is approximately 5 weeks.

Shop Visits?

You are welcome to visit the shop at almost any time. While your project is under way, you may come by to see its status, to see part of the manufacturing process, or to ask questions. Basically, whatever we can do to make you comfortable about your project, we will try to do.

Phone Calls?

Same as the shop visits, you are welcome to call at any time. If we are not available, we will return your call as soon as possible.

Warranties

Doors, Drawer Fronts, and Drawer Boxes are warranted for one year from the date of manufacture. In reality, if there is anything wrong with any of these components, we will most often discover them at receiving. The rare defect that could occur is invariably identified either prior to, or very shortly after delivery. They are matter of factly replaced when necessary.

Because I rely so heavily on word of mouth business, I will generally do all I can to help a past customer, regardless of when a problem may arise. Whether it is to adjust for free, a drawer front that may have come out of adjustment, or to repair at a nominal charge a door that someone's child chose to use as a jungle gym, my customers, and their satisfaction are my livelihood and my opportunity for success. I always return calls