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 How
do I begin the process of acquiring cabinets for my home?Typically, I will ask a prospective client to forward me, either personally, by mail, or fax a sketch, or plans they may already have of their anticipated project. If they do not have drawings already, I will ask they hand draw a quick sketch of what they think they may want, with some ballpark measurements. I’ll ask if they know any characteristics of their project….Is it painted, stained, or natural finish? I’ll ask if they know the wood species they are interested in. Why do you do this? Frankly, to cut down time I spend chasing false leads, and ultimately, to reduce the cost of your project. From even a simple drawing, I can generate a detailed estimate, complete with specifications. I do this by computer. It is very accurate and reasonably quick. What next? Well, if we seem to be on the same page, if you feel comfortable with me, and the estimate is satisfactory, we will go on to the design phase. Design Phase? The Design Phase is just that. I will design your project! I will invite you to my shop and showroom. I will show you various door styles and finishes, cabinet features, as well as a portfolio of work. I’ll ask you further questions on your preferences of colors, wood species, styling questions, and finishes. I will try to understand how you anticipate using your new cabinetry. I’ll ask questions concerning options you may consider using in your cabinets. An appointment will be made for me to come to your home, and thoroughly measure the area that your new cabinets will be placed. I will take note of accesses to the delivery area. Any electrical, plumbing, HVAC, cable, or other considerations that may impact on the design of your project will be taken into account. Often, I will take digital pictures of the area and use a laser level to determine how square and level your site is. Armed with this information, I can begin drawing your project. Drawings? I generate drawings on a CAD program called KCDw. I will supply you with 
elevation, floor plan, and 3D views. On the drawings, I 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 I 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, I will do my best to set a date and actually deliver on it. If there are any delays, for whatever reason, I will notify you well in advance. As a general rule, I am trying to deliver Entertainment Centers and similar projects on a 6-8 week schedule. Kitchens, I am trying to deliver on a 7-11 week schedule. 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 I can do to make you comfortable about your project, I will try to do. Phone Calls? Same as the shop visits, you are welcome to call at any time and if I am not available, I 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, I 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. |
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