How To Keep Costs Manageable With Custom Cabinets
Since they are made especially to suit your space and preferences, custom cabinets do tend to cost more than pre-made cabinets. However, that does not mean you need to pay an arm and a leg for them. If you are on a limited budget and want to keep costs down, here are some ways to ensure your custom cabinets don't come with such a high price tag.
Choose a smaller number of larger cabinets.
When you sit down with the cabinet maker to design your cabinets, pay attention to how many cabinets are used in the space. Are there any areas where you could use one large cabinet instead of two small ones? Choosing the larger cabinet means fewer materials will be used. You'll also need less hardware, and the cabinet maker won't have to do quite as much labor to make or install the cabinets. You'll be surprised how much you can save just by swapping a few pairs of small cabinets for single, large cabinets.
Opt for some open shelving where suitable.
Is there a place in your kitchen where open shelving might look nice or work well? Many people include some open shelving near the window or next to the stove since enclosed cabinets can look a bit "busy" in these areas. For every cabinet you swap for open shelves, you'll save some money since open shelves are easier to make and mount than enclosed cabinets.
Pick a finish that doesn't need to be custom mixed.
Custom cabinet makers typically have the ability to create a finish that's a perfect match for any color you show them. However, mixing such a custom finish takes time and can get expensive. If you're trying to keep costs down, stick with finishes that are pre-mixed, and that your cabinet maker can just spray straight out of the can or bottle. Match the other items in your kitchen to your cabinets, rather than trying to match the cabinets to the kitchen.
Look at prices closely when selecting hardware.
Homeowners often assume the hardware is a tiny detail and can't possibly cost that much. But actually, the prices of cabinet hardware vary widely. Some drawer pulls cost $5, and others cost $50! So, always ask to see prices when choosing hardware, and steer away from the highest-priced options to save a bundle.
Custom cabinets don't have to empty your wallet. Use the tactics above to get your cabinets more affordably.
For more information on custom cabinets, contact a contractor.
