In any kitchen, the cabinets are the main focus, so you want to make sure new or replacement cabinets are installed correctly. A professional carpenter can properly, securely mount new cabinets to the wall; the national average cost for this service is $7,725, although the cost varies widely depending on the type of cabinets, their material and their size, and the accessories you add. A typical fee is $70 per linear foot to remove existing cabinets and assemble and install new ones; the cost is less if you do the demolition and removal yourself. Stock cabinets are the least expensive to have installed, ranging from $75 to $400 each; semi-custom cabinets range from $150 to $900 each; and custom cabinets cost from $500 to $1,400 each. Wood cabinets are more expensive than those made from plywood or medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and finished with a laminate. Wood cabinets range in cost from $80 to $160 per linear foot. Laminate-finished cabinets cost $35 to $75 per linear foot, on average.

Custom cabinets can be built for any room, including bedroom closets and built-in armoires. Measured carefully and built precisely, custom cabinetry can increase storage and beautify any room. The national average for building custom cabinets ranges from $500 to $1,200 per linear foot. The cost is highly variable because there are so many styles, colors, glazes and other options. In general, the linear footage of the cabinets, the materials used to build them, and the cost of the labor will determine the cost. Solid wood costs more than plywood and wood veneer, and costs vary among different types of wood; maple and cherry cabinets are more expensive than pine. Glass-front cabinets can cost more, as can decorative hinges, handles and door pulls, which can cost $2-$45 each; choose carefully to stay within your budget and pull off the exact look you’re going for. Some carpenters also charge for installation, on average $100 per cabinet box. Additional molding and trim, such as crown molding at the ceiling, cost an average of $70 per 8-foot section, and adding finished ends to exposed cabinets averages $100-$200.

In general, home service providers such as electricians, plumbers and contractors are professionals who don’t expect tips. They expect to do a job for you for the specific price they quoted. Of course, they may appreciate a tip for a job particularly well done or for which they’ve gone beyond what’s normally expected, such as completing the project early or under budget. Even better than a tip, it’s always appropriate to leave a positive review online after a good experience.