FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Please understand that I do a very wide range of types of cabinets with varying finishes, options, woods, etc. so do not expect me to give you a quote without a fair amount of information. I have built small cabinets for under $1,000 to large, extravagant projects topping $100,000. my standard procedure is to meet with a pospective customer to discuss basics. If design work is required I may request a small fee for that work which would be credited to the cost of the project. I do not otherwise charge for that meeting. I would get basic dimensions, then contact you with a preliminary price. Often, there may be a few changes requested in design but once the customer is ready to proceed I require a 50% payment to start production. At the time of delivery, if we are not installing, I require final payment. Sales tax will be due also. If we are also supplying installation services, upon delivery 40% id due with balance due on completion date. Note: We are cabinetmakers, not general contractors. We do not provide plumbing, electrical, or hvac work, carpentry, drywall, etc. You need to contract that work yourself or we can possibly advise.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
My training began with my father when I was 7 years old. He wasn't a cabinetmaker by trade but his uncle was a highly skilled cabinetmaker, and taught my father a great deal. I was first exposed to it with a complete remodel of our 120 year old home, and at age 12 worked with him building a new home for my aunt. He brought home a wood lathe that year from an auction and showed me the basics. I studied carpentry one year in high school at an occ ed program, then stated building, selling, and constantly learning. I was a voracious reader, consuming anything I could find about woodworking. I continue to this day.
- How did you get started doing this type of work?
I built and sold my first custom peice of furniture at age 14, had my own business before graduating from high school. This was over 40 years ago. My first kitchen cabinet build was at that time. Over the years I combined a career of custom homebuilding with my cabinetry work but these days concentrate on cabinetry and furniture. It's been 47 years since that first sale, and I admit to learning something new about what I do all the time. It's part of what I love about my job!