How To Save Money On Your Next Custom Cabinet Job : Hire The Well Equipped Shop.

By Keith Sorinson

The two phrases "budget conscious" and "custom cabinets" are rarely used in the same sentence. It's definitely true that for many years custom cabinets were not affordable for those that dreamed of a custom kitchen but this is changing. The technology used to assist large cabinet manufacturers with improving efficiency and cost is now available to the local custom cabinet shop IF they have the money to invest. And one such cabinet shop has done this very thing.

I wanted to highlight just one small business seeking to set themselves apart by adjusting to the economic change before them by changing the process and utilizing technology. This article is in support of the small business. Small cabinet shop going hi-tech in order to maintain a competitive edge and improve on their pricing structure. When others are looking for ways to increase prices, LyndenCraft is looking for ways to improve their process and decrease their price. I believe in the entrepreneur spirit but it's not very often you come across a story like this. When a talented shop adds technology to the mix in order to offer a better price for their customers we should take notice.

Larger companies in the business of making custom cabinets have long been using the robotic cutting systems as a source of reliable manpower. These machines show up for work on time, they never complain nor ask for more money. Most importantly they are fast and super accurate. The cost of this equipment has come down some but truly only a handful of smaller shops are starting to purchase this type of equipment in order to compete with the "big guys" and I interviewed one such custom cabinet shop in Charlotte, NC. They have certainly increased their equipment but at the same time they strive to maintain a custom service with their custom cabinets. Unfortunately, not every custom cabinet shop can make such an investment but Steve Oates did.

Steve continued to explain that larger manufacturers do not have the capacity to adjust cabinets for custom fits without seriously charging the clients extra because it goes outside of their normal process. Steve indicated, "All we do is customized. We're just using the same equipment and software but our service is still customized. Recently I traveled to local Charlotte residence when taking my final measurements for an upcoming kitchen renovation project. I noticed that the cabinet above the stovetop hood wasn't allowing a proper fit for that stovetop ventilation system. Since the homeowner wanted to reuse this hood and save money, I simply took my pencil out and made a small note to adjust the size by 1/8" on either side. No extra cost and not trouble. That's the custom cabinet approach. We helped them save money by reusing some equipment.

In closing Steve shared more about the custom service that they work so hard to maintain. He shared, "I mention to all my clients wanting to invest in custom cabinets. The process of preparing, designing and installing custom cabinets is just as important as enjoying the end product. Many of my clients share disappointing stories about the contractor that sold well and delivered poorly." Steve continues, "We strive to shatter their conception of a contractor. From the moment we step foot into their home until we remove our last tool. It is our desire to develop a working relationship with our clients. We are committed to developing an enjoyable process and product that they show off and share with friends. Even more important. I trust they will use their new custom kitchen so that it becomes a focal point in their home as they create moments of community with neighbors, family and friends. That's the true beauty created from the use of a functional and spacious kitchen. - 32406

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