Sometimes you are perfectly happy buying premade cabinets and installing them in your kitchen, bathroom, or garage. But sometimes you want something special made just for you – and that’s when you’ll need to look for a custom cabinet maker.

There are many contractors who work with the wooden elements in your home, including woodworkers and carpenters. If your cabinets are going to be part of a larger project, you may consider working with a more general woodworking expert. If you are focused solely on cabinets, you’ll want to choose a contractor who is also focused solely on cabinets.

A cabinet maker will be able to design your cabinets with you to incorporate the look, size, materials, and functionality you want. You will control the design and the cabinet maker will bring it to life. Sometimes it may be enough to start with a standard cabinet with customizable elements. Other times, you’ll want to design something custom from scratch.

One of the more exciting aspects of designing your cabinets is coming up with the perfect cabinet to fit specific needs. If you are a gourmet cook who likes to use spices from around the world, you may want a cabinet with small shelves that pull out to reveal your spice collection. If you are an avid crafter, you may want built-in organizers in your cabinet to keep all of your supplies tidy. If you’re a collector, a cabinet maker can work with you to design a cabinet to show off your collection.

When you are looking for a cabinet maker near you, the same guidelines for hiring a contractor or specialist like a handyman, locksmith, or paver hold true:

• Ask friends, family, or neighbors for referrals to workers they have hired
• Get at least three estimates – but don’t assume the lowest-priced option is the best one
• Get all timelines and prices in writing
• Pay a deposit at the start of the project, but don’t pay the whole amount until the work is done
• Ask for references, reviews, and photos of past work

Once you choose your cabinet maker, prepare for your discussion about the design of your cabinets. The cabinet maker may have some great suggestions for you, but it’s also good to come equipped with photos of cabinets you’ve seen that will help steer the discussion. You may find examples of functionality, decorative details, or specific materials you like. All of this information will help the cabinet maker plan your project.

Make sure you are comfortable with the cabinet maker’s understanding of your requirements before work on the cabinets actually starts. Always get the design and details about the materials in writing.

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