6 Things to Consider Before Hiring Cabinet Makers

Do you feel like your living space needs a stylish but functional upgrade? Do you need more storage space for your growing family? Do you need to organise your kitchen, bedroom, or basement? If your answer is yes to one or more of these questions, you may want to consider getting custom cabinets. These pieces of furniture are not only useful but, in the hands of a skilled cabinet maker, also stylish. In fact, the right style of cabinets can anchor a room and make all the other design elements “work.”

For this reason, choosing the right cabinet makers Perth contractor for your Perth home is a crucial step. There are plenty of factors to consider, chief among them the level of skill of the cabinet makers. Here are a few more tips to help make sure you hire the best cabinet makers.

Are They Certified Professionals?

Hiring a cabinet maker is just like hiring any other employee: you have to ensure that the applicant is qualified for the position they’re applying for. For cabinet makers, you want to look into their educational background and professional history. Did they take cabinet-making or furniture-making courses and got certified? How long have they been in the industry? Have they received any awards? You may even want to check their industry partners, like the suppliers of their materials. Another thing to look into is the way they’re going to make your cabinets. Is everything going to be machine-made or are the aspects of the cabinet-making that will be done by hand? This is important when the cabinet you want has plenty of fine details.

Are They Knowledgeable?

Knowledgeable, in this case, isn’t merely about their skill in construction. Cabinet makers should also have an eye for interior design. They should also know the best ways to maximise space, working around obstacles and existing fittings like plumbing or electrical wires. If you ask about the best materials or the latest designs, they should be able to confidently provide recommendations. Another thing you might want to check is if they have experience in constructing cabinetry that’s accessible to disabled or mobility-challenged persons. They should be able to give design and layout recommendations that enhance usability and accessibility. 

Do They Have an Extensive Portfolio?

A good cabinet maker should be able to provide you with a portfolio of their past work. This could either be in a printed catalogue-like format or simply in the form of an online album. If they have a website, all the better. An extensive portfolio means they have sufficient experience in making various types and sizes of cabinets. No matter your personal preferences and your space’s existing design (and limitations), a good cabinet maker should be able to adapt. Checking a cabinet maker’s portfolio also gives you a glimpse into their skill. It can help you determine whether or not their style would be compatible with yours and if they can help you achieve the style you want.

Another good thing to do while shopping around for cabinet makers is to actually visit the workshops and showrooms. Nothing beats seeing the actual products. If they will allow it, take a peek into their cabinet-making process. Seeing the way they work will show you how they will treat your own cabinets once they start working on them.

What Is Their Price Range?

If you’ve been saving for quite some time, the cost shouldn’t be an issue. Still, cabinet makers should be up front with you regarding the cost of production. This is especially true if you’re requesting for multiple materials, rare and high-quality woods, and top-of-the-line fittings. A good custom cabinet maker will be able to offer you alternatives and adjust accordingly to help you stay within budget without sacrificing quality.

If you have a limited budget, a good cabinet maker should be able to work around the figure you give them. Of course, don’t be a cheapskate. As the saying goes, you get what you pay for. Simply ask if they will be willing to lower their rates; more often than not, they would be willing to work with you so you’ll arrive at agreeable terms. Just be wary if they seem to be offering prices that are too good to be true.

Are They Trusted by Customers?

When checking a cabinet maker’s website, it’s helpful to also check if they have testimonials. You may also want to Google the company name and see if there are any reviews posted on the search engine. For local cabinet makers who are well-known in the neighbourhood, word of mouth is extremely helpful. Much like any other business, customer approval is a helpful indicator of the quality of work and professionalism of cabinet makers.

Are They Easy to Talk To?

Experienced cabinet makers should be flexible. They should listen to your requests, offer solutions or alternatives, and, most importantly, be able to collaborate. They’re welcome to give their suggestions, but it’s your word that should be final. After all, it’s your house and it’s your cabinets. Reputable, reliable cabinet makers work toward your satisfaction as the client and also ensure that their own policies and quality of work aren’t compromised.

On your part as the customer, you should check the terms and conditions. You should know all your entitlements and any protections or warranties regarding the finished product. A good cabinet maker should also be literally easy to talk to. Whether they can be contacted through phone or email, they should be able to respond to your enquiries and other concerns in a prompt and respectful manner.

Cabinets, more so customised ones, are a big investment so you should be able to get your money’s worth. Be prepared to shop around and do a bit of research. It may take hours of research and even a bit of legwork. Once you find that cabinet maker that meets all your needs, however, you’ll have stylish, sturdy cabinets that will last for years to come.