10 Questions to Ask a Custom Cabinet Maker

Ask about the work itself

First, which parts of this project will your team supply? Second, can you show comparable completed work and explain your contribution? Third, who takes final measurements? Fourth, what construction, finish and hardware information will appear in the proposal? These questions distinguish visible portfolio evidence from the responsibilities of a particular contract. A cabinet maker's photograph may include counters, lighting and plumbing completed by others. Clarify those boundaries before comparing the total scope.

Ask about decisions and timing

Fifth, who prepares and approves the drawings? Sixth, what must be selected before production starts? Seventh, how are changes handled after approval? Eighth, what does the quoted schedule actually cover? Request a written explanation when an assumption affects your plans. LeVika reports different production ranges for residential and trade work, so do not substitute a general website range for your committed project dates. Ask what happens if an appliance changes or the site is not ready to receive cabinetry.

Ask about closeout

Ninth, what are the payment stages and how will payment instructions be verified? Tenth, who handles service questions after completion, and what written warranty applies? Keep the responses with the proposal. Notice whether the answers identify documents, decision owners and next steps. A useful first meeting does not need to solve every construction detail; it should reveal what is known, what requires verification and how the remaining questions will be resolved before you commit to manufacturing.

Three questions to bring.

• In your example projects, which parts did your team supply and which were other trades?
• Who takes the final measurement, and when?
• What does the quoted schedule cover, and what could delay it?