SERVICES TO EXPECT

If you are using the services of a designer or architect they are already familiar with what is included under the heading "cabinets". There are a lot of ways to specify cabinets. They almost never include counter tops, or any fixtures (this may seem obvious but I lost an estimate once because the owner thought the other guy included the sink and plumbing---he didn't!) . Often times the cabinet pulls are not included because they are usually chosen at the end of the job and they can vary enormously in price. I do usually drill for and install these however.

Some gray areas are finish and installation. These items should be clearly called out if they are to be provided by the cabinetmaker or not. Typically in high end projects there is a professional painter who provides finish services, but if the cabinetmaker is responsible it should be specified in the contract.

Many cabinets, especially Euro style, are not built exactly as the architect drew them, but they should be faithful to the drawings in appearance and their quality of hardware and materials should be as specified. Some other qualitative details are full extension drawer glides, drawer side material, cabinet interiors (usually melamine or veneer plywood), types of nosings, etc.

The species of wood and the way it is milled are also very important to the final look. Rotary cut veneers are less expensive than "plane sliced", sequentially matched sheets are more expensive than random sheets. While these things are necessary to specify in most cases I always try to err on the side of quality. Unless there's a specific reason for using rotary cut veneers for instance I would at the very least inform the client that other alternatives exist.

The reason these alternatives are often not mentioned by the larger shops is that it is a double edged sword---if quality materials are to be used they must be used correctly, i.e., "matched" and this is something that is difficult to do in a large, production shop. A properly implemented upgrade like this can add an awful lot to the value for less than ten percent of the overall cost. In this same vein, one can often create a richer look by simplifying details, increasing the quality of the materials and carefully using them to full effect. An example would be using a plain panel door instead of a raised or frame and panel door and selecting top of the line material for the doors and exposed panels. In my opinion a simpler look done with care is far superior to a mediocre job with a lot of detail.