There is an old Rodney Dangerfield joke. “In Las Vegas there are slot machines everywhere. I went to the store for a carton of milk. It cost me $236.00.”
This seems, unfortunately and less funny, similar to the “sticker shock” many of us experience at the grocery store and gas station. I have heard half a dozen “remember when…” recently. “Gas was 75 cents a gallon when I was in college.” (it was, really)
But not now. Life goes on and incomes rise but for most of us, not as quickly as prices. But somethings just have to be purchased. Kitchen projects have to go on sometimes. If you are in the middle of one, you have inevitably experienced both shortages, delays and price increases.
Still, there are ways to move forward on a kitchen project without big surprises or worrisome delays. Planning and buying and hiring wisely are key.
The days when you could just hire someone to remodel your kitchen are gone, for almost everyone. To get the best result for the lowest cost, be your own general contractor. Buy your own materials, hire your own labor as needed, and set a timeline that works for you.
This is a very different approach for those who expected one guy, one company, to do it all. The problems with this approach:
1) contractor not available yet you are 100% dependent on him/her to move forward. If you hire a cabinet installer, a plumber and an electrician and do some of the demo yourelf, you’ll save thousands or tens of thousands.
2) contractor provides materials (cabinets, tile, flooring, etc.) wihuch may not be what you really want and are very likely to cost considerably more than if you buy your own materials. The contractor is marking up the prices, it’s his business after all.
3) contractors are not kitchen designers. They might have some ability in this area but not like a professional designer. This will make a huge difference in the finished result.
Hiring labor is a key part of any project. Keep it simple.
So what does this have to do with CABINET PRICES? Shopping and buying your own cabinets after working with your own designer will allow you to CHOOSE what you really want without the limitations of your contractor’s supplier/supplies and the prices he charges you for them. It can be hard to say no to a contractor upon whom you depend. So design your kitchen with a pro, buy your cabinets for it, and hire someone who can install per the design you have worked out. This is a significant way to get the most for the least. It takes more of your time and some courage, but keeps you in control.
Prices have risen in the past two years, it’s true. Cabinets cost more along with almost every other consumer product. There are also longer delivery times with some lines. But don’t settle. Find something you love, work out your budget and timeline and go for it.
Susan
Tip: Our cabinet line is built to order in 30 days and price increases have been kept to a minimum for our clients.
Brilliant design. Elegant cabinets.
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