All Cabinets Aren't Created Equal

When shopping for a new cabinetry, be it for a Kitchen, Bath, Wine Cellar, Entertainment Center, or anything else, it is important to know, that not all cabinets are created equal.  There are not only different construction types, but qualities, materials, and so much more.  It is important to know, that in the end, you get what you pay for.  Some lines may offer better materials but have a more limited catalog, where another line has less than desirable materials with more door styles and more cabinet sizes.  Here are some pointers when looking at new cabinetry, for your entire home.

Many cabinet dealers sell multiple lines of cabinetry.  Be sure you understand the differences in materials and product offerings as well as pricing.  The dealer knows their lines a lot better than anyone else.  Most cabinet dealers will have a line of cabinetry that will work within your budget, whatever that may be, however like I said, it is important to understand the differences.

IKEA NEXXUS Kitchen in Brown Black
http://www.ikeakitcheninstalation.com/ikeakitchenpictures.asp

For example.  Let's say you want to compare IKEA's line of in stock cabinetry with a line in stock at Home Depot or Lowes.  While the materials are all similar, the IKEA price may be lower.  The big difference would be in your installation whether it is costs, or headache.  IKEA's cabinets, much like the rest of their products, require assembly.  They come broken down in a box and someone will have to put them together. This will take a longer installation, and require more labor and charges if you are hiring someone, or require you to take more weekends to put them together before installing.

Cabinet Materials
The materials that go into making the box of a cabinet can vary.  The most standard material seen in lower and middle grade lines typically starts out as a Furniture Board, or a particle board. While many consumers find this material undesirable, many consumers also don't mind cutting the costs.  Typically, there is a 20% upgrade to get cabinets constructed of all plywood, which is more durable.  Cabinet interiors can be the raw wood, being the cheapest material, a viraguard type material, or melamine, being the most expensive.  Keep in mind, that the interior of the cabinet almost never actually matches the outside of the cabinet, which will save the end consumer.  Typically, the interior is either white, or a natural birch or maple.  This ensures that the interior of the cabinet matches additional accessories like roll out trays.

Cabinet Construction
Like the materials that go into a cabinet, the construction is also important.  Some cabinets are glued and stapled together, and some are screwed together. Again, not all cabinets are constructed equal, so it is sure to make sure that for your budget, you are getting the best construction quality available.  Sure, the look and design of the cabinetry is important, but not as important as a cabinet that is going to last.  A cabinet isn't good if it only looks good, but is falling off the wall when you load it with dishes.

Martha Stewart Seal Harbor Kitchen Cabinetry
PureStyle Door Style - 5pc. Bead Board Door

Door Construction
Sure, the wood species is important, but there is more that goes into a cabinet door.  There are laminates, thermofoils, veneers, solid woods, and newer technologies, like Purestyle available from select manufacturers.  When looking for a specific design style, it is good to research and see which construction of doors will best fit your budget, and your family.  No matter what your budget, design style, and family needs, you still have options.  It is up to you to shop around your area and finding what is available.

It isn't as simple as going into your big box retailer and selecting from four or five door styles.  Even Home Depot and Lowes has five to six cabinet lines to choose from, and prices ranging from $90/linear foot all the way to $300/linear foot.  Private dealers also typically have multiple cabinet lines providing flexible pricing options.  One of my favorite lines, for example, is Crystal Cabinetry, which has both fully custom lines in framed and frameless (European style), as well as semi, more moderately priced lines and a fully custom line.

Transitional Kitchen by Innermost Cabinets by Elkay
A Custom European Style Line available at The Home Depot

Custom has to be better, right? 
Just because the cabinets were built on site, doesn't mean they are better, especially in states like California, where I live.  Cabinets are tricky, and the local government and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is even trickier.  I couldn't tell you how many consumers I have calling me saying that they bought local custom cabinets, and after a few years they look like garbage.  Sure you bought custom, but the state regulates what they can put on them to finish, and in California, these finishes are not nearly as durable as some of the "Semi-Custom" brands you can get at the local box store for the same price.  Custom cabinets aren't like custom cars.  Custom cabinets can be built in someones garage, do your homework.  Check out the finishes, warranties, and the quality.  In my experience, you get what you pay for.  If you are that $90/linear foot budget and find a guy to get you custom cabinets installed, where as you can go to Home Depot, get something from American Woodmark or Thomasville Value for the same price, but you have to install it yourself, I am sorry to say, I would be installing it myself to get the better cabinet.  Custom just means they weren't built on an assembly line.  They can be made with inferior woods and materials, can have watered down finishes that are going to peel of in five years, etc.  When getting cabinets, price is going to tell you what you are getting.  You get what you pay for!  I can't stress that enough.

All cabinets aren't created equal, like with appliances, you are getting what you pay for.  Don't just listen to the sales person, listen to your designer, look at the quality, read the websites and reviews.  Your cabinets are going to be with you for a long time, and you want to make sure that you are investing, not settling!

The Cold Hard Truth about Appliances

While working as an Appliance Sales Person for a major appliance retailer, I experienced a lot of unhappy consumers and some very hard headed appliance manufacturers.  I think there are a few things that consumers need to know, not only so they have proper expectations, but also so they can protect themselves from..... themselves!  When purchasing an appliance, you, as the consumer, do have a responsibility to be the best informed as you can be.  Appliances are generally quite a bit less expensive than a car, however you are going to have it longer than your car, so why are you going to rush into this purchase?  It is the consumers responsibility to be informed.  After all, who is going to look out for you if you can't look out for yourself?

First of all, let me start by saying this post is intended for most appliance consumers, and especially for the one who go to the local electronics or hardware store to get their appliances.  Those looking for a great deal, shopping the Black Friday ad's at Lowe's or Home Depot, getting a screaming deal at Fry's or Best Buy, or even getting an appliance Sears.  Those consumers is who this post is written for.  So they can make an informed decision and have proper expectations on what to expect with their new appliance purchase.

First of all, most appliances don't need to be replaced as soon as possible for most consumers.  If your dryer dies, you can hang up your clothes to dry for a few days.  If your dishwasher dies, hand wash the dishes.  Most people who come home to a warm refrigerator and spoiled milk generally rush out to buy a replacement that night, even though they have a fully functioning refrigerator in the garage. Why not take an extra day to make that informed decision.  Most appliance manufacturers and retailers can't get your new appliance to you for 3-5 business days anyway. Since your going to be up to a week with out what ever appliance it is, you might as well take an extra day to make sure you sleep on it, and get the best option for your family.

Now, once the appliance is ordered, it's yours.  The manufacturers, not to be confused with the retailer, do not take returns.  That's why, when you read the fine print, they are non returnable.  You have up until the time of delivery to change your mind.  Once that appliance is off the truck, out of the box, and in your home, it is yours, no matter what.  Now, don't get mad at the sales person when you decide you don't like it, they don't make the calls.  The retailers want you to be happy, because a happy consumer is a returning consumer.  So, when that appliance gets delivered, make sure it works, and make sure its beautiful.  Inspect it for any physical damage or flaws, and refuse it, or ask for a damage allowance.  Once the delivery man leaves, install it and run it as much as possible.  Most vendors offer a 48 hour replacement policy, that if the unit isn't functioning properly, but is reported in the first 48 hours, they will replace it.  After that, you are stuck with the warranty service.  Now, if you buy a $3000 double wall oven, and sit on it for a week, then install it and realize the control panel needs replaced, your going to be pretty upset if you can't get the unit replaced. If you get a washing machine delivered, I think that's a great time to wash all the sheets, towels, and anything else you can find to throw in it and test it.

Lets say, in that first 48 hours, you find that your brand new appliance isn't working, then you need to pick up the phone and call the manufacturer and arrange a replacement.  I say you need to for two simple reasons, 1-you can better explain why and how it isn't working, and 2-you know when your going to be home to get the replacement.  You will need a few simple things, the model and serial number located on the appliance, and your phone number.  If you are having trouble getting the appliance swapped out, then call your sales person to help you out.  This is one reason why it is always better to shop in a store and not some online clearance place, you have a person to go help you out.

Now, when it comes to warranties.  I am going to let you in on a secret, just because the fridge you have now is twenty plus years old, doesn't mean the new one is going to be.  Warranties are a good thing, especially if your spending more than $1000 on a unit, especially on your washer and refrigerator, as they get the most use.  Think of it this way, these days, to have a repair man show up on your doorstep is about $100 in most areas, plus repairs.  The next thing to consider, is the more expensive your appliance, chances are, the more there is to go wrong, and the more it's going to cost to fix it.  Most extended warranties pay for themselves on the first use.  Hopefully you will never need it, but the first time you use it, you have made up for the costs.  So think of this when looking at an appliance and a warranty.  It's not that hard to finance an extra $100 over the two or three years many of these companies offer as their financing options.  Now I don't think that every appliance needs an extended warranty, but the higher end ones, with computerized this, and sensor that, yeah, they probably need to have the warranty.

When your price shopping for an appliance, take into consideration all things involved.  The appliance price isn't the only thing to consider.  Delivery, haul away, installation, required accessories and installation parts, and the warranty.  On top of that, you have your financing options. All of these are a part of a much bigger picture.  I have price shopped Lowe's, Home Depot, Sears, and Best Buy on the same suite of appliances, and they all have different prices for all of these things.  It's ok to shop around, infact it's expected of you.  You should also take into consideration the sales person, and find one that you can trust to take care of you should things with your new appliance go south.  No, the sales person doesn't make any calls, but they can work on your behalf to try to persuade their management staff to help you out, and they also have contacts and resources to try to help you out.

For example, I have helped a woman get all new flooring installed in her laundry room because her two year old washer leaked and destroyed her Brazilian cherry flooring. I have helped people get a replacement appliance well after the 48 hour window.  Why, because I love my customers, and they always come back to me and buy more things.  With this being said, don't be mean to the sales person should things go south with your appliance.  They didn't hop on the delivery truck and dent the door of your stainless steel refrigerator, but they can help you get it replaced!