If I were to ask you to associate custom cabinets with affordable what would you say? Well, for many of us that have been around for a bit we have this idea that the phrases custom cabinets are truly that ideal place of destination for our kitchen should we have an unlimited amount of money to spend.  Ironically, despite the increase in supplies, the cost of custom cabinets is decreasing and a lot of this has to do with the change to the process. 

Larger companies in the business of making custom cabinets have long been using the robotic cutting systems as a source of reliable manpower.  These machines show up for work on time, they never complain nor ask for more money.  Most importantly they are fast and super accurate.  The cost of this equipment has come down some but truly only a handful of smaller shops are starting to purchase this type of equipment in order to compete with the “big guys” and I interviewed one such custom cabinet shop in Charlotte, NC.  They have certainly increased their equipment but at the same time they strive to maintain a custom service with their custom cabinets.  Unfortunately, not every custom cabinet shop can make such an investment but Steve Oates did.

I wanted to highlight just one small business seeking to set themselves apart by adjusting to the economic change before them by changing the process and utilizing technology.  This article is in support of the small business.  Small cabinet shop going hi-tech in order to maintain a competitive edge and improve on their pricing structure.  When others are looking for ways to increase prices, LyndenCraft is looking for ways to improve their process and decrease their price. 

I believe in the entrepreneur spirit but it’s not very often you come across a story like this.  When a talented shop adds technology to the mix in order to offer a better price for their customers we should take notice. 

Local custom cabinets shop owner, Steve Oates, unfolded this recent example, “My phone rang last week and one struggling Mom called to obtain a verbal quote.  I could tell she was anxious to obtain a quote fast so I asked a few questions.  Reading from a recent quote from “Home Depot” she said, “can you beat $6,700?”  In my mind I’m wondering what they designed that cost so much.  After talking a few minutes I instantly knew the cause.  She was trying to adjust a manufacturer’s standard cabinet to make it customized.” 

“I talked with her a few more minutes then shared that I felt we could save her about  $1,400 and in addition include a granite top.  I even gave her up to 20 granite types to choose from.   Needless to say the client was very pleased and surprised.” 

He shared more.  “Big manufacturers do not have the capability to make cabinet changes to their standard widths, heights, etc. without charging the client a lot of money.  It interrupts their process way too much and the client pays for this.”

I asked how this was different with LyndenCraft.  Steve shared, “Everything we do is customized for the client so it makes no difference to us and that’s why we could offer her a better product for less and include granite.  We don’t have standard cabinet parts laying around the shop for the next job.  We design, manufacture and install the cabinet they want for each and every job distinctly different.  There are no up charges for custom with us.  I use similar equipment and software but the big difference is our service.  My customers are talking to the guy that will put the information into the computer and cut out the pieces for the Master Cabinet makers to finish and assemble.”

Steve went on, “I’ll share just one quick story that happened just last week.  I often go to the client’s home just before putting the design into the computer just to be sure I didn’t miss anything.  When I visited I noticed that the stovetop hood wasn’t fitting properly.  Since they expressed a desire to reuse their hood system I simply jotted down a quick note ‘increase width by one quarter of an inch’.  No extra cost, no extra hassle and they can easily reuse their hood with their new cherry kitchen cabinets.”

 “I share this information with all my customers wanting to invest in custom cabinets.  The process of preparing, designing and installing custom cabinets is equally critical to our final product.  I have heard too many stories about the contractor that sold well and delivered poorly and we work hard to overcome these bad experiences everyday.

Steve said, “We purpose ourselves to disband their conception of a custom cabinet maker.  That effort starts from the minute we take our first step into their residence until we remove our last hammer.  We don’t just want a sale we want loyal customers that will think of us the next time they need to add a bookcase, expand a bedroom, organize a mudroom or garage.  Therefore, we work hard to create an enjoyable process.” 

“The greatest reward for me is to see the look on our customer’s face when they walk into their newly refurbished kitchen.  Even greater the reward when I hear them make strides to invite others over.  Not just to show off their new kitchen but to create opportunities for developing community with all they come in contact with.”

Visit LyndenCraft Custom Cabinets  here.

Written by: Keith Sorinson