Why Select Custom Cabinets Over Prebuilt

By Jillynn Stevens, Ph.D., MSW

When building a custom home, remodeling a vintage classic or simply looking to upgrade a kitchen or bathroom, it can be pretty tempting to go with prebuilt cabinets. After all, there's defined selection options and it's so easy to just "add to cart" and hope for the best. Who cares if the colors aren't exactly what you want, if it's not an exact fit or if the quality isn't quite up to snuff? Well, you do.

The thing about custom is that you can get exactly what you want. You choose the wood, the style, the finish and-most importantly-custom cabinets fit perfectly every single time. Have an odd-shaped kitchen? No problem. Want super spacious bathroom cabinets for all those toiletries? Sure thing.

Now That's Worth More

There are some basics that increase the value of a home, but that you have no control over (like school districts). However, you can drastically increase your home's value in quality, customized details like cabinets. Whether or not you plan to sell down the road, you deserve a home that isn't pieced together like LEGO, where things aren't "good enough" or "almost perfect." This is your castle, and what kind of castle has cabinets that are "wood-like"?

It's all about quality, which shines through when you personalize your cabinets. Whether traditional, modern or rustic, no matter what your style, you can specify every detail of your cupboard down to a rare exotic wood. Regardless of if you're looking forward to retiring in your dream home or selling this property for a tidy profit, it's always the little things that count the most. You've heard about curb appeal-but it's what's on the inside that really counts.

Pick and Choose

The right woodcrafters will work with you to make your dream a reality. Do you envision a traditional kitchen with clear alder wood, a built-in pantry and details in craftsmanship that mean something to you? How about a modern kitchen complete with quartered walnut cabinets with brushed metal detailing? Perhaps rustic with character knots in maple is more your speed.

The difference between a custom cabinet and a prebuilt one is kind of like the difference between a Vegas wedding and a personalized one-except in this instance, you've already got the best planner on your side. Sure, you can pick from a narrow list of à la carte options with prebuilt, but you (and your guests) will be the ones who suffer with blasé when you could have had spectacular.

Customize the Busiest Rooms

You spend a lot of time in your kitchen and bathrooms, so make sure you're comfortable and truly feel at home. Isn't that the point? Whether you want kitchen cabinets big enough for a lazy Susan or bathroom cupboards that are specially designed to hold smaller items like medications, makeup and perfumes, you really can have it all.

Everyone has been guilty of having one too many junk drawers, losing (and forgetting about) items in the back of black holes of cabinets, or finding it challenging to reach or bend to make use of ill-thought out cabinets. You don't have to anymore, as long as you personalize your space