A kitchen is the heart of a home. Whether you’re building or renovating, cabinets make up the majority of the kitchen. With that in mind, it’s important we take time to really think about our cabinet purchases so we’re more than happy with the final look of our space. You want to love the ultimate look because you’ll be living in and utilizing the kitchen for many years to come.
Homeowners often ask our designers where they should buy cabinets. Purchasing kitchen cabinets can become an expensive and time-intensive process. With all this in mind, it’s imperative that one be intentional when deciding what and where to buy.
Of course the big box stores offer cabinets, but sometimes they don’t provide design services so it gets tricky in terms of measuring and knowing exactly what to purchase. Believe us when we say cabinets are not an easy item to return or exchange if you buy the wrong ones to begin with. Below are some things to consider when deciding where to buy cabinets.
Benefits of working with a designer: The entire experience of choosing, measuring and buying cabinets can be overwhelming and confusing. This is where the guidance and expertise of a designer comes in. There are numerous benefits to hiring a kitchen designer. The primary benefit of a designer is they will manage your project from start to finish and help you navigate difficult decisions. A designer will also help you stay within budget and not spend unnecessary dollars. Another benefit of a designer is they will ensure you don’t make costly mistakes. When you’re doing everything on your own, it’s easy to stretch the budget unnecessarily.
Shopping local: There are numerous local and boutique cabinet shops. A simple Google search will help you find one near you. There are advantages to purchasing your cabinets locally. Smaller showrooms allow the customer to interact with the product. Associates in smaller stores are extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Local cabinet stores usually offer design, delivery and installation, which is extremely beneficial. Many homeowners think they can install cabinets themselves but once they get started realize it’s a much bigger job than they envisioned. If for some reason you need to return or exchange items, it’s easier at a smaller, local store.
Going with the big guys: Although we suggest working with a designer and buying local when you can, many people prefer to buy their cabinets at larger chain stores. Sometimes, but not always, you can save money at the larger stores and sometimes delivery times are quicker, but not always. Homeowners who have a credit card with a certain building supply chain store prefer buying there so they can use their credit card, earn points and essentially finance the cabinets.
Wherever you buy your cabinets, give the experience the attention it needs. If you’re ready to work with a designer and make the process easier and more enjoyable, Braemar designers are ready to partner with you and create the kitchen of your dreams.
