When you buy new cabinets and kitchen cupboards you have the opportunity to explore different design possibilities. The new and improved designs will help you to make better arrangements, and decisions for its installation. Apart from that, there are other choices and options ahead as well. You can make a proper decision whether to choose custom cabinets or stock cabinets to fit your budget.
Make the Right Choice
You have the option to choose from custom, semi-custom and stock kitchen cupboard. All has its significant pros and cons as under:
- Custom cabinets have its own significant benefits and features, as these can be built to the exact specifications of your kitchen. It also offers endless options when it comes to materials, finishes, designs and accessories. The only downside is that it takes a long lead time and is also the most expensive option.
- Semi-custom cabinets on the other hand are just that. These are made according to the size requirement of the homeowner, but the manufacturer produces these with predetermined increments. There may be unused wall space in your kitchen when you install a semi-custom cabinet, and you will often need a spacer to conceal it. That means you will have to sacrifice storage. Though the range of materials, design and accessories may not be as broad as custom cabinets, these are less costly than custom ones.
- Stock cabinets are the least expensive new cabinet options that you can go for. These are once again pre-made and usually come in standard sizes. If you can buy these from reputed makers, you can even get a few made out of solid wood that will not be as bad and less durable as stock cabinets usually are.
No matter what type of kitchen cupboard you choose judge it by its quality of construction, doors, drawer systems, hinges and finish.
Know About Warranties
Ideally, every kitchen cupboard will come with a manufacturer’s warranty. If you find any that do not, shun it and move on to the next. Make sure that you understand and check the warranty aspect for the following reasons:
- These are not a cheap investment
- It undergoes a lot of use and therefore are vulnerable
- You will want a complete peace of mind and
- The optimal value for your investment.
Understanding the Warranty
Warranties may vary form one manufacturer to another however most of it will cover a few basic points. The key points to consider include:
The duration: This will tell you how long the product is warranted according to different tiers that depend on the manufacturer. Typically, it can be for 1 year, 5 years or for lifetime.
Lifetime warranty: There are a few manufacturers that will consider lifetime warranty to be for 10 years, which may not be long enough given the time you want to stay in the same house, with the same style of kitchen.
Product line: Warranty coverage may vary with the product lines as lower-end product lines will have shortest limited warranty.
Coverage: Know about the inclusions and exclusions about the warranty. Most warranties will cover defects in materials and workmanship but will not cover damage inflicted due to improper care or handling. Moreover, parts without a finish may not be covered.
Separate warranty: Manufacturers may provide separate warranty for drawers, drawer slides, hinges and other hardware.
Lastly, know about the compensation actually provided to you by the manufacturer when you make legitimate warrant claim. Mostly, it will be free repair or replacement of defective components, but it is at the discretion of the manufacturer. Few will offer reimbursement cost of the parts, if these are no longer available.