Are you in the market for new kitchen or bathroom cabinets? If you’ve already started your search, you’ve probably figured out that buying cabinets can be much more involved than you originally thought. There are so many options when it comes to details like style, size, color, and add-ons. If you haven’t started shopping for your new cabinets yet, pour yourself a cup of coffee, get comfortable, and put your thinking cap on, because we have the perfect checklist of things to consider before you buy new cabinets.

What’s my budget?

First and foremost, figure out how much you want to spend on new cabinets. This will help narrow down the options pretty quickly. Cabinets can account for about half of the budget for a kitchen or bathroom remodel. Decide how much you can afford to spend on your remodel and understand that up to 50% will be eaten up by purchasing and installing new cabinets.

How many cabinets do I need for my space?

You can figure this out by measuring the area where your new cabinets will live. Sure, a professional can take official measurements later, but it’s good to arm yourself with as much knowledge as possible before going to the cabinet shop or home improvement store. Having preliminary measurements on hand will assist the pros in helping you design your new space.

What type of cabinets do I want?

We’re not talking about design just yet. That comes later. First, ask yourself if you want to buy stock, semi-custom, or custom cabinets.

  • Stock cabinets are the most budget-friendly. These are mass produced in a factory and sold in modular units. They’re usually made from materials like particleboard. The drawback to buying stock cabinets is that options like style, shape, and color are pretty limited.
  • Semi-custom cabinets are generally stock cabinets with extra options available. Basic sizes and finishes still apply, but other options are available. Some dimensions can be changed, and you have more options for design and storage.
  • Custom cabinets are the most expensive, but they’re built to your exact specifications. Options are pretty much unlimited as far as style, finish, and add-ons.

What options do I want to add on?

You’ll only need to make this decision if you go with semi-custom or custom cabinets. Things like pull-out shelves and bins, lazy Susans, vertical dividers, built-in cutlery organization, and wine racks are great to have, but make sure they’re within your budget.

What’s my design style?

Cabinets set the tone for the entire kitchen or bathroom. Think about the overall look you desire. Do you want traditional or modern cabinets? Flat front or shaker? Do you like natural wood finishes, colored laminate, or something ultra modern like aluminum or glass?

Once you have the answers to these five questions, you’ll have a good general idea of what you’re looking for and how much you’re willing to spend. Bring that info with you when you start shopping for your new cabinets, and the pros will be able to help you narrow down your options much more easily.

 

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