No matter whether you are building a new cooking area or redesigning the existing one, cabinets are a must in the kitchen. Just like other contractors, you would need to hire a skilled as well as a knowledgeable cabinet maker for the kitchen renovation project. It is crucial to sit and ask certain questions. Doing so would make you feel confident that the project is in the right hands and you would get the desired results.
Questions to Ask Professional Kitchen Cabinet Maker
Before you meet the carpenters face to face, prepare the list of important questions. With answers to the queries, you would be in a position to make an informed decision. To hire the best carpenter in Singapore for your kitchen renovation project, consider asking the following questions
- What type of materials do you use?
For the construction of cabinets, there is a wide range of materials available in the market. Selecting the material would have a great impact on the beauty, functionality as well as longevity of the kitchen. You could either select the material yourself or leave the material selection to the professionals. In case you are going to select material, ensure it is water-resistant and durable as you would be using them in the kitchen that is a moisture-prone and high-traffic area.
- Do you consider wood’s moisture content before starting work?
It is important to note that excess moisture in wooden cabinets could cause warping that could result in large gaps, loose hinges, and other serious issues. Moreover, the wood’s moisture excessively could prevent certain finishes as well as paints from adhering.
- Would the cabinets be finished in my home or the shop?
Usually, homeowners prefer the cabinets to be finished at the carpenter’s shop. The reason behind this is that the shop has a controlled environment that prevents the debris and dust from attaching to the final product. The carpenter’s shops have filters that push the dust out and circulate clean air, whereas in-home finishing mixes dust in the air and makes it hard to prevent the clean finish.
- What kind of hardware do you use for cabinets?
Interior hardware is the key element of base cabinetry that is used for the cabinet’s functionality. Under-mounted, as well as soft-close drawer slides, are the amazing features and the hallmark of the quality work. In order to avoid the potential surprises while closing and opening the cabinet drawers and doors ensure you find out what is installed by the carpenter.
- How long would it take to make and install the cabinets?
It might seem a common question, however, it is an important one. Obviously, to get a good job done, you would need to wait for some time. However, ensure you ask about the time required for making and installing cabinets. Along with this, do not forget to ask in case installation is included in the quoted price. Asking this question would help you stay on budget as well as time with the kitchen renovation.
- Would you provide the drawings and designs?
Before starting, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of the cabinets and drawers’ designs. You need to feel prepared for what kind of preliminary mock-ups the carpenter provides you before you receive them. This way you would not be disappointed later. Do not hesitate to ask how many times the carpenter is willing to edit the design in case you don’t like the design presented initially.
- Who prepares the drawers and doors?
It is a basic but essential question that homeowners often ignore. While you are paying a good amount for the kitchen cabinets carpentry, ensure that it is made as per your choice and doesn’t have any readymade parts. For instance, a carpenter prepares the cabinet frames and uses the mass-produced drawers. This way the end product might not have a seamless finish or best quality. Along with this, ensure you ask about the type of slides as well as hinges the carpenter would use.
Apart from these questions, ensure you ask the carpenter about the pictures of the projects completed recently as well as customer references. Having word with former clients as well as checking pictures would help you get a better idea of the work quality.