I found my cabinet maker by going into a showhome and asking where the cabinets came from. They told me. We have several to choose from in my area though.
I'm a builder and I sell my own stuff, as well as other builders stuff. New home cabinet prices are costing between $9,000 to $25,000!!!! The difference is the quality, styles, materials.
Kitchen reno's do pay back, especially if they are needed; however you wont get it all back unless you are careful with the cheque book. I built and sold 9 of my own homes last year; everybody accepted my 'standard' kitchen & cabinet package. Some people wanted to update and I gave them free reigns to negotiate with my supplier; none did. It costs serious money to update from my standard packages!
I'd strongly suggest that you find a good HONEST contractor with referrences and then go from there. Most cabinet shops are prepared to travel distances, so dont hesitate to look around. (My cab shop is two towns away).
Enjoy the journey; it can be very much fun!
Budget for revised electrical layouts; direct venting of microwave; tile backsplash?, drywall repairs, flooring. I suggest sticking to the basics with a reno project; FORGET the high end stuff, its a waste of money imo.
This is a maple cabinet with Plam countertops (backsplash missing), under cab lighting, breakfast bar, pantry. Costs about $10K with two matching bathrm vanities and some laundry room cabinets..... My standard package:
This kitchen (only half shown) was a $1000 upgrade for cherry wood & misc:
This package came in under $8000: (3 vanities with this kitchen)....
