How long does a custom cabinet project usually take?
It depends on the scope. After you approve the design and we take final measurements, we give you a written schedule before starting any work. Most kitchen projects take a few weeks from start to finish. We keep you updated throughout the process.
Are your cabinets built in-house?
Yes. Every cabinet is built by our own team. We do not outsource fabrication to third parties. What we design is what we build, and what we build is what we install.
Can you work in condos and apartment buildings?
Absolutely. We have experience working in many Arlington condo buildings and we know how to coordinate with building management for freight elevator access, delivery scheduling, and noise restrictions.
Can I see a 3D rendering before you start building?
Yes. Every project includes 3D design renderings at no extra charge. You see exactly what your cabinets will look like before we cut a single board. Revisions are included until you are happy with the design.
Is installation included in the price?
Yes. Professional installation by our own crew is always included. We never outsource installation to subcontractors.
How do I get started?
Call us at (571) 410-6094 or fill out the form on our contact page. We will schedule a free in-home consultation where we measure your space and talk through what you want.
Do you offer a warranty?
Yes. Every cabinet we build comes with a lifetime craftsmanship guarantee. The materials we use also come with manufacturer warranties. If anything we built fails due to workmanship or materials, we fix it.
How much do custom kitchen cabinets cost in Arlington County?
Custom kitchen cabinets in Northern Virginia typically cost between $500 and $1,200 per linear foot installed. For a standard 10x10 kitchen with approximately 20 linear feet of cabinetry, that works out to roughly $15,000 to $35,000 depending on the wood species, door style, finish, and hardware selected. High-end projects using exotic hardwoods, custom glazing, or specialty features like integrated lighting and appliance panels can exceed $50,000. Stock cabinets in the same kitchen would run $2,000 to $6,000, and semi-custom cabinets $4,000 to $13,000. We provide a detailed written estimate after every free in-home consultation so you know the exact cost before any work begins.
How long does it take to get custom cabinets built and installed?
From the time you approve the design and we take final measurements, most kitchen cabinet projects take 6 to 10 weeks for fabrication and 2 to 5 days for on-site installation. Smaller projects like a single bathroom vanity or a set of mudroom cubbies can be completed in 3 to 4 weeks total. Larger whole-home projects involving multiple rooms typically take 12 to 16 weeks. We provide a written schedule before starting any project and keep you updated with weekly progress reports throughout the build.
What is the difference between custom, semi-custom, and stock cabinets?
Stock cabinets are factory-made in fixed sizes with limited material and finish options. They typically cost $100 to $300 per linear foot installed and are available in 3-inch width increments, which often leaves gaps that require filler strips. Semi-custom cabinets offer more size flexibility and finish choices but are still manufactured in a factory from predetermined configurations, usually running $150 to $650 per linear foot. Custom cabinets are built one at a time to your exact measurements using your choice of wood species, construction method, door style, and finish. They typically cost $500 to $1,200 per linear foot but eliminate filler panels, wasted space, and material compromises entirely.
Are plywood cabinet boxes really worth the extra cost over particle board?
Yes. Plywood cabinet boxes last 3 to 5 times longer than particle board in real-world kitchen conditions. Particle board is made from wood chips held together with resin, and it swells permanently when exposed to moisture. In a kitchen with a dishwasher, sink, or ice maker, moisture exposure is unavoidable over time. The screws holding hinges and drawer slides into particle board gradually lose grip as the material degrades, leading to sagging doors and misaligned drawers. Plywood holds fasteners permanently, resists moisture, and supports significantly heavier loads without bowing. The cost difference is typically 10 to 15 percent of the total project price, but the difference in durability over a 20 to 30 year lifespan is substantial.
What permits are required for cabinet installation in Virginia?
Standard cabinet replacement where you are swapping existing cabinets for new ones in the same location does not typically require a building permit in Virginia. However, if your project involves any electrical work such as adding under-cabinet lighting or relocating outlets, any plumbing changes such as moving a sink or adding a dishwasher line, or any structural modifications such as removing a wall or enlarging an opening, separate electrical, plumbing, and building permits will be required. In Arlington County, permit applications can be submitted online through the Arlington County Permit Center at permits.arlingtonva.us or in person at 2100 Clarendon Blvd. In Fairfax County, permits are handled through the PLUS system. We coordinate all necessary permits as part of every project so you do not need to handle the process yourself.
Does a kitchen remodel increase home value in Northern Virginia?
Yes. According to industry data, a kitchen cabinet replacement typically returns approximately 70 percent of the project cost in increased home value, with an average home value increase of around 5 percent. In Northern Virginia's competitive real estate market, where median home prices exceed $600,000 in most communities, that 5 percent translates to $30,000 or more in added value. Kitchen renovations consistently rank as the highest-impact improvement for resale value, ahead of bathroom remodels, which return approximately 60 to 70 percent. Beyond resale, updated cabinets also help homes sell faster, which is often just as valuable as the price increase itself.
What is the average ROI of a kitchen remodel in Northern Virginia?
The average return on investment for a kitchen remodel in Northern Virginia is approximately 70 to 75 percent, meaning a $30,000 kitchen cabinet project would add roughly $21,000 to $22,500 in home value at resale. This is higher than the national average of approximately 60 to 65 percent, largely because of the strong demand for updated homes in the Northern Virginia market. Cabinet refacing projects return approximately 65 to 75 percent of their cost. Minor kitchen remodels that focus on cabinet and countertop replacement without changing the layout tend to have the highest ROI, sometimes exceeding 80 percent.
