Why Stock Cabinets Cost More Than You Think (And the Case for Custom)
When you start planning a kitchen remodel, the budget discussion usually hits a fork in the road pretty early: Stock vs. Custom cabinets. At first glance, it looks like a no-brainer. Stock cabinets from a big-box store come with a lower sticker price and a faster timeline. Custom cabinets require a larger upfront investment and a bit of patience. But if you look past the initial price tag, the reality of a kitchen remodel looks a lot different. In fact, cutting corners on your cabinetry often ends up costing you more—in money, space, and sheer frustration—down the line. Here is why custom kitchen cabinets aren't just a luxury upgrade; they are often the smartest financial and functional decision you can make for your home. 1. The Myth of the "Standard" Kitchen Big-box store cabinets are built in fixed increments—usually every 3 inches. But houses aren’t built in perfect 3-inch increments. Walls bow, floors slope, and corners are rarely a perfect 90 degrees. W...