At Martin & Calloway, we take great pride in creating custom cabinetry featuring the very best in workmanship and materials. We have prepared a brief guide to purchasing custom cabinets and our millwork process below. If you are interested in one-of-a-kind, hand-made cabinetry, you may find the following walk through the process to be of great value.
For a more economical approach, be sure to check out our cabinet refacing options, where we can can give your current cabinetry an overhaul and bring it to life!
OUR FIRST VISIT
At your convenience, we will visit you at home to discuss your project needs, aesthetic preferences, time-frame and budget. We realize you’ve likely put a lot of thought into your project beforehand. It’s important we understand all aspects of your cabinetry needs, from usage to scale, materials and color or wood finish.
We will take measurements and several photos of your project location to ensure accuracy in estimating the materials and design needs unique to your situation.
ESTIMATE OF COSTS
Shortly after our visit (or in many cases, during the visit) we’ll contact you with an estimate of the cost to build and install your cabinetry project. Our estimate will include a description of your project with approximate sizes, choices of materials and finish or paint color.
As a word on the specific costs of custom, built-in cabinets, we’ll discuss some numbers below. Please keep in mind, however, these costs are different for each project. Every job we do comes with its own set of variables, from electrical, plumbing and HVAC complications to wood species, architectural details and final surface finish.
Please also note that Martin & Calloway does NOT price our cabinetry on a linear foot basis. We use an individual costing process for each job according to its needs. However, as a general guide to the cost of built-in, custom-made wall cabinets, you can expect to pay anywhere from $900 to $1,300 per linear foot of wall. Such cabinetry units often include enclosed base cabinets at the bottom, with open shelving extending above to ceiling height. Bear in mind that costs can far exceed $1,300 per foot when you add more optional features. These might include exotic hardwoods, specialized drawer or cabinet hardware, lighting or natural stone surfaces or other upgraded features.
Recent Cabinet Projects by Martin & Calloway
DESIGN AND FABRICATION
Upon your approval of our estimate, we will prepare a proposal for your review. Our proposal will include a more detailed project description, along with a drawing of the proposed cabinetry and price quote. At this point, we will discuss any final design choices, such as paint or stain color, final project dimensions, etc. We may bring some wood samples, stain charts or molding samples at this time for your approval.
Once we sort out all design details, we begin fabrication at our woodshop in Wilmington, Delaware. Often we invite our clients in at some point during the build process to check out the progress of their cabinetry. Customers can get a glimpse of their project and make any last minute decisions necessary prior to completion and installation.
DELIVERY AND INSTALLATION
As we approach completion of your project, we’ll contact you to discuss a delivery and installation date convenient to you. We take every precaution to keep your home clean and sealed off from any dust we may make during the installation process. When necessary we will cover floors, doorways and HVAC vents. For homes built pre-1978, Martin & Calloway is an EPA-certified lead-safe contractor, as required by law when any lead paint is disturbed in your house.
We will work on your installation, typically around a 2-3 day job depending on size, straight through until completion. Martin & Calloway will work with you and, if necessary, your mechanical contractors (electricians, plumbers, etc.) for a swift, smooth and clean installation. All that’s left is to decorate and enjoy your new cabinetry project for decades to come!