Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a kitchen remodel cost?
We get this question almost everyday. Unfortunately, the answer to this question is problematic. For example, imagine asking how much a car costs? We all understand that the price of “a car” varies significantly based on its make, model, year, size, performance, upgrade package, etc. The price of a car might be $10,000 (for a used model) and could potentially be over $300,000 (can you say “Rolls-Royce?”) The same is true for a kitchen.
What we can tell you is that the “average” kitchen remodel in Sonoma County is a major investment. As the kitchen has become one of the most important rooms in the house, you should be prepared to spend at least 20% of your home’s value on the remodel. The less changes to the layout and function of the kitchen, the less you will spend. The more you change (such as removing walls and moving plumbing locations), the more you will spend. And adding square footage to your home will cost you significantly more.
What is the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel?
The #2 largest expense for a kitchen remodel is the cabinetry. It is the largest portion of the entire kitchen and therefore costs the most.
Why does the price of cabinetry vary so much?
How can you tell if the quality of your cabinetry is “up to snuff?” A simple way to check the quality of your cabinetry is to check the length of the written warranty. Cabinetry that is built to last (i.e., made with superior materials) will always have a written life-time warranty. Less expensive cabinetry will come with a 5-10 year warranty or worse, no written warranty at all.
What makes cabinetry "custom"?
Many local cabinet makers purchase their cabinet doors and drawer-fronts pre-made through a third-party vendor. Not only are they limited to the styles and materials offered by that particular vendor, but they are also not in control of the quality of the materials used to make those pieces. When the wood-stock for cabinet doors/drawer-fronts is sourced from a different vendor than the wood-stock for the cabinet boxes, this can lead to quality and consistency problems. A truly custom cabinet maker will source all the wood for your project from one vendor (and one batch -as batches can vary) and make every aspect of the cabinetry themselves.
It is also common for local cabinet makers to send their cabinets to a third-party “finisher” to stain and/or paint their cabinets. Again, outsourcing another aspect of the cabinetry can lead to quality control and liability issues. If the paint finish on a cabinet fails, who is responsible? The cabinet maker or the finisher? How many hoops will the homeowner have to jump through if a problem arises?
At Humanity Home & Cabinetry, we offer truly custom cabinetry for the discerning homeowner. These cabinets are made 100% in-house; doors, drawer-fronts, boxes and finish- all created by one single entity. This is why our vendors are able to provide risk-free written warranties on their cabinets. As a matter of fact, our custom lines will allow you and your designer to create your own individual door style and finish. If they do not possess the tools to make your custom door, they will make the tools required. Now that is a truly custom cabinet.
How long does a kitchen remodel take?
How much does a bathroom remodel cost?
Can I afford to hire a kitchen and bath designer?
Do all cabinet makers warranty their products?
At Humanity Home & Cabinetry, we believe it is our job to protect our clients and their investments. This is why all the cabinetry makers Humanity Home represent provide a written warranty for their cabinetry. Warranties vary from 5 years to lifetime, depending on the manufacturers.