Off Topic: Cabinet Installer?

[GASKETBOY]

Folks,

My five month (and counting) kitchen remodel has approached the phase where I am almost ready to have the cabinets installed.

My counters are granite and I do not want to "practice" installing my cabinets with that many $$$ at stake. I have one quote from a local installer but nearly fell over when I heard the number.

As a reality check I would like a second opinion. Anybody have a good reference who will do the job right and stand behind his work?

Please email me with their contact info. I am on the west side if it matters.

Thanks,

Jeff

[sgianino]

Jeff buddy old Pal !!!
I will be unemployed in a about 6 weeks I would hang them cabinets for ya in a heart beat!! if you lived a little closer that is
On average my best guess that a talented carpenter would install an average kitchen in around 3-5 days......cabinets only.If i was to guess a figure for a fair rate it would be around $2,500-3,500.......now thats not my price cause i would help you just for food

[GASKETBOY]

Sal,

If I wait another 6 weeks I will have to suffer the wrath of my new bride. She has been very patient with my weekend project and my work related travel schedule.

That sucks about the job front. Pack up the ERA and move to AZ - it's prime driving season here.

I had an installer out yesterday. Mind you I have 6 base cainets and 4 uppers to install. His comments were, "This is an easy install" "A half day job at the most". When I got his quote I nearly fainted at what a half day is worth.

Take care and keep in touch,

Jeff

[vettestr]

Jeff,
If as easy as your description why not give her a try? I installed my 4 base cabs, 8 uppers including a built in microwave with ex. fans and ducting. Then the countertops and sinks.
I hate wood, I mean hate wood and these bad boys were all oak so had to play with grain patterns etc.... Hell I have to use gas just to start a good fire to give you my skill level with wood. The walls and ceiling were so far from square I had to make custom trim because cats and small dogs could have hidden in the gaps left after installing cab's that were square . If I could do it ANYbody can ..... Just go for it.

[TampaFla]

I'll bet one of those "base" cabinets is for the sink(s). The plumbing is (my opinion) the hardest part of putting in a kitchen (assuming this is new construction and you don't have to shim out a lot of "almost striaght" walls).

You can do it yourself - just don't have to future wife watching - for some reason they don't accept the logic - I'll cover the gap with molding-

[G.R.]

My charge for installing cabinets for an average kitchen is $100 per "box" upper and lower, plus additional costs if there are "custom" features ie., wine or dish racks, small appliance hangers, knobs and pulls, crown moulding or other trim, or microwave and vent hood installation, planning desks.(Price increases 50% if you get it in the way, 100% if you "help")
Sure it sounds expensive but you don't squwak when you pay your mechanic his fees, or the DR or Dentist.
When I do a job it is as professional in quality as I'm sure you do yours. Skilled carpenters are pros, guess I sound a bit defensive but I've been doing this for 30+ yrs and it sort of gets me when people squwak about costs for a carpenters work. He has the proper tools to do the job, many of them a lot costlier than the wood working tools you have in your tool box and specialized .

Kitchen walls are rarely plumb, the wall corners are rarely 90deg, plumbing and electrical for sink bases is rarely centered in the cabinet, soffitts are often not level, if the cabinets fit between 2 walls with no return how will you set the cabinets as they are usually not a tight fit?...lot of factors to consider and plan for before you set your first cabinet.

But you can do the job yourself---it isn't all that difficult, just remember plumb and level, measure twice, then once more, then cut or drill, have a good variety of cabinet clamps, a good compound chop saw, a table saw is handy as is a planer, pre drill all your stiles before running in your stile screws.
Hint:
Plumb and level, measure twice then one more, then cut or drill.
When cutting trim always cut a hair longer then check fit, them trim as needed especially if using prefinished hardwood cabinet trim ie Oak or cherry.

[GASKETBOY]

G.R.

Didn't mean to put you on the defensive. This is virgin territory for me so when I got the quote I had no frame of reference and was looking for a reality check. Your number per "box" gives me that frame of reference and I appreciate your input.

I comprehend the skill level and required tools - that is exactly why I am deferring this part to the pros. I'll watch from the sidelines with my lips firmly closed and hands in my pockets .

Thanks again

Jeff

[G.R.]

Jeff, no problem I deal with it all the time. Wasn't pissed or anything, just stating a fact. Though it comes across the keyboards a lot more so than intended. Good luck on your installation---pay attention , most guys are willing to share some "trade secrets".,

[GASKETBOY]

Somehow I think the engine builders that advertise here and build for us members get a lot of the same reactions when they quote powerplants for our toys.

Thanks again guys. My tool in this endeavor is the checkbook.