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| Typical costs: | - Stock cabinets come pre-made in specific styles, shapes and finishes. A lot depends on the size and shape of your kitchen and the total linear feet of cabinets needed. Basic cabinets (top and bottom) for a 10x12-foot kitchen start at $4,000-$5,000 and up, not including installation and countertops.
- Semi-custom cabinets let you choose from among a number of options, because they're built after you place your order. They're about double the cost of stock; a 10x12 kitchen begins at $8,000-$10,000 with costs rising for glass fronts, hand-crafted finishes, exotic woods, intricate trim patterns or other options.
- Cabinets custom-made in a particular design or to fit in a specific layout can cost as much as four times stock prices, or $16,000-$20,000 and up, uninstalled and without countertops.
- IKEA.com's free downloadable kitchen planner lets you plug in the size and shape of your kitchen and details such as door, window and electrical outlet locations, then choose and place various IKEA cabinets. The planner automatically calculates the total materials costs.
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| What should be included: | - Quality cabinets are built like good furniture; ThisOldHouse.com shows the inner construction, so you know what to look for.
- NaturalHandyman.com presents step-by-step instructions for installing ready-made cabinets. Even if you're not doing it yourself, this lets you know what to expect during an installation.
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| Additional costs: | - New kitchen countertops on lower cabinets may add to the bottom line.
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| Shopping for kitchen cabinets: | - Collect photos of appealing cabinets. BettersHomesandGardens.com provides online slide shows.
- Scrapbook.com presents handy diagrams of typical kitchen layouts, plus links to manufacturer and retail sites ranging from discount offerings to custom cupboards.
- The National Association of the Remodeling Industry gives contractor referrals.
- Ask about previous projects, licensing and insurance; check references and the Better Business Bureau. A written contract should specify materials, labor, scheduling and any payment plan. Make a minimum deposit and pay when the job is completed.
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Article updated November 2006 |
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