From the first visit to installation:
how a custom cabinet project works

The steps at a glance

1. You send the form or call. We reply within one business day.
2. The visit. We measure, listen and give you a straight number.
3. The design package, if that number works for you: drawings and the final price.
4. You sign the drawings and pay the deposit.
5. We build it in our Spring Grove shop: roughly 6 to 8 weeks from signed drawings for an average kitchen.
6. Delivery.
7. Installation: usually 1 to 3 days for a full kitchen.
8. The warranty: a written 1-year workmanship warranty from the install date.

Step 1. What happens after I send the form?

We reply within one business day to set up a visit. Your answers on the form tell us what you have in mind, so the first conversation starts from your project. Photos of the room are welcome; they help us see what we are walking into.

Step 2. What happens at the first visit?

It starts with a visit. We measure, we listen, and we give you a straight number. If it works for you, we design it with you, and only then do we build.

Your first visit and consultation are free. We come to your house, look at the room, take our own measurements and talk through what you want: the style, the color or stain, the hardware, the features that matter to you, like a pull-out trash next to the sink. Before we leave, you get an initial price — a free in-home estimate. The final price comes from the drawings.

Step 3. What does the design package include?

If the number from the visit works for you, the design package covers the detailed measuring and drawings and ends with the final price. It is paid, in one payment, before the drawings start, and it counts toward your deposit.

It includes:

• a review of your goals, photos, inspiration and any plans you have;
• detailed field measurements;
• layout and design discussion, and one main layout direction;
• drawings for your approval: a 2D layout, 3D renderings, or both;
• the cabinet, material and finish direction;
• a written scope;
• one major revision;
• the final price.

It does not include unlimited revisions, several separate designs, engineering, permit services, or plumbing, electrical or mechanical design. Production shop drawings come with the build itself.

If you move forward with Da Vinci Woodwork within 90 days on substantially the same project, the full design-package fee is credited toward your contracted work.

Step 4. When do I sign and pay the deposit?

When you approve the drawings, you sign them and pay the deposit before we order materials. If you took the design package, that payment counts toward the deposit. The deposit brings the total paid to 30 to 50% of the cabinet price: closer to 50% for a new client, closer to 30% for a returning client or one who already paid for a design package.

One major revision is included before you sign. After that, any change goes on a written change order, and the cost may change.

Step 5. How long do custom cabinets take to build?

Roughly 6 to 8 weeks from signed drawings for an average kitchen. Built-ins, closets and millwork usually take 4 to 6 weeks, sometimes less. It varies with the detail, material availability and how busy the shop is. With the signed drawings we give you an estimated delivery window for your project.

We build the cabinets in our own shop in Spring Grove, and they are finished with Renner, an Italian high-end coating. How we build cabinets explains the boxes, doors and hardware.

Step 6. What happens on delivery day?

We deliver the finished cabinets. The rest of the cabinet price is due on delivery, whether or not we install them.

Before delivery, the room needs to be ready: clear access, a protected place for the cabinets, and any wall repairs, blocking, plumbing and electrical rough-ins done. If the site isn't ready, we store the finished work free for two weeks; after that a storage fee applies, agreed in writing.

Step 7. How long does installation take?

Usually 1 to 3 days for a full kitchen, less for a vanity or a single built-in. Installation is quoted separately, as its own line, and is due after it is complete. On larger projects it is paid weekly or biweekly.

Contractors who have their own installers can take delivery only; the quote shows the difference.

Step 8. What if something isn't right after installation?

Our workmanship (fit, joinery and finish) is covered by a written 1-year warranty from the install date, for cabinets, trim and stairs. Hardware carries its maker's own warranty. Send us photos, your project details and when you noticed it, and we will take it from there.

What should I have ready for the visit?

It helps to have:

• a few photos of the room;
• any plans or drawings you have;
• the appliances and sink you are keeping or buying (model numbers if you have them);
• pictures of kitchens or rooms you like;
• an idea of your budget and your timing;
• the name of your contractor or designer, if you have one.

None of it is required. We take our own measurements at the visit. If you want a rough number for your kitchen first, here is how to measure it in linear feet.

Common questions about the process

Do I need a general contractor?

Not always. We work directly with homeowners. If walls, plumbing or electrical are changing, decide early who handles that work and its inspections, because it has to be done before the cabinets arrive.

Can you work from my designer's or architect's drawings?

Yes. We price from the drawings as given. If you want us to remeasure, that time is added to the final cost.

How do I pay?

By check or bank transfer. We don't take credit or debit cards.

Do you remove the old cabinets?

We can, as an optional extra, when your quote lists it.

Do you do countertops, plumbing or electrical?

Only if your written scope lists them. On built-ins and media walls, wiring is done through a licensed electrician we coordinate, when the quote lists it.

Do I need a permit?

Usually not, just to install cabinets or built-ins in our area. We pull one ourselves when the law requires it.

More answers on the FAQ page