My experience is similar to babushka_cat. I had a difficult space and my primary goal was to maximize storate. I ended up with custom cabinets, but that was not my original plan. As I started to sketch my designs, I realized that I was going to have a tough time with maximizing my storage space using standard sizing. I had odd angles to work with, meaning that I�d have to have several custom cuts to any standard cabinets. I visited a lot of showrooms, and I was really interested in some of the European cabinets, mainly because they came in a lot of "standard" sizes. Those lines gave me many more options in depth and width, so I was strongly leaning to Scavolini or Snaidero (much cheaper than the German lines I liked.) When I was talking to my contractor, he told me they work with a custom cabinet maker, and he said I should consider that route. I was weary because I didn�t know if the finish would be as durable or if the quality would be good. But, after looking at his work in other houses, and seeing that his price quote was cheaper I was convinced. I am really happy that I went this route. This gave me flexibility to make changes at no additional cost. We also had a problem with the handle installation that hole in the door. No problem, the cabinet maker sent a new door the next day. I also added a couple of small, shallow wall cabinets to flank the sink once I realized I could better utilize what would have been blank wall space. No problem, the cabinet maker sent these two days later. I got extra deep drawers in my island so that I could avoid a blind corner, I got custom cut outs to my drawers so that I could have a pop up socket, I got special cabinet cuts to accommodate a trash can in a shallow cabinet, I got an giant sink cabinet so that I could have a huge sink. Everything turned out better because I could work with the contractor and cabinet maker on-site and in real time. And it didn�t cost more. That being said, custom may not be for everyone, but since I had really specific goals and a difficult floor plan, it was a great choice for me. Take a look at how you work, how you approach the design and build process, and talk to your general contractor about his experience with custom cabinets. Having a general contractor who works well with the custom cabinet maker is critical to a successful outcome.

Are you using "custom" and "semi-custom" to refer to the cabinets or the finish? Custom cabinets are specifically made to measure to exactly fit your space. Semi-custom are bought pre-made and fillers are used to make the pieces fit the space. A custom finish should use hand-applied stain with attention to evening out the variations in wood tone, and covered with sprayed pre-catalyzed lacquer. I dunno about "semi custom" - maybe everything is just sprayed, without the care regarding wood tone variations.

Cabinets made in Ca when made legally are to be finished with water based paint and stain products. The cabinets made in South Dakota like Starmark and Showplace are oil based catalyzed varnishes which are much more durable. If you want to test it. Ask to have a sample from both places. Put acetone on the finish and wipe it off. If it is water based the finish will dissolve to some degree during the wipe. The oil based finish will look un touched. The La area store of Ca I work does not offer locally made cabinets for this reason. If you want to buy oil based floor stain or poly urethane you have to drive to San Diego county just to purchase it... The basic premise of the what the dealer told you is correct... The acetone test will tell you if you will get a inferior finish from the local company... I have heard of one company that made cabinets for a project I bid and did not get where the local cabinet maker bought oil based finish in pints to have it shipped in from out of state. You would have to mix all them together I would think it get an even finish color... The national cabinet makers use the oven and the catalyst to be able to finish their products faster. The upside is most also add an hardener to the finish that cures with the oven making the finish more resistant to light scratches and other wear and tear.. I have spoken with many people who have locally made cabinets where the area around the knobs and pulls discolors over time from the oils in the skin from being touched. The out of state finish is likely to be more durable from a reputable company in South Dakota.

Good quality cabinets are not available with a short timeline from anywhere, locally or nationally built. Yeah, the only thing you're getting FAST is big box /off-the-shelf. Think twice about that choice. You're going to live with these cabinets for DECADES. From a function perspective, a well-designed custom kitchen will virtually always be superior because it is tailored to your specific needs by definition. If you can afford it, both in terms of money and time, I’m not sure why you wouldn’t go custom. Semi-custom can be tailored to your needs as well, especially if you're building new ... the difference in "your specific needs" can be only a matter of inches over the entire project. But projects vary. My random thoughts, somewhat contradictory: - I have custom cabinets in my current house. They are original to the house and are very close to 50 years old. In spite of being custom, I don't think they were ever top quality; or maybe it's more truthful to say that standards were lower 50 years ago. Some of the doors are warped, and they are out of style. The moral: Even custom cabinets will wear out and/or go out of style. - My mother remodeled her kitchen roughly 25 years ago -- I remember she was painting the beadboard ceiling blue the night I went over to tell her she was going to be a grandmother, so I'm pretty sure of the timing. Because she was remodeling an old, old house with odd dimensions (and had a chimney running smack-dab through the middle of her kitchen), she spent A FORTUNE on lots of unique sizes ... and she splurged on solid-solid maple and all the bells and whistles. They're absolutely gorgeous, they feel so solid, and they're made for a short person. In spite of my small nephew and niece living in that house now, those cabinets still look brand new. Quality is worthwhile. - I have already decided to go with semi-custom. Why? I'm building new, so I don't have to deal with the oddball dimensions in my Mom's old-old kitchen. I want the solid-solid wood like my Mom's kitchen, but I don't have any unique issues/sizes like she did, and the quality of the building will be just as good. The price difference is significant, and it seems that -- for my simple choices -- the only sacrifice will be the couple inches necessary to combine two cabinets (instead of having an 11' run of cabinets that're brought in in one piece). - Are you the person who wants top-quality and will still be happy once today's styles have changed? Or would you rather spend less today and accept that you'll replace it all in X number of years anyway? - How important are bells and whistles to you? No matter what type of cabinets you choose, simple box cabinets will be cheapest ... drawers will be mid-priced ... and specialty cabinets like spice pull-outs will cost the most. How many "special things" do you plan in your kitchen? Personally, my number is one. One Super Susan in the corner. - Remember that cabinets that are hidden on three sides are the least expensive ... islands, which must be finished on four sides, are the most expensive. - Other people have talked about types of cabinets. Definitely read up on Full overlay, partial overlay, and inset. Definitely consider frameless vs. framed. These things will affect your price. - Consider the size of your cabinets /drawers. Say you have a 6' space to fill ... you could choose two 36" cabinets or three 24" cabinets ... all things being equal, the two wider cabinets will cost less than the three smaller cabinets. - Insist upon the heavy duty hardware.