In need of words of wisdom

15 years ago

Hello to all!

So glad I found this site! I used to think I was a pretty organized person....but since I stared researching this kitchen remodeling I feel like I can't absorb anything!

So far, we have received three estimates on our kitchen. Two of them are from kitchen remodeling companies and one was from a man who makes the cabinets himself. Of the two companies, one sells Candlelight Cabinetry and the other Embassy which is the line just under Omega but made by the same company. I'm having little luck finding any reviews of either of these products on the web.....so I guess my first question would be.....has anyone used either of these brands or know of anyone who has? You'd like to think you can believe the salesman when he extols the virtues of his cabinetry.....but I'm way too cynical for that. I don't want to keep getting estimates from different companies as I feel that in the end that will just muddy the water even more. So.....from those of you who are much more experienced than myself.....how do you know what is a really good cabinet? How do you judge the company? Did you rely solely on references? Needless to say, the man who makes his own cabinets is higher than the others, but not entirely out of reach. We not sure that our type of house supports such a custom kitchen.

I'm open to any and all advice and thank you sincerely in advance!

Amie

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Comments (4)

caryscott
15 years ago
Attached links covers the bases on cabinetry pretty well. If I remember correctly Candlelight doesn't make its' own doors but purchases them through Conestoga Woods (a good supplier).

Here is a link that might be useful: Introduction to cabinetry
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acountryfarm
15 years ago
I think you will probably get several different opinions on this issue, so I will just tell you mine right up front. I don't think anything beats a good custom cabinet shop if it within reach. There is nothing like being able to see, touch, checkout exactly what you are getting.
I would never order cabs long distance if I couldn't see them 1st. There just is so much left to chance when you order and the cab maker is not on site. I appreciated having my can maker coming to the site to do all measuring, fitting, etc.

I also have heard so many sad stories here of cabs arriving with major issues. Now, obviously that can happen with all custom but if the cab guy is local it is a lot easier to deal with.

There are many things that make a quality cab. Some things we looked for: all wood ( not veneered) boxes, full extension drawers, good quality hardware, quality workmanship.

I would definitely get references and as many as you feasibly can. Ask about quality, finish, problem solving, timeliness (were they finished on schedule)?

You can never have too much information.
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caryscott
15 years ago
Insist on seeing an installed kitchen by the installer who will be doing your kitchen. As the link I provided says stock, semi-custom and custom do not denote quality. With local I would be most concerned with the finish process. Not all shops are doing catalyzed conversion finishes which are widely considered to be superior to traditional finishing techniques. Less distance means less handling so even if you choose a larger company think about their proximity to you.

I prefer melamine interiors (better for cleaning and durability than poly coated plywood in my opinion) and I'm quite oomfortable with good furniture grade particleboard construction but you'll need to decide for yourself what your bottom line is.

Here is a link that might be useful: plywood or particleboard
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Buehl
15 years ago
Ami72, Omega Embassy is the same as Omega Dynasty. Several of us have Omega Custom or Omega Dynasty cabinets and are very happy with them. BTW...mine were also called "Embassy". I used a mix of semi-custom (Dynasty/Embassy) and Custom cabinets in my kitchen as my door style & finish were available through both Omega lines. It helps to reduce the cost of cabinets if you can do that...use semi-custom where you can, but you can still get a custom cabinet when needed.

Try searching (using the search button on the bottom of the thread list page) for "omega dynasty" and you should find a thread or two about them.

IglooChic is another owner of Omega...but she used Omega Custom only.
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In need of words of wisdom

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caryscott

acountryfarm

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Buehl

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