One thing that I think is a cost-cutter for custom guys, assuming that the rest is equal, is that they can make larger runs of continuous cabinets instead of a series of boxes with side panels and finished corners on each. If you have hopes of removing segments of the cupboards at a later date to make a different remodel--such as to bring in a larger range with smaller side cupboards--the custom unit will put you at a disadvantage.

Transportation costs may also be an issue. The local guy can haul locally with his trucks but the distant company has trucks, trains, etc. plus handlers.

My kitchen is smaller about 11x11 and I've got two estimates for custom with local companies. One was for $14K and the other for $12K. Nothing fancy but I am adding a lot of pull out shelves, extra wide corner cabinets for no wasted space, etc. I am also waiting for a quote on Dynasty/Omega but I think I will be going with one of the local custom companies since it gives me more choices. I thought Omega was completely custom but the person doing my quote didn't think she could even get the corner cabinets. Good luck!

Well, Omega--Dynasty line (which is semi-custom) was the one that was $34K. The regular Omega IS custom and they should be able to make you a corner cabinet.

Thanks for the responses.

Make sure you are comparing apples to apples. Are you sure you are getting the same cabinet materials/construction? The quotes we got varied from $14,000 to $30,000 but on closer inspection the lower quote was not for the cabinet quality we had specified.

Good luck.

Why can't you get the local guy to build you the cabinets and then get (and finish doors) online for you? There are a gazillion companies that make quality doors; this fellow might not mind if he's still getting paid to do the finishing.

When we price out a kitchen, we spend a considerable amount of time refining and defining your specifications so that when you see a price, you know that if there is a huge discrepancy, it is someone getting greedy.

Also, if you are looking at custom and semi-custom, you shouldn't have to compromise on door styles or cabinet colors and features.

When we quote a kitchen project, we also provide a project price and COMPLETE task list of what is included. There is no sense getting a good price if you will be hammered on install or the detail work.

Not trying to be rude but I think the terms high end custom and semi custom are thrown around too much on here to be truly valid. You mentioned your door style selection was limited in your custom bid. A local cabinet company does not make them custom. It makes them local or regional if you prefer. A tru custom company is always going to be higher on the baseline cost because you pay for a more talented labor force with more equipment to do anything you can dream. At a minimum if they do not offer custom color match and door profile match they are not a custom Company. Many people on here say they want a custom color. Specifying a color and match a color are two different things. A truly custom company can recieve a door sample of anything and send you back a week or two later an exact match in the shape of the wood and the color of the stain paint and or glaze.

Semi custom is a lose term as well. Armstrong is a semi custom company that is a great one for example and hardly any one on here knows there business model is to sell to the public directly.

When ever your custom quotes are lower than your semi custom quotes keep shoping until that trend reverses. You will get a better educaiton on what the reality is than any one can advise you on here.

At the prices you are stating those cabinets should be made of gold. I do a 35% product mark up on my custom cabinet lines in my store and it is rare to see a price for cabinets in a kitchen spike over $20k to the customer in the size rooms you are talking about.

Painted glazed and full old world distressed is about as high as it gets. Door style with a good custom company does not really affect the price a huge amount at the base line prices they covered their costs before talking about door style. Inset is different it is harder to get right. Any how our prices tend to be to the customer between $400-$500 per foot you have about 47' so it should be between $18,800 $23,500 Semi custom companies we use run our customers $200-$375 making a range of $9,400 - $17,625

the cabinet company used and the features chosen is what determines the price in the range. Their are cases out side those numbers but those are pretty good rules of thumb. At a 35% mark up I make about $4k on an $18k sale

I think you need to shop around more. Your custom prices should always be higher than your semi custom

Send your plans to Old River Cabinets in Richmond Va. They sell direct and can make anything. They have the best price around for true custom company.

Also I see the pictures of so many kitchens on here that say they are custom cabinets but they do not seem to be custom made very often. Meaning the cabinets should have custom made features. It does not really matter if a custom company made your cabinets what matters is they made them better smarter. If you want turned legs on the sides of your cooktop cabinet then the box should be the width of the legs or your should have radius corners with futes or something exciting. I do not offer our custom cabient compnaines to my customers on purpose if I know then have no need of their talent. Why pay for the base line price if you do not go all the way with it?