Paying more for cabinets by going through a KD??

12 years ago

We've been working with a KD for our renovation and are currently at the stage where we need to order cabinets. Initially, she gave us 2 quotes, one from Schrock and another from a custom cab-maker. They weren't too different from each other, the cab-maker's quote being roughly ~$2K more, which I believe, in the long run, will even out when installation and details are considered.

It shall come to no surprise to anyone who frequents GW that my husband and I had sticker shock when given these 2 quotes. They came in at 2/3 our budget. We then asked our KD to get some more quotes, just so we can compare and make our final decision with a peace of mind... knowing that our kitchen is just that much larger than we anticipated and the features we wanted are truly going to cost us.

Today, my KD came in with another quote from Wellborn which is pretty much the same as Schrock's.

While it seems like a confirmation that the job we want is going to cost that much, I can't help but wonder if I could get a better quote myself by searching out other local cab-makers. KDs, is there a commission you're making by referring your clients to specific cabinet makers or lines? Honestly, how much would I be saving if I didn't go through you? Are you getting the best "insider" price or is everything marked up for commission?

Guess our cabs are going to cost us a lot and force us to increase our overall budget by 30%. But, I'd like to decide soon so we can order these cabs and finally get the ball going...

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Comments (4)

User
12 years ago
As an independent, I get my design fee and that's it. I do not get any commission from any cabinet manufacturer. However, I do not shop my design around to the cabinet companies unless you want my input and are willing to pay an extra fee for my assistance with selecting cabinets. I can also help you with other design selections and provide checkpoint inspections. But, "shopping" your design is totally up to you.

Most KDs belong to shops that represent various lines and receive a commission for selling their products as their compensation instead of a design fee. That is how most of the industry works.
dragonfly08
Original Author
12 years ago
greendesigns, thanks for your input. we are newbies venturing into the world of renovations and KD... so we're not familiar with how the industry works. we've been going with the flow with our KD... we asked her to get more quotes ("shop around") and she did, granted, it took a whole week for that to happen.
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editionk
12 years ago
Hi dragonfly08 - in your first thread someone suggested Mid Continent cabinets to you. Did you find a local place that carries MC?

I'm considering MC also in a white painted finish. One selling point of MC is that paints, glazes, soft close full ext. drawers are all included - no upcharge. And a paint upcharge in other lines was quoted to me as $1500 +/- so it was a big savings from MC.

I remember planning this kitchen around work and young kids was a time challenge, but if you can get an appt at a MC showroom with a designer there and block a few hours DO IT. Bring your dimensions and just see what they come up with and have them quote it. My MC quote was less than non-sale quotes from the box stores and from other private stores by me and I feel the quality is better than most box store lines. You might be happily surprised.

If you have questions about MC you can email me if you want.

Here is a link that might be useful: Mid Continent Site - Dealer Locator Too
beaglesdoitbetter1
12 years ago
We saved over $20,000 off of the lowest semi-custom price we got (Medallion) by going custom and our kitchen is way, way, better.
Where do you live? I would get some referrals for custom cabinet companies and get some quotes on custom cabinets.

Paying more for cabinets by going through a KD??

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dragonfly08
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Paying more for cabinets by going through a KD??

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dragonfly08Original Author

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dragonfly08
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