It does not reference that; however, we have already made some changes to the original CAD drawings, such as making the cabinets inset.

A modern door is going to likely be weird as an inset door.

You really do need to work this out with someone and we don't have the information to tell you who. Have you asked the building-a-home forum people? They might know what is normal.

I did post this in the home building forum. I just think it is a very vague description for such a huge investment. I don't even know what he means by a "modern door." That is open to interpretation in my opinion.

I also have questions I would like to ask the cabinet guy directly, such as how much more would it be to go ceiling with cabinets, etc. I don't like having to go through the contractor to get answers.

Short answer: no, it's not okay. Put your foot down. Saying "I'm not comfortable with this" usually works for me.

I think it would be an enormous mistake to proceed. Another simple statement is I can't proceed until I speak to the cabinet guy and see samples of the cabinets.

I can't imagine not showing/giving the client a sample door at a minimum.

Custom home build.

Unless you won this house in a raffle and must accept it as-is, custom means you are giving input, making decisions, telling someone what YOU want.

Your house, your money, your freaking door. Modern. Traditional. My Little Pony. You tell him, not the other way around.

In a custom house this also should have an allowance and an overage. For example, I have an allowance price for cabinets, and then my builder added on an option for additional money since I told him I wanted my cabinets to the ceiling.

You tell 'em Linelle!!

Not just the door, but how they're constructed, finished, etc.

You say "custom built home" but do you have any idea what source/grade of finishes (cabs, casing, plumbing, etc.) you're getting/he's selecting?

Is this the kind of custom home where you buy a lot, get plans, and hire the contractor, etc., or the kind where a builder is doing multiple houses in an area and you get to choose between a, b, and c? If it's the first kind, then you need to let these bozos know who's boss (and who holds the checkbook).

I'd hire a kitchen designer or post your layout here. I've learned builders suck at designing kitchens. And no, it's not normal. Get what U want and don't let him be the middleman with the cabinet guy. Talk directly, see samples, etc.

This is one of those cases where I really wonder what else is going on between the buyer and the builder. Yes they should be insistent but it sounds to me like there's already misunderstanding and tension in the relationship between buyer and builder.

My Little Pony, lol

4 door samples were lacquered in colors of my choice..and when I still wasn't sure of the shade, I took my samples-and every sample reminding even remotely my preference, that our cabinetmaker had in his shop, and brought them to our place where I can see them in our light, with our floor, else.

another guy whom we got a quote on our kitchen before also showed us the shop, the types of doors, explained everything we might need to know, and was also going to give us at least three samples to choose.

this is a normal common practice with normal professionals.

On the other hand not everybody is that accommodating..not everybody understands that a customer needs to get such and such info in order to be able to make educated (almost wrote "guess" lol) decision. Sometimes you have no idea what to ask, and some people think it means you already know.

Ask for a normal explanation of what your builder going to put in your kitchen. And ask for the samples too. What does that even mean" modern door"? flat panel? colored laminate? wasn't torn off the walls of a medieval castle?

I'm getting mad just reading this, really. Resonates so much. Like these shower glass doors guys. They come, show us 3 types of handles on the picture in a catalog, bring 2 samples of glass( but you see-they at least did bring something!), and answer every our question "talk with our boss, and we really need to run, and we also can't leave you this catalog."

If this is a custom built home you should be picking everything directly with your subcontractors (whether or not your general contractor is in attendance), from floor to ceiling, cabinets, plumbing, paint, you name it. You'll especially want to choose your cabinetry if it's custom as well, as the options could be nearly limitless.

Maybe it's just me - but, when I think of a "modern door," I think of full overlay, not inset. Inset, to me, is traditional, transitional, or cottage feel.

something seems odd that he's not connecting you and the cabinet people. I've never had a contractor get in the middle of cabinet choice and working with the cabinet company about design. Timeline, allowance, prep for install etc. yes. Design,no.

He/they need to talk to you pronto.

I'm having a minor problem now with mine because he seems to assume that dedicated cook book SHELVES need lips around all four sides, regardless of how those lips cover book spines, and how books should ideally slide out from the bottom shelf... We will resolve this (he WILL remove those lips) But, it's minor. He's showing me his ideas open for my choosing, for cabinet doors, even if he jumped the gun on the above lippy things before discussion!!

Regards those doors -- I'll be able to make modifications if I don't agree with his choices. They'll cost (reasonably) more, but I have that full option.

PS: my custom GC is also my cabinet maker. I love his work but it is obvious he doesn't read many books....