Kompy, you're a sweetheart! You (and LWO) have come to my rescue over and over again, and I am deeply appreciative! Yes, an outlet for the OTR microwave is cut into the back of a cabinet... makes perfect sense. And my sink base is indeed "scooped" - you're talking about those panels on the left and right, what Kraftmaid shows as the "I-beam" construction? The countertop guys removed those when they put in my sink - they said they were only important for cabinet delivery and installation, but once the cabinet's in place, they're not necessary... Pcjs, I'd much rather gouge the cabinet than gouge my foot. I'm so glad you're okay! (OTOH, feet heal...uh, first time I typed that I typed "heel". So hard to type a joke correctly!) I have a crayon and marker touch-up kit that came with my cabinets, but they match the outside color, not the inside. For that matter, they match the doors better than the side panels (like the fridge panel). The panels don't have the same finish as the doors or the cabinet fronts - I'm kind of wishing I had ordered them more finished, though I seem to remember my KD saying that would be a lot more expensive. Anyway, I'll check out the minmax crayons - thanks for the link! You know, it's so scary having this new kitchen. I keep thinking I'm going to do something wrong... or that my contractor did something wrong that I don't know about (as opposed to all the things he did wrong that I do know about). So here I am loading up my cabinets with heavy dishes (I can't believe how much stoneware weighs!), and I worry they'll pull the cabinets off the walls. Crazy stuff like that. I guess I'll calm down eventually... A few years oughta do it. ;-)

OK - not to hijack this thread - but I just have to say that my experience so far with Lowe's and Kraftmaid has been GREAT. Affer I placed my order at Lowe's I read a thread on here that had me scared to death I had made a terrible decision. I actually haven't read much positive feedback on Kraftmaid here so I wanted to put in my two cents. I had gone through several KD's, then basically took the design I liked best to Lowe's and had them order the cabinets according to the design I brought. It was a very large order as we will have a pretty big kitchen when this is all done. (combining 2 rooms) Anyway, we are smack in the middle of our remodel now. Our Lowe's kitchen cabinet guy warned me that it was more likely than not that some cabinets would arrive damaged, but that he could get a replacement within 2 weeks, so not to panic. I level set my expectations to expect this. All of the base cabinets have been installed, and they all look great! We had a few small problems - a few drawer fronts had the wrong style front on them, and some trim that wasn't finished right. But no scratches, dents, or anything like that. I am guessing that all Lowe's are not like this - but the cabninet guy has come to my house several times to "check on the installation" (even though our installer is not affilated with Lowe's at all) - and when he saw the small problems he immediately went back and ordered replacements, no questions asked, I don't even have to send back the wrong fronts, or take picures, or anything. And he has the Kraftmaid rep coming to my house next week to look at the problems with the trim to see if he can finish it on site - but the Lowe's guy went ahead and ordered replacements to be on the safe side. So, so far so good for Kraftmaid. I haven't seen the uppers yet, they are stacked in my garage in a way that I can't really get to them until they take them out to install them. But I'm less worried about those, at least by that point I will have the granite in and can get my kitchen in "working" order.

Legacy is a lower end line...Presidential series is their super beefed up construction option, if I remember correctly. I used to sell Legacy years ago. The contractor works for you...is it in his contract that HE supplies the cabinets?? On one hand, I can understand why some contractors pick certain dealers to work with. They work well with them, trust them to get the order right....etc. Delays can cost a contractor a lot of $$$$. On the other hand, contractors need to find a good, better and best cabinet line options or they are limiting their clients on cabinet choices. You should tell him that at a minimum you want a semi-custom line. Semi-custom lines have better finishes. Legacy is a lower end line with several box construction options (ie Presidential). I wouldn't use that line...unless you are on a budget. But my guess is, presidential and semi-custom wouldn't be that far apart in price. My only other advice is on the espresso finish. It became popular about 10-15 years ago when Starbucks stores remodeled with all espresso finishes....to complement their 'coffee theme'. That style is now hugely dated. Consider another stain. If you want something more timeless, go with a medium brown....not too red or yellow. I've not seen the Legacy charcoal but assuming its a dark gray? or almost black? The gray trend is also starting to slide. But if you love it....go for it. It's your house.

But is the masterpiece more expensive? We want good quality, but this was an unexpected project and we are on a budget. We also need the cabinets quickly because of an issue with our counters. I do have complete confidence in our contractor. He is our realtor’s FIL and has done several projects for people in our family.