Cabinet Procedure

Balentine Builder Services, LLC is excited about the opportunity to collaborate with you in designing your new space. We understand that cabinet installation and the design process may be unfamiliar territory, so we’ve created a helpful guide with suggestions and procedures to support you every step of the way. Our commitment is to deliver top-quality products along with exceptional customer service.

Thank you for considering Balentine Builder Services — we look forward to working with you!

Determine Your Needs/Set a Budget:

• Set a Budget: Pricing can vary between cabinet companies for many reasons. It is very helpful to set a budget. When you are talking with your designer this will allow them to offer a cabinet line within your budget.
• Design Preferences: Think about the style, material, and any specific features you want (e.g., soft close doors, hidden dual pull-out drawers). There are so many choices when it comes to cabinets design.
• Get Inspired: Go online and find some great ideas. Take pictures and bring these with you when you meet with your Balentine designer.

Providing Measurements vs. Field Measure:

• Providing Measurements: If you do not have your walls up, you can provide your designer with plans or basic measurements to get an initial quote for your project. We CANNOT guarantee a price until the area has been physically measured and we have firm measurements. Being off by even 1/8” can cause an issue with the whole project.
• Field Measure: Your walls are up (if applicable) and you’re ready for your Balentine designer to come on site and measure each area carefully. This is probably the most important part of the whole procedure and also is required prior to ordering any cabinetry. At times walls go up slightly uneven and our designers are trained to look for things like this, ensuring a precise fit for your cabinets.

Sinks and Appliances (If applicable):

• Sink and Appliance Specifications: It is imperative that we have all appliance and sink specifications prior to ordering. Just because you ordered a 42” sink base does not mean a 42” undermount sink will fit. These items must be provided to your designer as early in the design phase as possible. You also do not want to fall in love with that beautiful farm sink to find out it can’t fit. This is something your designer can work around so you can get the best of both worlds!

Order Your Cabinets:

• Confirm Details:  Your Balentine designer will finalize the design, materials, and any special requests with you. All of this will be included in your contract and signed off.
• Deposit: It is our policy to collect a deposit of 50-60% of the contract price for material.
• Place Order: Prior to hitting that Submit Order button, your Balentine designer will work closely with the cabinet manufacturer to ensure all details have been confirmed on their end. This is extremely important with any semi-custom or custom pieces.

Prepare for Installation:

• Plumbing and/or Electrical: During the field measure or design process you may have been made aware that the plumbing or electrical needs to be relocated.  Balentine Builders is NOT responsible for this. This work must be done prior to Balentine delivering your cabinets.
• Flooring: Please discuss any changes in flooring with your designer. If you add or delete any flooring, not previously discussed, this could cause an issue with the project.
• Clear the Area: Remove any items from the space where the cabinets will be installed.

Delivery and Cabinet Installation:

• Delivery: The scheduler and/or your designer will set up a day for delivery. This will typically be one day prior to your installation start date.
• Cabinet Installation: The day has arrived! When you received the call to schedule the delivery this appointment will be made as well. Installations typically take between 1-2 days depending on size. The installer will need to unbox each cabinet and ensure no damage. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to provide a place to put trash. The installers are given drawings in advance and reviewed with your Balentine designer to ensure a seamless install.

Finishing Touches:

• Install Hardware: After all cabinets are installed, they will go back and attach knobs, pulls, and other hardware to the cabinets.
• Final Inspection: This is the time for you to test out your new cabinets. Please go and open each cabinet. Pull out every drawer. During transit hinges get misaligned and while the installer is there he can adjust these items that need to be addressed.

ENJOY YOUR NEW CABINETS!!!!

Additional things to consider:

Cabinet Types:

• Stock: Pre-sized and readily available, offering the most affordable option.
• Semi-Custom: Allow for some customization in size and design, providing a balance between affordability and flexibility.
• Custom: Designed and built to specific requirements, offering the most design freedom but also the highest cost.

Construction Quality:

• Solid Wood vs. Engineered Wood: Solid wood, like hardwood, is generally more durable and long-lasting, but more expensive. Plywood and MDF are engineered wood options that offer good strength and stability, and are often less expensive.
• Hardware: Look for soft-close hinges, undermount drawer glides, and dovetail joinery for drawers.
• Full-Height Back Panels: These provide added strength and prevent moisture damage.
• Assembled in the Factory: Fully assembled cabinets can be more durable and easier to install.

Style and Design:

• Framed vs. Frameless: Framed cabinets have a face frame, while frameless have a more modern look. Consider which style best suits your space and personal preference.
• Overlay: Consider full overlay (doors and drawers cover the frame) or inset doors (doors are recessed into the frame).
• Handle and hardware: Choose handle and hardware that suit your aesthetic.

Budget and Cost:

• Low-End Cabinets: Ready-to-assemble or stock cabinets are the most affordable, typically costing between $1,500 to $3,000 per room.
• Mid-Range Cabinets: Semi-custom or custom cabinets can cost between $3,000 and $12,000 per room.
• High-End Cabinets: Custom cabinets with high-quality materials and features can exceed $12,000 and 15,000 per room.

Other Considerations:

• Finish: Choose a finish that complements your kitchen’s overall style.
• Special Features: Consider pull-out trash cans, charging stations, or lift cabinets to add functionality. Ask your Balentine designer to show you all the fun add-ons throughout the showroom!