Comparing Cabinets & Dealers

Q.
At 09:58 AM 2/17/2005, you wrote:
Hi,My husband and I are in the process of building our own home, and are serving as the general contractor ourselves.
We are looking into two brand name cabinets...Schrock and Starmark.

Are you familiar with these brands, and if you are, can you tell me what you think of both...is one better quality?

Is one higher priced?
If you are familiar, maybe you could tell me which one you would use.

Any and all input would be great.

I found you through "ask.com".
Thank you in advance for your time.
Diana

A.
I am not particularly familiar with either product.

I suggest you go to my web site and read over the article on Cabinetry.

http://www.kitchenartworks.com/cabinetry.htm

Download the Cabinetry – Quality Standards - Cabinet Estimating Formula PDF.
(Download print-friendly version of this article.)

Compare the product prices using the three cabinet formula.

Also compare the cabinet manufacturer's specs to see which has the thickest shelves, sides, top & bottom, drawerboxes. Which has the best drawer slides (rated in lbs. of load). The best finish (catalyzed varnish).
If the manufacturer's literature doesn't give these details you will have to ask the dealer for them (there will be a page in the manufacturer's catalog).

Then you will know which is the better value (on paper at least).

The intangibles, like:
good service, standing behind their product, delivering what they promise, etc., can only be learned by asking an honest dealer.

If the dealer is not honest, you will never know until you have a problem...then it is too late.

Check up on a dealer by asking them for some referrals to customers who had problems. Call the customers and ask if they were satisfied with the resolution?

Good luck,
Peggy