Should I use a Custom Carpenter or buy from a Box Store

With any home improvement job, remodeling project or area update part of the decision-making process is the cost associated with the different products utilized as part of the build. Over the last few years at Treasure Coast Cabinetry & More,  this become a rather contentious subject. A large portion of a home remodeling project budget is often used in the quantity and quality of cabinets, trim work and mantle pieces; just to name a few.

Box stores have been providing prefabricated materials for years, so as the quality of these prefabricated box store items have become better. Enter the question:

In this article we will cover the advantages and disadvantages for each. This will help your decision-making process for your bathroom remodel, kitchen remodel or other update for your home. This can be an important factor that we take into consideration when quoting your project at Treasure Coast Cabinetry & More. Cost vs. expectation will dictate the long term success and satisfaction of your remodeling project.

Box Stores are Here to Stay

Box stores such as: Lowe’s, Home Depot, Cosco and Sam’s Club have steadily increased the quantity of home-improvement products they are able to provide. Prefabricated cabinets, countertops, storage bins, doors, trim, closet kits, fireplace surrounds, mantles and shelving have flooded the market in a variety of textures, materials and sizes to fit nearly any space and budget. Because so many have turned to this affordable option, box stores are here to stay.

The Advantage of using Prefabricated Products from a Box Store

The advantages are quite simple: cost and availability. Prefabricated products traditionally work well; having been manufactured utilizing laser precision techniques and are available in a variety of different colors, sizes and textures. Because they are mass-produced the price can be significantly lower than products that have been custom manufactured. For those home-improvement customers working on a small budget this may be an option that is recommended by Treasure Coast Cabinetry & More.

The Disadvantages of using Prefabricated Products from a Box Store

Careful consideration should be made when utilizing prefabricated products from a box store. While the advantages are clear, the disadvantages can easily show up over just a short period of time. Prefabricated products traditionally use substandard materials such as: plastic, pressboard, poplar wood and pine. These products are cheaper and can effect structural integrity over a short period of time. (Depending on use, within 3 years noticeable signs of fatigue can be observed.) 

Because most of your prefabricated products are going to be pre-sized for a standard fit; your final fit may not be exactly what you want. The prefabricated product may end up being just a little too long or a little too short for the purpose that you needed. Textures and colors are generally chemically manipulated, meaning that they can lose their appearance quickly based upon use.

Craftsmanship is Still Alive

If you open up a phone book you’ll find carpenters and craftsmen that specialize in woodworking and custom projects are few and far between. Because of the flood of prefabricated products into the home improvement market, many craftsmen have faded into the background; but some are still here. While there are customers, because of cost, that would choose prefabricated materials; the final product simply cannot compare to the craftsmanship of a true master carpenter.

Carpentry is an art

A master carpenter can go beyond constructing a cabinet or mantle to the creation of a work of art. A master carpenter will use fitment techniques and hand selected woods that will bring true color, texture and durability that will last for many years to come. A master carpenter has the skill to work within various types of wood finishes and projects such as: handcrafted built-in units, custom closet designs, porch designs, trim work, cabinetry, fireplace mantle and surround, custom table, wainscot and the manipulation of repurposed woods to create one-of-a-kind products.

The Advantages of using a Skilled Carpenter

The advantages of using the skills of the carpenter can be noted in the final product. When placed side-by-side with a prefabricated cabinet; the use of materials, textures and quality that come from the skill set of a carpenter are easily seen. When working with areas that have unique shapes and sizes such as attics, basements, kitchen cabinets, mantles, built-ins and closets; the skills of a carpenter really do come through. One huge advantage that is considered during the estimation process by Treasure Coast Cabinetry & More is the style of the home. Because this area has homes that are built or crafted into a certain style such as: contemporary, modern or traditional; the need of a skilled carpenter to create a product that matches the style becomes clear.

The Disadvantages of using a Skilled Carpenter

The only disadvantage that one might consider is the costs that are often associated with the utilization of a master carpenter. Because a master carpenter traditionally will use much higher quality materials, as well as, the need for the labor to custom assemble and craft the project; the prices are going to be higher than purchasing a prefabricated product.

Things to Consider

Now that we have looked at the advantages and disadvantages of both prefabricated products versus those products crafted by a master carpenter… It really does come down to just a few things to consider:

• Cost – reality is if you’re working within a budget you must weigh the costs.

• Quality – does the use of the project warrant the utilization of a quality manufactured product?

• Use – is your project going to be used a lot, like a bathroom or kitchen?

• Appearance and style – will the use of prefabricated materials fit the style and quality level of your home? At the end of the day you don’t want to put cheap products into a $500,000 home that in comparison to the products already in the home would stick out like a sore thumb. (Not to mention bringing down the value of the home if it’s a bathroom or kitchen remodeling project)

• Space – is the area in which you need the product an odd shape or size that will require a custom build.

When it comes to the choice of using prefabricated cabinets, built-ins, closets, porches, doors, fireplace mantles and surrounds and other similar projects… You really do get what you pay for.

Treasure Coast Cabinetry & More… Much More

Treasure Coast Cabinetry & More is a full service home remodeling company specializing in bathroom and kitchen remodeling. When we add the “More” to our name, we really mean MORE! In-home design, custom woodworking, flooring and painting are just some of the diverse services offered. Be sure to call our locally owned and operated home remodeling service to get your next update on your Vero Beach area home quoted! We back all of our services by an industry leading warranty and only use top branded materials to ensure quality.