Last week I walked into my neighbors newly renovated home and couldn't help but notice something wasn't quite right. The kitchen cabinets were new but bland, the countertops were nice but didn't quite match the look of the cabinets and there was a lack of flow as the fridge was on the opposite side of the island from the stove. My neighbor then explained it all in two words: "prefab kitchen".
Now don't get me wrong, there are many examples of great looking prefab jobs online and in stores. In fact, it's a really great option if you're on a budget. But the finished product just can't compare to a well planned and well-executed custom carpentry job.
Many people are looking for seamless cabinetry transitions, dramatic custom countertops, and flawless hardwood floors all working in synergy to create a luxurious and sophisticated living space. That's the kind of style, class and perfection that is difficult to find in a big-box store solution.
Customized carpentry provides a completely unique finish to your home in a way that cookie-cutter fabrication can't. Yes, you can purchase the same shelving unit, kitchen island or TV stand as everyone else at a cheaper price but your finished room will also look and feel like everyone else's finished room - standard.
One key element to a beautiful custom job is the carpenter's ability to work closely with the client. This often means taking the time to communicate clearly with the customer during each phase of the project.
Phase 1 - At Team Contractors we refer to this as the "Discovery" phase. It's the planning and designing portion of the project, where we sit down with the customer and decide what the goal of the project is, what the costs will be and what limitations may present themselves. This phase of construction is designed to help the carpenter and the client to understand what the final product is going to look like, feel like and cost.
Phase 2 - This is the "Approval" phase where we finalize the plan with the customer and make sure everybody is comfortable with the direction the project will take.
Phase 3 - The "Execution" phase is where the magic really happens. This is where all the pre-planning and the carpenter's expertise come together to create the beautiful product the customer envisioned.
Not all custom carpenters can provide the same level of quality. We find that the most important and often the most difficult part of the project is finding someone who really truly cares and is excited about the project. A seasoned carpenter will have an eye for detail and take pride in a beautifully crafted custom piece.
Many clients wonder why custom carpentry solutions are more expensive than box-store furniture. It's certainly faster and less expensive to run out and pick up a premade cabinet or shelf, but custom cabinetry is designed to offer a more luxurious feel. It's designed to showcase its superior quality of workmanship that doesn't even begin to compare to assembly-line products.
Custom cabinetry is not really designed with saving money in mind. It's more of an investment in our home's value and functionality.
Basically, any area in your home can benefit from a custom carpentry solution. Here are some areas where custom carpentry are often used to improve the look, feel and functionality of the space:
No matter what the size or scope of the project is we always do our best to incorporate some sort of carpentry customization solution in an effort to increase the value and attractiveness of the work. Even a small amount of customization can make a good project great!
