Stock cabinets from Lowe's? Good or bad?

Question

Justin Tahilramani · Answer

@Carl M. - If you are going to go with granite counters - I would recommend that you purchase decent mid-level cabinets. Don't rule out ready to assemble cabinets as they are often use plywood instead of particle board. If you buy cheap cabinets and have granite - what are you going to do when the cabinets fall apart? You cant simply remove granite, change cabinets, and re-use the old granite counters - doesn't work that way.

Also, you say that you have an allowance, so why is your contractor insisting that you use Lowes cabinets? Its your allowance - you should have more options than just one type of cabinet from Lowes. No need for an allowance in the scenario - he could have pre-priced those exact cabinets. Doesn't make sense to me.

JD Martin · Answer

I have used the Arcadia and they are basement bottom cabinets. I am not going to say they're unsuitable for any use, because in our very low-end rentals they serve a purpose where you can't justify cabinets at 3X the cost or more, but no way would I use those for a high-end.

Now, the Diamond cabinets are not really "in stock" as far as I know. In-stock, to me, is a cabinet that you can toss in the back of the pickup.

Ritch Bonisa · Answer

If you are going with granite - up the grade of the cabinets.  I manage rehabs for remote investors and I see a lot of contractors.  The contractor probably wants to force the material situation to mark it up a little.  This is normal - it's how they make money.  If the cabinets are chosen by the investor, and everyone knows what the cost is, then it's more likely they won't make money on the cabinets as a single line item.  Shouldn't be a big deal.  It only becomes a bigger deal to the contractor when the investor wants to buy all the materials and the contractor gets 0 or little markup.  This puts a contractor in a difficult situation especially if the rehab is smaller and there is not a lot of work that needs to be done (there are fewer places within those estimates to make money).  Contractors generally mark up materials a little and then have labor costs as well. If you are getting labor only estimates, then it would be common to expect to pay a little more in labor costs.  Not that one is right or wrong - it's just the way they try to make money.

Patrick Liska · Answer

I worked for a renovation company that bought diamond cabinets directly from the manufacturer, they were always good quality cabinets. just like anything else when you buy from the big box store, there is always the line that is made exclusive to them. I have not bought diamond cabinets from Lowes but i would believe there products would be the same sold there, but i would check and definitely get plywood boxes, which i believe has always been standard for Diamond cabinets. i do not believe they sell particle board products, as a Contractor, i would recommend that brand.

Brian Pulaski · Answer

How big is the kitchen and what is the allowance?  If he carried $7500 and you find ones you like that cost $4500 do you get the difference back? Has he given you any other options?

Rolanda Eldridge · Answer

@Carl M...Probably OK...If cabinets needed, I buy from a local building(salvage)supply. The quality is better, but you need to paint or stain.  I bought before from HD, but it was particle board..GL