Planning a custom cabinets project in Birmingham? This comprehensive person checklist covers everything you need to know before, during, and after your project. Print it out, check off each item as you go, and use it to stay organized throughout the process. A well-planned project is a successful project — and this checklist helps you avoid the most common mistakes Birmingham people make when undertaking custom cabinets work.
Whether you are comparing provider quotes, preparing your property, or managing the work in progress, these steps will guide you through every phase. We have compiled this checklist based on feedback from hundreds of Birmingham people and input from our network of custom cabinets professionals. Each item represents a real lesson learned from actual projects in the Birmingham area.
Use this checklist to plan, vet, and inspect a custom cabinet project from first quote to final install.
Planning and Budgeting
☐ Set a budget of 500 to 1,200 per linear foot for custom cabinets, or 150 to 400 for stock
☐ Measure every wall, ceiling height, and appliance opening before requesting quotes
☐ Decide between dovetail and butt-joint drawers before comparing prices
☐ Confirm whether the quote includes plywood boxes or MDF
☐ Ask each bidder to itemize crown molding, fillers, and trim separately
☐ Verify whether demo and removal of old cabinets are in the price
☐ Budget 50 to 150 per door and drawer for soft-close hardware
☐ Confirm the 6 to 12 week lead time fits your schedule
☐ Compare at least three itemized quotes before choosing a shop
☐ Check whether the finish is factory-applied or field-painted
Hiring and Verification
☐ Confirm the shop builds cabinets in its own facility
☐ Ask for three references from kitchens completed in the last year
☐ Visit at least one installed kitchen to check door alignment and drawer action
☐ Verify the shop offers a written warranty of 1 to 5 years on boxes and finish
☐ Ask who templates the space and whether the same crew installs
☐ Confirm hinge and slide brands in writing before ordering
☐ Ask how the shop handles scribe and filler for uneven walls
☐ Verify the quote includes delivery and installation or states them separately
☐ Check that plywood boxes and dovetail drawers are standard, not upgrades
☐ Get the finish warranty terms, including warping and delamination coverage
Build and Installation
☐ Review the shop drawings for every cabinet dimension before production starts
☐ Confirm door style, wood species, and stain or paint color in writing
☐ Check that drawer boxes arrive with dovetail joints, not stapled butt joints
☐ Verify soft-close hinges and full-extension slides are installed on every unit
☐ Inspect doors for warp, chips, and finish runs before installers hang them
☐ Confirm fillers and scribe pieces cover gaps without exposed plywood edges
☐ Check that all drawer fronts align with even reveals after installation
☐ Ask how touch-up kits and finish repairs are handled after install
☐ Walk the kitchen with the installer and list any issues before final payment
☐ Keep the warranty documents and finish care instructions in a safe place
Ready to Get Started?
You have done your research and reviewed the checklist. Now it is time to find the right custom cabinets professional for your project. Our matching service connects you with qualified licensed custom cabinets pros in Birmingham within one business day — completely free, with no obligation.
Each pro has been verified for AL licensing, proper insurance coverage, and positive customer references. You receive their quotes, compare them side by side, and choose the best fit for your project and budget. There is never any pressure and never any cost to you. Call (205) 574-3205 or request your free matching online.