Over the years, we’ve found that potential clients appreciate having some guidance on what’s involved in an estimate, and we’re happy to put our advice here on the blog for easy access. The most basic version is what many people call a “napkin sketch” estimate – it’s as quick and off-the-cuff as something you’d jot on a napkin while sitting with a friend at a restaurant. For instance, one rule of thumb we can share informally is this: Measure how many linear feet of walls you want to put cabinets on and whether it will have both base and upper cabinets. Figuring $1,000 per a linear foot for upper and lower cabinets will give you a good custom ballpark estimate, but there are a lot of variables (materials, features, appliances, etc.). We don’t mind giving you free, napkin-sketch-level estimates over the phone based on your general description of what you want, but we need detailed information in order to give you realistic numbers. The next level is what you might call a consultation estimate. Clients provide us with any general information they’re already certain about – such as the cabinet color they want or whether they like Shaker-style cabinets – and we then have an onsite meeting so we can talk through their vision and take a lot of measurements. This gives us what we need to use our software to produce online designs that translate to dollars and cents. Then we have a meeting in our office to go over design details and finalize prices. We charge a fee of $250 for this estimate because we are investing time and resources to provide value for your home. And finally, we can produce a highly detailed estimate. This goes a step beyond consultation because we provide you with extensive information we’ve gleaned from putting your project into our design software, as well as drawings that you can take with you regardless of whether you decide to work with us. This option makes sense in some situations; clients may have some construction experience, but no design experience, for example, and with our detailed info and drawings, they may feel confident about going the DIY route. The bottom line So what is the value of paying Ramsey Cabinets for an estimate that goes beyond napkin sketch guesstimating? You're going to have the benefit of decades of experience from two generations of cabinetry professionals. You’ll get great information and recommendations that will be valuable even if you decide not to hire us for your project. When we show up for our onsite meeting, we may walk in the room and say, “Hey, you might want to move your dishwasher over there because your plumbing works out better,” or “If your contractor is going to knock that header out, then put this kind of cabinet up there.” After decades in the business, we know what to look for and we see all sorts of things when we walk in the room. It's so important to get this first step right and know how much it will cost to deliver the vision that’s in your head; if you find that your budget and your vision aren’t matching up, experienced professionals can help you adjust your project so you end up with something you’ll still enjoy at the price point that makes sense for you. Want to learn more? Contact us today.