Potomac Custom Cabinets: Frequently Asked Questions

We offer a complimentary in-home consultation where one of our designers visits your home, studies the space, discusses your vision, and takes precise measurements. The visit typically takes 60 to 90 minutes. We will also review your home's existing architectural details so we can design cabinetry that integrates seamlessly. Virtual consultations by video call are also available if preferred.

Every project is unique, so pricing depends on the scope of work, the materials selected, the complexity of the design, and the size of the space. We provide a detailed written estimate after the consultation that covers design, materials, fabrication, and installation. There are no hidden fees. We are transparent about costs from the beginning and will work within your budget to achieve the best possible result.

Timelines vary based on the scale and complexity of each project. A single-room project such as a bathroom vanity will take less time than a full estate kitchen with a butler's pantry. After you approve the design and we complete final measurements, we provide a written production schedule before beginning any work. We keep you informed with regular updates throughout the process.

Yes. We specialize in working with the high-end residential properties that define the Potomac area. We have built cabinetry for large estate homes that require extensive coordination across multiple rooms, including dual-island kitchens, butler's pantries, wine cellars, libraries, and full walk-in closet systems. We have the capacity and experience to handle large-scale projects while maintaining consistent quality throughout every space.

Absolutely. Matching new cabinetry to existing trim, crown molding, wainscoting, and other millwork is one of our core strengths. During the consultation, we carefully assess your home's existing finishes, wood species, stain colors, and profile details. We then select materials and finishing techniques to ensure a seamless match. This is particularly important in older Potomac homes where period-accurate detailing is essential.

We build with the finest materials available. Solid hardwood face frames, furniture-grade plywood cabinet boxes, and dovetail drawer construction are standard on every project. We offer a full range of wood species including maple, cherry, walnut, white oak, and exotic imports. All hardware is premium European soft-close. We also source specialty materials for clients who want something truly distinctive, such as hand-rubbed lacquer finishes, custom glazing, or reclaimed wood accents.

Yes. Every project includes photorealistic 3D design renderings at no additional cost. You will see your cabinetry rendered in your actual room with your chosen materials, finishes, and hardware before we build anything. We include revisions until you are completely satisfied with every detail of the design.

Yes. Professional installation by our own crew is always included. We never subcontract installation to outside parties. Our installers take the time to ensure every cabinet is perfectly level, every door closes flush, and every drawer glides smoothly. We complete a detailed walkthrough with you before considering the project finished.

Yes. We regularly collaborate with architects, builders, interior designers, and general contractors on both new construction and renovation projects throughout Potomac and Montgomery County. We are experienced in reading architectural drawings, coordinating with other trades, and meeting the scheduling requirements of larger construction projects. We are happy to work directly with your team.

Every cabinet we build comes with a lifetime craftsmanship guarantee for as long as you own your home and the cabinets remain in their original location. All materials and hardware also carry their respective manufacturer warranties. If anything we built fails due to workmanship or materials, we repair or replace it at no charge. We stand behind everything we build without exception.

Custom kitchen cabinets in the Washington DC metro area typically cost between $500 and $1,200 per linear foot installed. For a standard 10x10 kitchen with approximately 20 linear feet of cabinetry, that works out to roughly $15,000 to $35,000 depending on the wood species, door style, finish, and hardware selected. High-end projects using exotic hardwoods, custom glazing, or specialty features like integrated lighting and appliance panels can exceed $50,000. Stock cabinets in the same kitchen would run $2,000 to $6,000, and semi-custom cabinets $4,000 to $13,000. We provide a detailed written estimate after every free in-home consultation so you know the exact cost before any work begins.

From the time you approve the design and we take final measurements, most kitchen cabinet projects take 6 to 10 weeks for fabrication and 2 to 5 days for on-site installation. Smaller projects like a single bathroom vanity or a set of mudroom cubbies can be completed in 3 to 4 weeks total. Larger whole-home projects involving multiple rooms typically take 12 to 16 weeks. We provide a written schedule before starting any project and keep you updated with weekly progress reports throughout the build.

Stock cabinets are factory-made in fixed sizes with limited material and finish options. They typically cost $100 to $300 per linear foot installed and are available in 3-inch width increments, which often leaves gaps that require filler strips. Semi-custom cabinets offer more size flexibility and finish choices but are still manufactured in a factory from predetermined configurations, usually running $150 to $650 per linear foot. Custom cabinets are built one at a time to your exact measurements using your choice of wood species, construction method, door style, and finish. They typically cost $500 to $1,200 per linear foot but eliminate filler panels, wasted space, and material compromises entirely.

Yes. Plywood cabinet boxes last 3 to 5 times longer than particle board in real-world kitchen conditions. Particle board is made from wood chips held together with resin, and it swells permanently when exposed to moisture. In a kitchen with a dishwasher, sink, or ice maker, moisture exposure is unavoidable over time. The screws holding hinges and drawer slides into particle board gradually lose grip as the material degrades, leading to sagging doors and misaligned drawers. Plywood holds fasteners permanently, resists moisture, and supports significantly heavier loads without bowing. The cost difference is typically 10 to 15 percent of the total project price, but the difference in durability over a 20 to 30 year lifespan is substantial.

Standard cabinet replacement where you are swapping existing cabinets for new ones in the same location does not typically require a building permit in Maryland. However, if your project involves any electrical work such as adding under-cabinet lighting or relocating outlets, any plumbing changes such as moving a sink or adding a dishwasher line, or any structural modifications such as removing a wall or enlarging an opening, separate electrical, plumbing, and building permits will be required. In Montgomery County, Maryland, permit applications can be submitted through the online permitting portal at permittingservices.montgomerycountymd.gov or in person at the Montgomery County Permitting Services office in Rockville. We coordinate all necessary permits as part of every project. We coordinate all necessary permits as part of every project so you do not need to handle the process yourself.

Yes. According to industry data, a kitchen cabinet replacement typically returns approximately 70 percent of the project cost in increased home value, with an average home value increase of around 5 percent. In the Washington DC metro area's competitive real estate market, where median home prices exceed $600,000 in most communities, that 5 percent translates to $30,000 or more in added value. Kitchen renovations consistently rank as the highest-impact improvement for resale value, ahead of bathroom remodels, which return approximately 60 to 70 percent. Beyond resale, updated cabinets also help homes sell faster, which is often just as valuable as the price increase itself.

The average return on investment for a kitchen remodel in the Washington DC metro area is approximately 70 to 75 percent, meaning a $30,000 kitchen cabinet project would add roughly $21,000 to $22,500 in home value at resale. This is higher than the national average of approximately 60 to 65 percent, largely because of the strong demand for updated homes in the the Washington DC metro area market. Cabinet refacing projects return approximately 65 to 75 percent of their cost. Minor kitchen remodels that focus on cabinet and countertop replacement without changing the layout tend to have the highest ROI, sometimes exceeding 80 percent.

Yes, in most cases cabinets can be installed over an existing tile backsplash. We use longer screws to penetrate through the tile and tile backer board into the wall studs behind, which provides a secure anchor point. The key is ensuring the screws reach at least 1.5 inches into the stud, which typically requires 3 to 3.5 inch screws when going through tile. If the tile is uneven or the grout lines create an unstable surface, we use furring strips or shims to create a flat mounting plane. In some cases, particularly with thick stone tile, it may be more practical to remove a section of tile behind the cabinets for a cleaner installation. We assess this during the in-home consultation and include any necessary prep work in the project estimate.

A properly installed wall-mounted kitchen cabinet secured to wall studs with appropriate hardware can safely hold 50 to 75 pounds per linear foot, or approximately 150 to 300 pounds per standard 36-inch cabinet depending on the cabinet construction and mounting method. Our cabinets use a French cleat or cabinet screw mounting system that distributes weight across the full length of the cabinet back and anchors directly into wall studs. Plywood-backed cabinets hold significantly more weight than those with hardboard or cardboard backs. For cabinets holding especially heavy items like cast iron cookware, stand mixers, or canned goods, we reinforce the mounting with additional structural screws and blocking. We always recommend distributing heavy items across the bottom shelf of wall cabinets for the most stable weight distribution.

Any home built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint, and the EPA requires that all renovation work in these homes be performed by EPA-certified renovators following the Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) rule. Our team is RRP-certified and follows all required containment, dust control, and cleanup procedures when working in homes that may have lead paint. This includes sealing off the work area with plastic sheeting, using HEPA-filtered equipment for dust control, and conducting thorough post-work cleaning and verification. If asbestos-containing materials such as old floor tiles, pipe insulation, or textured ceilings are present in or adjacent to the work area, we coordinate with a licensed asbestos abatement contractor before beginning any cabinet work. We assess these conditions during the initial consultation so that any required remediation is factored into the project timeline and estimate upfront.

Custom kitchen cabinets in the Washington DC metro area typically cost between $500 and $1,200 per linear foot installed. For a standard 10x10 kitchen with approximately 20 linear feet of cabinetry, that works out to roughly $15,000 to $35,000 depending on the wood species, door style, finish, and hardware selected. High-end projects using exotic hardwoods, custom glazing, or specialty features like integrated lighting and appliance panels can exceed $50,000. Stock cabinets in the same kitchen would run $2,000 to $6,000, and semi-custom cabinets $4,000 to $13,000. We provide a detailed written estimate after every free in-home consultation so you know the exact cost before any work begins.

From the time you approve the design and we take final measurements, most kitchen cabinet projects take 6 to 10 weeks for fabrication and 2 to 5 days for on-site installation. Smaller projects like a single bathroom vanity or a set of mudroom cubbies can be completed in 3 to 4 weeks total. Larger whole-home projects involving multiple rooms typically take 12 to 16 weeks. We provide a written schedule before starting any project and keep you updated with weekly progress reports throughout the build.

Stock cabinets are factory-made in fixed sizes with limited material and finish options. They typically cost $100 to $300 per linear foot installed and are available in 3-inch width increments, which often leaves gaps that require filler strips. Semi-custom cabinets offer more size flexibility and finish choices but are still manufactured in a factory from predetermined configurations, usually running $150 to $650 per linear foot. Custom cabinets are built one at a time to your exact measurements using your choice of wood species, construction method, door style, and finish. They typically cost $500 to $1,200 per linear foot but eliminate filler panels, wasted space, and material compromises entirely.

Yes. Plywood cabinet boxes last 3 to 5 times longer than particle board in real-world kitchen conditions. Particle board is made from wood chips held together with resin, and it swells permanently when exposed to moisture. In a kitchen with a dishwasher, sink, or ice maker, moisture exposure is unavoidable over time. The screws holding hinges and drawer slides into particle board gradually lose grip as the material degrades, leading to sagging doors and misaligned drawers. Plywood holds fasteners permanently, resists moisture, and supports significantly heavier loads without bowing. The cost difference is typically 10 to 15 percent of the total project price, but the difference in durability over a 20 to 30 year lifespan is substantial.

Standard cabinet replacement where you are swapping existing cabinets for new ones in the same location does not typically require a building permit in Maryland. However, if your project involves any electrical work such as adding under-cabinet lighting or relocating outlets, any plumbing changes such as moving a sink or adding a dishwasher line, or any structural modifications such as removing a wall or enlarging an opening, separate electrical, plumbing, and building permits will be required. In Montgomery County, Maryland, permit applications can be submitted through the online permitting portal at permittingservices.montgomerycountymd.gov or in person at the Montgomery County Permitting Services office in Rockville. We coordinate all necessary permits as part of every project. We coordinate all necessary permits as part of every project so you do not need to handle the process yourself.

Yes. According to industry data, a kitchen cabinet replacement typically returns approximately 70 percent of the project cost in increased home value, with an average home value increase of around 5 percent. In the Washington DC metro area's competitive real estate market, where median home prices exceed $600,000 in most communities, that 5 percent translates to $30,000 or more in added value. Kitchen renovations consistently rank as the highest-impact improvement for resale value, ahead of bathroom remodels, which return approximately 60 to 70 percent. Beyond resale, updated cabinets also help homes sell faster, which is often just as valuable as the price increase itself.

The average return on investment for a kitchen remodel in the Washington DC metro area is approximately 70 to 75 percent, meaning a $30,000 kitchen cabinet project would add roughly $21,000 to $22,500 in home value at resale. This is higher than the national average of approximately 60 to 65 percent, largely because of the strong demand for updated homes in the the Washington DC metro area market. Cabinet refacing projects return approximately 65 to 75 percent of their cost. Minor kitchen remodels that focus on cabinet and countertop replacement without changing the layout tend to have the highest ROI, sometimes exceeding 80 percent.

Yes, in most cases cabinets can be installed over an existing tile backsplash. We use longer screws to penetrate through the tile and tile backer board into the wall studs behind, which provides a secure anchor point. The key is ensuring the screws reach at least 1.5 inches into the stud, which typically requires 3 to 3.5 inch screws when going through tile. If the tile is uneven or the grout lines create an unstable surface, we use furring strips or shims to create a flat mounting plane. In some cases, particularly with thick stone tile, it may be more practical to remove a section of tile behind the cabinets for a cleaner installation. We assess this during the in-home consultation and include any necessary prep work in the project estimate.

A properly installed wall-mounted kitchen cabinet secured to wall studs with appropriate hardware can safely hold 50 to 75 pounds per linear foot, or approximately 150 to 300 pounds per standard 36-inch cabinet depending on the cabinet construction and mounting method. Our cabinets use a French cleat or cabinet screw mounting system that distributes weight across the full length of the cabinet back and anchors directly into wall studs. Plywood-backed cabinets hold significantly more weight than those with hardboard or cardboard backs. For cabinets holding especially heavy items like cast iron cookware, stand mixers, or canned goods, we reinforce the mounting with additional structural screws and blocking. We always recommend distributing heavy items across the bottom shelf of wall cabinets for the most stable weight distribution.

Any home built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint, and the EPA requires that all renovation work in these homes be performed by EPA-certified renovators following the Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) rule. Our team is RRP-certified and follows all required containment, dust control, and cleanup procedures when working in homes that may have lead paint. This includes sealing off the work area with plastic sheeting, using HEPA-filtered equipment for dust control, and conducting thorough post-work cleaning and verification. If asbestos-containing materials such as old floor tiles, pipe insulation, or textured ceilings are present in or adjacent to the work area, we coordinate with a licensed asbestos abatement contractor before beginning any cabinet work. We assess these conditions during the initial consultation so that any required remediation is factored into the project timeline and estimate upfront.