1. What types of custom cabinetry does William’s Handcrafted build?

Our primary areas of expertise are custom kitchens and built-ins, but we also create custom bathroom vanities, bars, furniture, laundry/mudrooms, and other cabinetry tailored to a specific space.

2. Does William’s Handcrafted remodel kitchens?

Yes. William’s Handcrafted provides custom kitchen remodeling in addition to building the cabinetry itself. We can coordinate the cabinetry and the other trades needed to complete the kitchen renovation. 

3. Does William’s Handcrafted work on older or historic homes?

Yes. We work in older and historic homes as well as new construction, designing cabinetry to work with the unique characteristics of each space.

4. Does William’s Handcrafted work on new construction?

Yes. We work with homeowners, builders, designers, and other project partners on new construction as well as renovations. 

1. What’s the difference in price between stock, semi-custom, and custom cabinets?

Stock cabinets are generally the most affordable option and come in standard sizes and finishes. Semi-custom cabinets offer more flexibility but still have limitations. Custom cabinetry is designed specifically for your home, giving you the ability to maximize unusual spaces, accommodate your lifestyle, and create solutions that standard cabinetry cannot.

2. What does “custom” cabinetry really mean?

Custom means the cabinetry is designed around your specific space and needs rather than selected from a set of predetermined sizes. For example, we can design a dedicated mixer cabinet, create storage around a particular appliance, or incorporate an existing HVAC air duct into the cabinetry so the finished space works seamlessly. Custom work also allows us to tie seamlessly into your exciting home to match mouldings and proportions of your space.

3. How do I maximize storage in a small or awkward kitchen?

We start by asking how you live in your kitchen. From there, we design storage around your routines and needs, whether that means specialized drawers, pull-outs, appliance storage, hidden compartments or solutions for unusual spaces. Custom cabinetry allows us to use space that standard cabinets may leave unused.

4. What are the best materials for custom cabinets?

We make intentional choices about the woods and materials we use. Virginia hardwoods are among our preferred materials, with species such as maple,  white oak, cherry, and other hardwoods offering different appearances and characteristics.  Hardwood plywood boxes and solid maple drawer boxes also come standard.

5. What are the pros and cons of different door styles?

Shaker doors are timeless and versatile, whether inset or overlay. Slab doors offer a clean, modern look and are easy to maintain. Frame-and-panel doors with a simple inside edge profile provide a more traditional, detailed appearance. Our owner and in-house design team guide clients through samples, renderings, and inspiration so each choice feels informed.

6. How long do custom cabinets last?

Well-made custom cabinetry is built to last for generations. Quality construction, durable finishes, and timeless design can help cabinetry remain beautiful and functional for decades.

7. What finishes are available, and how do I choose?

We use 2K polyurethane finishes. These professional-grade finishes hold up to aggressive cleaners and resist stains. In fact, they’re so durable you don’t even need coasters on our wood furniture, and are designed to hold up to the demands of everyday use. We can help you select a finish based on the look, feel, and performance you want for your space.

1. Does William’s Handcrafted handle the entire kitchen remodeling process?

Yes. For kitchen renovation projects within our scope, William’s Handcrafted can manage the cabinetry and coordinate trades such as electrical, plumbing, tile, and painting. This allows the project to be managed as a cohesive kitchen renovation rather than treating the cabinetry as an isolated piece.

2. Do I need to hire a separate general contractor?

Not necessarily. William’s Handcrafted can manage the renovation work within the scope of the project. Some clients also prefer to take on a project-management role themselves, and we can work with them as well.

3. What trades does William’s Handcrafted coordinate?

Depending on the project, we can coordinate the trades needed to complete the renovation, including electrical, plumbing, tile, painting, and other work associated with the kitchen project.

4. Can I work with my own designer, builder, or contractor?

Yes. We work with all kinds of project partners, including homeowners who already have a designer or builder. We can collaborate with your existing team or recommend professionals when appropriate.

5. Does William’s Handcrafted work with interior designers, architects, and builders?

Yes. We work with interior designers, architects, builders, and homeowners and are open to developing long-term relationships with professionals in the Richmond area.

6. How involved is William in my project?

William is highly involved as the company’s Master Craftsman and serves as your first point of contact. His hands-on involvement helps keep the design, craftsmanship, and client experience connected throughout the project.

1. How much does a custom kitchen remodel cost?

Every project is different, but the average William’s Handcrafted cabinetry cost is between $55,000-$75,000.   Actual pricing depends on the scope of work, cabinetry, materials, construction requirements and other project-specific details.

2. How do I set a realistic budget for a kitchen remodel?

A good starting point is to understand the full scope of the renovation, not just the cabinetry. Your budget may need to account for cabinetry, appliances, countertops, flooring, plumbing, electrical, tile, painting and installation or other construction work. Generally, we find most of our projects end up 15-25% of the home’s value for a luxury, custom kitchen remodel.

3. What hidden or additional costs should I plan for?

William’s Handcrafted is committed to clear and inclusive pricing. We commit to not hiding any reasonably foreseeable costs. The most common overlooked costs revolve around code compliance.  Sometimes, the electrical scope can be larger than anticipated if we need to bring houses up to modern code or if surprises arise due to prior workmanship.

4. Is there a minimum project budget?

William’s Handcrafted is generally best suited to larger cabinetry projects, kitchen renovations, and substantial home projects. Budget is an important factor in determining whether a project is a good fit.  Most full-service kitchen remodels start at about $150,000.  This includes all aspects of the scope like cabinets, appliances, design, flooring, plumbing, electrical, fixtures, and more.

1. What happens during the initial consultation?

The initial consultation is an opportunity to discuss your project, goals, and ideas. We’ll provide recommendations, create a quick preliminary mockup or vision for the space, and discuss very rough pricing. This gives you an early sense of the direction and whether the project is a good fit before moving into the detailed design process.

2. When do I begin paying for design?

After the initial consultation, clients who choose to move forward enter into our Design and Development Agreement.. The detailed design process begins after that agreement is signed.

3. Does William’s Handcrafted provide kitchen design services?

Yes. Our team works with you to develop a custom design based on your space, lifestyle, aesthetic preferences, and functional needs.

4. Do I need an interior designer?

Not necessarily. William’s Handcrafted can provide design support, and we also work with clients who already have their own designer, architect, or builder.  We can also connect you with our in-house interior designer.

5. Can I use my own designer or builder?

Absolutely. We regularly collaborate with homeowners and outside professionals. We can work within an existing design or construction team, or recommend professionals when needed.

1. What is the typical lead time for custom cabinets?

Lead times depend on the size and complexity of the project. Because every William’s Handcrafted project is custom, we develop a project-specific schedule rather than relying on a single standard lead time.

2. How far in advance should I start planning my project?

Custom projects require advance planning. If you hope to have a project completed in time for the holidays, we recommend beginning the process by summer so there is adequate time for consultation, design, construction, and installation.

3. What are the typical steps in a kitchen remodel?

A typical project begins with an initial consultation and rough project discussion, followed by a design contract and detailed design. From there, the project moves through construction, cabinetry fabrication, installation, and finishing work. The exact sequence and timing depends on the project.

4. How long will my kitchen be out of use?

Most kitchen remodels take 10-14 weeks. Your project team can help you plan around the period when the kitchen is unavailable. A temporary kitchen with a small refrigerator or cooler, microwave or toaster oven, coffee maker, and basic disposable dishes can make the transition easier.

1. Where does William’s Handcrafted provide custom cabinetry and remodeling services?

William’s Handcrafted serves the Richmond, VA metropolitan area and typically travels about an hour from Richmond. Our service area extends west toward Charlottesville and north towards Doswell and Caroline County.

2. Does William’s Handcrafted serve Charlottesville, VA?

Yes. Charlottesville is within the broader area we are interested in serving, depending on the project and location.

3. How far does William’s Handcrafted travel for projects?

We generally work within approximately an hour of Richmond, with our service area extending towards Charlottesville and Caroline County, VA. We can discuss specific project locations during the consultation.

1. Does William’s Handcrafted work with interior designers and builders?

Yes. We work with interior designers, builders, architects, and other professionals and value collaborative relationships that create a better experience for the client.

2. What is the William’s Handcrafted Trade Partner Program?

Our trade partner program is designed to create mutually beneficial relationships with qualified professionals. The goal is to build trusted partnerships while providing trade partners with program benefits for working with William’s Handcrafted.

3. Who can participate in the Trade Partner Program?

The program is intended for qualified professionals such as interior designers, builders, and other project partners within William’s Handcrafted’s service area.

4. Can a designer or builder refer a client to William’s Handcrafted?

Yes. We welcome referrals and opportunities to collaborate with professionals who are looking for a high-quality custom cabinetry partner for their clients.