How we work

From the first estimate to the last handle, in the order it happens. Everything here comes straight from our contract, written in plain language; the signed contract is the version that governs.

1. Estimate and site measure

Start with the instant estimate if you want a number today. When you’re ready, we come out and measure, free, anywhere in the GTA. A site measure is only useful once framing, drywall and flooring are finished, so on a renovation or new build that’s when we book it.

After the measure you get a firm written quote within 48 hours (business days), in Canadian dollars, valid for 30 days. It’s priced from drawings we reference by name and revision, so there’s never a question about which version was quoted. Countertops, handles, electrical, plumbing, lighting and floor protection are not included unless the quote lists them; appliance panels are included when the quote says so.

2. Drawings and approval

Every job is drawn in AutoCAD before it’s built. You review and approve the dimensions, the layout, the finishes and the materials, and that approved set governs the job — it takes precedence over anything discussed verbally. Nothing is cut until you’ve signed off.

Two things we need from you before the drawings are final: the manufacturer spec sheets for every appliance, sink and fixture, and your finish choices approved from physical samples. Screens and printed images aren’t binding, and natural variation in wood, veneer and finish batches is part of the material, not a defect.

Changes after approval are extras. They’re approved in writing and paid before anything is ordered, so you always know what a change costs before it’s made.

3. Deposit and schedule

• 50% deposit when you accept the quote. Nothing is ordered and nothing goes into production until it’s received.
• 40% before or at delivery or pickup.
• 10% on substantial completion — the cabinetry is installed and usable, minor touch-ups aside.

We take e-transfer, cheque, cash, wire transfer or direct deposit. Your lead time, stated in weeks on the quote, starts the day both the deposit is in and the drawings are approved. Because everything we make is custom-built to your drawings, an order can’t be cancelled once materials are ordered or production has begun, and the deposit covers the materials and shop time reserved for you.

4. Production

Your cabinetry is cut on our Thermwood CNC, edgebanded, drilled, assembled and finished in our Scarborough shop, with every part labelled. Blum and Salice soft-close hardware throughout, 3/4″ melamine interiors, hard rock melamine drawer boxes. Painted work is sprayed in our booth; stained work is finished by hand.

5. Delivery and installation

Delivery and installation are quoted separately once we’ve seen the site. Dates are our best estimate and we work hard to hit them; delays caused by suppliers or events beyond our control extend them.

On the day, the site needs to be ready: clear and accessible, existing cabinetry removed unless we’ve included that, and the space enclosed and climate-controlled — heating or cooling running and humidity between 35% and 55%, which is what cabinetry needs to stay true. Extra trips or waiting caused by the site or other trades are charged at the rates in your contract. If a delivery can’t be accepted within fourteen days of the cabinets being ready, the delivery payment falls due and storage may be charged.

Walls, floors and ceilings are rarely perfectly square. We scribe and fill to make the cabinetry fit, but gaps or fit issues that come from the building itself aren’t ours to fix. Countertops are by others and are templated after the cabinets are in, so we can’t schedule the stone.

6. After installation

Walk the job and send us a written list of anything that isn’t right within seven days. We’ll correct valid items within a reasonable time; we just need access to do it.

Warranty: everything we manufacture is warranted for one year from the date it ships from our shop against defects in material and workmanship, for the original purchaser at the original address. Hinges, slides and interior hardware carry their manufacturers’ one-year mechanical warranty — if one fails, bring it back and we replace the part. The warranty doesn’t cover lighting, appliances, countertops or items supplied by others; damage from other trades, water, moisture, misuse, improper cleaning or high humidity; heat or sunlight exposure; normal wear; or hinge and slide adjustment after the first year. Solid wood and veneer change colour with time and light; that’s the material, not a fault.

The small print, briefly

The cabinetry remains ours until the account is paid in full, and we keep our rights under Ontario’s Construction Act. We may photograph completed work for our portfolio, website and Instagram without naming you or your address — tell us in writing before installation if you’d rather we didn’t. Ontario law applies, and if there’s ever a disagreement we talk it through first.

Questions on any of this: [email protected] or (647) 482-1854.