| Hi,
Having already met with my "rock star" cabinet maker (way too expensive, will probably still get one piece from him) and a GC and the small local cabinet maker he works with (still waiting on an estimate from them), today I stopped in the offices of a well-respected local custom home builder (they also do kitchen and bath remodeling). The interior design specialist asked me very detailed questions about what I was looking for, as well as for a ballpark budget.
Upon hearing the number, she handed me a brochure for Homecrest cabinets, saying that 99% of their customers chose that line and were able to get what they wanted from it. Her other line is Candlelight, which she said would likely cost more than double the Homecrest and in fact, eat up most if not all of my total budget. She said if it were her home, she'd go for the Homecrest.
I've looked at the brochure and the website for Homecrest, and it does appear that I can get things like soft closing doors and drawers (not blum, their own version), all plywood construction, full extension glides, concealed hinges, moldings, furniture feet etc. I'm sure some if not all of these things are extra! I was able to find 2 door styles I like. Finishes are limited but they do have an off-white like I wanted.
One thing that bothers me a little is that the doors are what they call a "modified full overlay", and you see a bit more of the face frame than I was hoping for, but I am sure it's one of those things you don't even notice after a while (unless it's one of those things you start to notice all the time LOL).
Does anyone have Homecrest in their kitchen? Is it good sturdy quality? Is Candlelight really that much more? Where does Homecrest fall pricewise compared to other popular brands?
Going with this local builder is appealing because they have a crew that has been with them for years, experts in all aspects of building/renovation, A+ member of BBB, etc. The woman I met with today is coming out next week for measurements and the like, and she said if I went with them I'd also be meeting with the Homecrest design rep to firm up details and get 3-D plans and the like. But if these cabinets are of poor quality, none of it matters...
Thanks for your help! | 
