From Consultation to Completion: Stress-Free Kitchen Remodels with Charleston Custom Cabinetry

by | Nov 4, 2025 | Kitchen Design | 0 comments

What to Expect During Your Kitchen Remodel with Charleston Custom Cabinetry

Embarking on a kitchen remodel can feel daunting, especially when you want results that blend beautiful design with lasting craftsmanship. At Charleston Custom Cabinetry, serving Mt. Pleasant and the Greater Charleston area for over 15 years, we walk homeowners through a clear, step-by-step process designed to reduce stress, set realistic expectations, and deliver a kitchen tailored to your lifestyle.

Start with a Complimentary Consultation

Your remodeling journey begins in our showroom with a complimentary initial consultation. Bring any architectural plans, appliance specifications, inspiration photos, measurements, or existing-space photos. These materials give our design team the context they need to assess feasibility and discuss realistic budgets and timelines. During this visit, we’ll explain our process, answer questions, and discuss a design retainer that allows us to move into the next phase.

  • What to bring: plans, appliance specs, inspiration images, measurements
  • Why it matters: helps our designers create a concept that meets your goals
  • Cost: initial consultation is complimentary; a design retainer is required to begin the design work

In-Home Measure and Lifestyle Consultation

Once you engage our services, one of our designers will visit your home for an in-depth conversation about how you use your kitchen. We prioritize understanding family dynamics, cooking habits, entertaining needs, and storage preferences so the resulting kitchen is both functional and beautiful. Precise measurements and photographs taken during this visit form the foundation of an accurate design.

Design Review: 3D Renderings and Detailed Plans

Our design team—CAD certified in multiple design programs—translates your brief into detailed floor plans, elevations, and 3D renderings so you can truly envision the end result. During the design review we’ll cover:

  • Layout options and traffic flow
  • Cabinet styles, woods, and finish options
  • Countertop and backsplash recommendations
  • Lighting, hardware, and appliance placement
  • Storage solutions and custom millwork

Charleston Custom Cabinetry prides itself on personalized, one-on-one service. Our team includes experienced professionals such as Brendan Murphy (owner), Kristy Barrineau (Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer), Erika Frizol (lead designer), Michael Imhoff (project manager), Philippa Wellborn (office manager/interior designer), and Ray Lombardi (site inspector)—all working together to refine your concept into a buildable plan.

Contracts, Pricing Transparency, and Budgeting

We believe in clear communication about costs. Designs, pricing, and scheduling are reviewed before final contracts are signed. Our projects typically start at a baseline investment to ensure high-quality custom cabinetry and installation—our team can discuss budget ranges for your specific project during the design phase. When you sign the contract, a payment of 60% of the total invoice is required to move forward toward production and scheduling.

Pre-Construction and Pre-Installation Reviews

Before fabrication and delivery, we conduct two important site visits:

  • Pre-construction walk-through: Our installers review final drawings and on-site conditions to confirm measurements and ordering requirements.
  • Pre-installation inspection: A site coordinator ensures that electrical, plumbing, and other trade work are completed per design specifications so installation goes smoothly.

These reviews reduce surprises and ensure that every part of the project is coordinated—from demolition and trades to final cabinetry installation.

Installation by Skilled Craftsmen

Our installation team brings decades of combined experience. We know how disruptive a kitchen remodel can be, so we focus on efficient, respectful work and clear communication throughout the installation phase. You’ll receive updates so you and any other contractors on site can coordinate access and timelines. Before we leave, we perform a final site walk-through with you to confirm your satisfaction.

Design Retainers, Revisions, and Final Deliverables

Charleston Custom Cabinetry requires a design retainer to begin work; that retainer is applied to your final invoice. The retainer covers up to two design revisions—additional changes are billed at an hourly rate. This policy ensures the design phase is productive and moves toward a finalized plan that meets your expectations.

Warranty and Post-Installation Support

We stand behind our workmanship. CCC offers a warranty on custom cabinetry and post-installation support to address any questions after completion. Our goal is long-term satisfaction—if something requires attention, our team in Mt. Pleasant is available to help.

Setting Realistic Timelines

Timelines vary with project scope, complexity, and material lead times. During the design phase we’ll provide a projected schedule including fabrication and installation windows. We make every effort to keep your project on track and will communicate any changes promptly.

Plan with Confidence—Local Expertise for Charleston Homes

Charleston Custom Cabinetry combines local knowledge with high-end craftsmanship. Whether you live in Mt. Pleasant, downtown Charleston, or surrounding neighborhoods in the Greater Charleston area, we tailor designs to suit historic homes, modern renovations, and everything in between. Our team’s collective experience—ranging from historic restoration appreciation to certified kitchen and bath expertise—means your kitchen remodel is handled with sensitivity to Charleston’s architectural character and your personal style.

Common Questions We Address Upfront

  • Do you work within my budget? We understand the importance of budget considerations. During our initial consultation, we discuss your budget.
  • How many revisions are included? Two revisions are included with the design retainer; additional changes are billed hourly.
  • Will you handle installation? Yes—our expert craftsmen handle installation to ensure a precise, professional finish.
  • Is there a warranty? Yes—our cabinetry is backed by a workmanship warranty and support after installation.

From your first visit to our showroom to the final walkthrough, Charleston Custom Cabinetry emphasizes clear communication, meticulous planning, and exceptional craftsmanship. Our process is built to reduce anxiety and deliver a kitchen remodeling experience that’s organized, predictable, and tailored to you.

If you’re ready to explore a kitchen remodel with trusted custom cabinetry experts in Mt. Pleasant and the Charleston area, call us at 843-548-2436 or visit charlestoncabinetry.com to schedule your complimentary consultation and take the first step from consultation to completion.


FAQ

What is the process for a kitchen remodel with Charleston Custom Cabinetry?

Charleston Custom Cabinetry follows a step-by-step process: start with a complimentary showroom consultation, sign a design retainer to begin in-home measuring and lifestyle interviews, receive detailed floor plans and 3D renderings from our CAD-certified design team, review pricing and contracts, complete two site reviews (pre-construction and pre-installation), and finish with installation by our skilled craftsmen and a final walkthrough. We focus on clear communication and coordinated trades throughout the project.

How do I start a kitchen remodel with Charleston Custom Cabinetry?

Begin by scheduling a complimentary consultation at our showroom in Mt. Pleasant—bring plans, appliance specs, inspiration photos, and measurements if available. During the visit we explain the process and discuss a design retainer that allows our designers to move into the in-home measure and design phase.

What should I bring to the initial consultation?

Bring architectural plans, appliance specifications, inspiration images, room measurements, and photos of the existing space. These materials help Charleston Custom Cabinetry’s designers assess feasibility, set realistic budgets and timelines, and create a concept tailored to your goals.

How much does a kitchen remodel with Charleston Custom Cabinetry cost?

Charleston Custom Cabinetry discusses project budgets during the design phase with transparent pricing. Costs vary by scope, materials, and complexity. We review pricing before contracts are signed and provide options to align with your investment goals.

What is a design retainer and how does it work?

The design retainer is required to begin the design work and is applied to your final invoice. It covers up to two design revisions; additional revisions are billed hourly. The retainer allows Charleston Custom Cabinetry to allocate design time, create accurate plans, and produce 3D renderings for your review.

What payment schedule does Charleston Custom Cabinetry require?

When contracts are signed, Charleston Custom Cabinetry requires 60% of the total invoice to move forward into production and scheduling. Details of milestones, remaining balances, and payment timing are reviewed in the contract so you have clear expectations.

How many design revisions are included?

Two design revisions are included with the design retainer at Charleston Custom Cabinetry. After that, additional changes are billed at an hourly rate. This policy helps keep the design phase productive and moves the project toward a finalized, buildable plan.

Do you provide 3D renderings and detailed plans?

Yes. Charleston Custom Cabinetry’s CAD-certified designers produce detailed floor plans, elevations, and 3D renderings so you can visualize layout options, cabinet styles, finishes, countertops, lighting, and storage solutions before construction begins.

Who installs the cabinets and how experienced are they?

Our installation team are skilled craftsmen with decades of combined experience and are employed or directly coordinated by Charleston Custom Cabinetry. We manage installation to ensure precise, professional finishes, clear communication, and minimal disruption to your home.

What inspections or site visits happen before installation?

Charleston Custom Cabinetry conducts two key pre-install reviews: a pre-construction walk-through where installers review final drawings and on-site conditions for accurate ordering, and a pre-installation inspection to confirm electrical, plumbing, and trade work meet design specifications—minimizing surprises during installation.

Is there a warranty or post-installation support?

Yes. Charleston Custom Cabinetry stands behind its workmanship with a warranty on custom cabinetry and provides post-installation support from our Mt. Pleasant team to address any issues or questions after completion, ensuring long-term satisfaction.

How long will my kitchen remodel take?

Timelines vary based on project scope, complexity, and material lead times. During the design phase Charleston Custom Cabinetry provides a projected schedule with fabrication and installation windows and communicates promptly about any changes to keep your project on track.

Do you work in historic Charleston homes and other local neighborhoods?

Yes. Charleston Custom Cabinetry serves Mt. Pleasant and the Greater Charleston area, tailoring designs to historic restorations and modern renovations alike. Our team’s local knowledge and certified kitchen and bath expertise help us respect Charleston’s architectural character while meeting your lifestyle needs.

Can Charleston Custom Cabinetry accommodate custom storage solutions and special millwork?

Absolutely. We specialize in custom cabinetry and millwork—our designers recommend cabinet styles, woods, finishes, hardware, and tailored storage solutions (including specialty pull-outs and built-ins) to maximize function and aesthetics in your Charleston home.

How do I schedule a complimentary consultation or get in touch?

To schedule a complimentary consultation with Charleston Custom Cabinetry in Mt. Pleasant, call 843-548-2436 or visit charlestoncabinetry.com. Our showroom visit is the best first step to discuss your goals, budget, and next steps toward a custom kitchen remodel.

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