When you’re planning a kitchen or bathroom renovation in Charleston, custom cabinetry can be the design element that transforms your space from standard to stunning. But before you dive in, it’s important to understand what goes into a custom cabinet project—and what sets the best Charleston cabinet makers apart from the rest.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essentials of planning a custom cabinetry project in Charleston, outline Charleston Custom Cabinetry’s process, and help you feel confident about choosing the right team for the job.
Why Choose Custom Cabinets for your Charleston home?
Custom cabinets offer more than just aesthetic appeal—they’re built to fit your lifestyle, your space, and your vision. Unlike stock or semi-custom options, custom cabinetry is handcrafted to your exact specifications. This means:
- Maximized use of space, even in irregular layouts
- Premium materials and finishes tailored to your taste
- Long-lasting quality and craftsmanship
- Unique designs that reflect your home’s character
Whether you’re renovating a historic home in downtown Charleston or designing a modern kitchen in Mount Pleasant, custom cabinets Charleston SC provide the flexibility and personalization your home deserves.
What to Know Before Starting Your Custom Cabinet Project
- Define Your Goals and Budget Start with a clear vision of how you want your space to function and feel. Are you seeking more storage? A cleaner layout? An aesthetic upgrade? Setting realistic expectations around budget will help guide your design and material choices.
- Timeline and Planning Custom cabinetry isn’t an overnight process. From design to installation, timelines can vary based on complexity, material lead times, and contractor coordination. Start planning early and allow time for revisions.
- Choose the Right Cabinet Maker Experience matters. The best Charleston cabinet makers combine craftsmanship, local knowledge, and excellent service to deliver outstanding results. Look for a team that listens, collaborates, and takes pride in their work.
Our Process at Charleston Custom Cabinetry
Initial consultation
Before the design process begins you will come into our showroom to meet with our design team. We ask you to bring all pertinent information to the initial meeting such as architectural plans, appliance specifications, inspiration ideas and images, as well as any measurements or photographs of the existing space. These are all helpful to our designer to determine whether your project will realistically fit in with your goals and how much you want to invest in your home. In order to proceed to the next phase of our process, we require a retainer which will be applied to your final invoice. This allows us to start the design process.
We understand when creating your new space you will have questions and we will happily explain our process from start to finish to help prepare you for each stage of your project.
In-home measure
Once you have obtained our services, our designer will visit your home to discuss in depth how you envision using your new space. By understanding your family dynamics, lifestyles and routines your designer will begin conceptualizing your project design. Measurements and photographs of the space will also be taken at this time to help with the initial design.
Design review
Our designers are CAD certified in multiple design programs which allows us to put together a detailed presentation including 3D renderings and help you envision your new space. Your designer will present the conceptual ideas they have developed and any questions you have can be addressed and adjustments discussed if necessary. The final design lays the foundation for the rest of the project details and will help determine the entire scope of work.
Designs, pricing and scheduling will be discussed before final contracts are signed.
Contract
We’ll meet to go over the final documentation that will include:
- floor plans
- elevations
- interpretive drawings
- 3D Renderings
- written specifications and product selections
- contract documents
- payment schedule
When the contract is signed, we require a payment of 60% of the total invoice for the project.
Pre-construction walk through
Since our designs are extremely detailed, we will visit your property to check measurements and final design. Designs will be reviewed with our installation team to make sure any additional necessary parts will be ordered. Once the site review is completed, we can then move forward to place your order.
Pre-installation inspection
As we approach the delivery date, our site coordinator will visit the property to ensure that the necessary work such as electrical and plumbing has been done according to our design specifications. It is important that our installation team has clear access to the space so that they can work efficiently.
Installation
We understand that it is difficult for customers to be without a kitchen. Our team is here to ensure that the installation process runs as smoothly and efficiently as possible. Our team will provide updates along the way to help you or your contractor coordinate other trades that will need access to the space. We will conduct a site walk through and ask that you be present to make sure you are fully satisfied before we conclude our services.
Ready to Get Started on your Charleston Cabinetry project?
If you’re considering custom cabinets in Charleston SC, reach out to Charleston Custom Cabinetry today. Whether you’re planning a full renovation, a new build, or just exploring ideas—we’re here to help bring your vision to life.
👉 Schedule your consultation today and discover why we’re one of the most trusted Charleston cabinet makers.