A kitchen renovation is one of the largest single investments most Perth homeowners make in their property. The quality of the cabinet maker you choose determines whether that investment holds up for 5 years or 20. These seven questions will help you separate the cabinet makers who will deliver from those who won't.
1. Do You Design, manufacture and install — or outsource any of those?
Some "cabinet makers" are actually retailers who resell imported flat-pack systems or outsource manufacturing to a third party. This isn't necessarily a problem for a low-budget project, but if you're commissioning custom cabinetry, you should know exactly who is building it.
What a good answer looks like: "We design in-house, manufacture in our own workshop, and install with our own team." This means one point of accountability for the entire project.
2. Can I visit your workshop?
A cabinet maker with a real manufacturing facility should be able to show it to you. A workshop visit tells you a great deal: the scale of the operation, the quality of the machinery, the cleanliness and organisation, and whether the cabinet maker is a genuine craftsman or an assembler of imported components.
What a good answer looks like: A genuine invitation to visit, with a specific address. PCS Cabinets manufactures at our Carlisle workshop — you're welcome to visit.
3. What board thickness do you use for carcasses?
Standard flat-pack kitchens use 16mm particleboard for cabinet boxes. This is functional, but noticably less rigid than the 18mm used in quality custom cabinetry, or the 33mm used for island bench applications. A cabinet maker who doesn't know their board specifications off the top of their head is not paying attention to the details that matter.
What a good answer looks like: "18mm moisture-resistant as standard for carcasses, 33mm for islands." Anything less is a compromise.
4. What's included in your warranty, and how long is it?
A 5-year workmanship warranty is standard for quality Australian cabinet makers. The important detail is what it covers: the hardware (hinges, drawer runners), the substrate (is it covered against moisture damage?), and the finish. Get the warranty terms in writing before you sign a contract.
What a good answer looks like: A specific warranty period (minimum 5 years), covering hardware, joinery and finish defects under normal domestic use, with a clear claims process.
5. Will you provide a fixed-price quote or an estimate?
An estimate can change. A fixed-price quote means the price you're quoted is the price you pay, unless you change the scope of work. Ask explicitly: is this a fixed price or an estimate? The answer matters significantly when you're managing a renovation budget.
What a good answer looks like: "We provide a fixed-price quote after measuring your space and confirming the specification. The price doesn't change unless you change the brief."
6. Can you show me similar projects you've completed in Perth?
Portfolio images tell you more than anything else about what a cabinet maker actually produces. Ask for photos of completed projects at a similar specification to yours — and if possible, ask for a reference from a recent client. A cabinet maker who can't show you finished work in Perth homes should be approached with caution.
What a good answer looks like: A genuine portfolio of completed Perth projects, with photos that show the finished installation rather than just renders. References available on request.
7. Who will be doing the installation?
Some cabinet makers subcontract installation to third-party teams. This creates a gap in accountability — if the installation has a problem, the cabinet maker may redirect you to the installer, and vice versa. The best cabinet makers use their own installation team, which means one point of contact for design, manufacture and installation problems.
What a good answer looks like: "Our own installation team handles every project." Anything else increases your risk.
What PCS Cabinets Looks Like Against These Questions
We design in-house, manufacture at our Carlisle workshop, and install with our own team. We provide fixed-price quotes. Our warranty is 5 years on workmanship and hardware. Our portfolio covers 540+ completed Perth projects. And yes — you can visit our workshop.
Book a free in-home consultation and put us to the test, or call 0417 151 309.