Economical kitchen cabinets

[Kurt F.]

I've been rehabbing one side of a duplex, and have just begun looking for kitchen cabinets.  I've read some of the cabinetry-related posts via the BP search box.

I am realizing that I know quite a lot about higher end cabinets, but very little about the inexpensive end of the spectrum.  The look of IKEA can be striking, but as soon as I open doors and drawers on the display floor models, I begin to worry about the quality.  

I've looked into a few online RTA companies, and have gotten a couple quotes for some lower end units that seemed oddly expensive.

I have nothing against using big box home store cabinets if they are decent.

What kind of cabinets are you installing on rental units?    

[Phillip Hunt]

     Hi Kurt, I have been in the cabinet industry most of my life.  I have designed kitchens and baths, installed the cabinetry and even manufactured my own cabinetry.  I have purchased from and worked in the big box stores as well as smaller cabinetry retailors. 

     First, it depends on how high a quality you are wanting to achieve.  In my properties I strive for a good match between price and quality.  Cheap cabinets are not a good value if they fall apart in a couple of years through use. 

      I use American Woodmark cabinetry which I purchase from either Home Depot or Lowes, Lowes sell them by another name though, they are special order and take approximately four to six weeks for delivery.  Merrilet cabinets are along the same quality as Woodmark and are found through other retailers.  These are middle ground in quality and have a decent price.  With cabinetry you get what you pay for.   

     In stock cabinetry I only buy for commercial buildings such as Hair salons and small break rooms. 

     I also only use Granite counter tops,  They last forever, look great, and if you shop around you can find granite for a good price as I have.  Do Not Buy granite counters from the big box stores.  You will pay twice the price you could get them for elsewhere. 

     Nice kitchens and bathrooms are a great way not only to increase the value of the property but also demand a higher rent price.  It is one of my own pet peeves and I have always gotten tenants within days of advertising and the amount of rent that I have asked for.  My tenants love the properties and feel a sense of pride to live in them. 

     So unless your properties are in a war zone.  This is what I would do.