Custom cabinetry can make a kitchen look amazing. There's more to the process than just throwing in some cabinets, though. As a customer, there are several ways you can contribute to a successful project.

Stylistic Choices

You don't have to perfectly nail down what sorts of cabinets you want. However, it helps if you can at least start with a ballpark idea. If you're more of a fan of traditional or rustic looks, you probably don't want to choose cabinets that are too modern or sparse unless that's what you're working with in terms of the kitchen.

Also, don't be afraid to lean on the contractor's experience and sense of style if you're not sure what to do. They can compare your kitchen to others that they have worked with and tell you what's likely to look good. You can look through their portfolio and quickly find something that excites you.

Financing

Line up the financing for the project early. This will give you a sense of how much room you have to play with if there are opportunities or issues with your plans. Make sure to leave at least overhead on the budget just to be on the safe side in case the contractors run into something after they pull out the current cabinets.

Scheduling

Moving old cabinetry out and bringing in new stuff can be disruptive to a household. You should plan the project for a weekend when you know you won't have a lot happening at home. Some folks even schedule trips during custom cabinetry projects. Whatever you aim to do, be aware that someone has to be around to deal with basic things, such as moving a car that might be in the way when the truck arrives. Schedule accordingly.

Prepare the House

Installing custom cabinetry means there will be banging. You don't want to have anything fragile in the kitchen so take everything out that you can. If possible, try to get tables and chairs out of the room for installation day, too. You may want to take down mirrors and picture frames in adjoining rooms too because there can be vibrations from the installation work.

Speak to the contractor about where they'll want to stage their vehicles and equipment. You may need to move some of your vehicles or even ask neighbors to move theirs. Also, try to not leave anything along the walkways or in the yard whether the installation team will need to move around.