Custom Cabinets & Appliances

[Rob]

We're in the process of having Valley Quality Homes estimate a custom floor plan (actually a Palm Harbor plan) and would like to have custom cabinets installed rather than the standard Valley cabinets. Is this done often? The standard Valley cabs are an excellent product, but we want something different than the comparatively limited selection they offer (raised panel oak).

Also plan on deleting the standard kitchen appliances and going with some commercial stainless stuff. Again, is this a fairly common practice? Same thing with hardwood, laminate or tile flooring. If wood flooring will probably have the manufacturer lay down some linoleum at the factory as a moisture barrier.

What, if any, are the pitfalls in this approach - financial and practical?

Before anyone asks, we're having Valley estimate the build because in our area I believe Valley has a better transportation & set-up structure than Palm Harbor. It's not because we don't like Palm Harbor quality, or because we had a bad experience with PH sales folks - in fact just the opposite is true. We liked the quality - a lot - and our salesman was friendly, professional and not even remotely pushy (although there was one jerk whom I will most assuredly drill if he ever comes near me again).

Thanks in advance for any help/advice/experiences you can offer -
Rob

[rmurray]

I am not familier with Valley Quality Homes...is this a mnaufacturer or dealer???

A few custom manufacturers will allow the substitution of the cabinets with custom cabinets from a specified manufacturer....This is very rare though...The biggest problem is the interuption of the assemblyline process which can cost a plant much money...It is sorta like trying to buy a car from Cadillac with a individual custom fabric.....They will not do it....it must be customized after production...This probably will be the same for your home..

Appliances offerings are also limited...It is not unusual for customers to buy with no appliances and add their own later...

Cost....Lots more....but you get it your way....It is all in the taste and preferences of the buyer...all refrigerators make the beer cold...for me...that is all I need..

[Rob]

Thanks for the reply - Valley is a relatively small manufacturer with one plant in Sunnyside, WA and five company-owned lots in eastern Washington. They are known for very high quality and service, but imagination and cutting-edge cosmetics are not exactly a hallmark of their homes.

We live in Eastern Oregon and Valley tends to be the builder of choice in this area if one can pony up the bucks, though in reality they're about the same price as the high end Palm Harbor, Silvercrest or Fuqua homes.

I understand what you're saying RE: assembly line interruption, that makes sense. It'll be interesting to see what our salesman says, he also happens to be the company GM so it won't take long to get an answer. He/they have been extremely accomodating so far.

How about refacing or replacing doors on factory cabinets? I know that might push the envelope of stupid ways to spend money, but you never know until you ask...

Thanks again,
Rob

[Randy Eaton]

Hello Rob,

I worked for Valley Quality Homes and they will not custom order or change their cabinets. You have two choices one go with what they have and change it later or simply do not order the cabinets at all and have them custom made. The appliances you can delete and choose your own. I own a Mansion Series and love it. Great company with quality people.

Randy Eaton

[Rob]

Thanks for the replies - should have pricing back from the plant engineers sometime this week, will be interesting.

Rob