Whether investing in custom cabinetry for a kitchen, bathroom, or living room, you want high-quality craftsmanship that will last for many years. Unfortunately, not all contractors deliver the high standards they promise. Here’s how to spot the signs of a low-quality job — and the red flags to avoid when hiring a cabinetry contractor.

1. Poor Attention to Detail

Custom cabinetry should be all about precision and detail.  Sloppy measurements, uneven doors, misaligned drawers, and inconsistent spacing are signs that a contractor cut corners. Look out for:

• Gaps between the cabinets, walls, and molding.
• Crooked or misaligned cabinet doors or drawers that don’t close flush.
• Uneven staining or mismatched finishes where the seams are visible.

Even small flaws can point to bigger issues beneath the surface.

2. Subpar Materials

A quality custom cabinet job uses solid wood, durable plywood, and premium hardware. Be wary if:

• The contractor uses particleboard, MDF, or thin plywood without a protective veneer in high-moisture areas.
• Drawers are stapled instead of dovetailed.
• Hinges and drawer slides feel cheap or don’t glide smoothly.
• Hardware is flimsy, and the hinges are wobbly.

Always ask for a materials list upfront and verify that what’s installed matches.

3. Rushed or Incomplete Work

Low-quality contractors often leave jobs half-finished or rush through them to move to the next. Watch for:

• Unpainted or poorly painted surfaces.
• Missing trim or molding.
• Exposed screw heads or visible nails.
• Warped or swollen wood, mold, or mildew, which could indicate moisture issues.
• No clean-up after the job is done.

This kind of finish work plays a critical role in cabinetry and sets a clear indicator of craftsmanship.

4. Lack of Communication or Transparency

A good contractor should communicate clearly, provide detailed quotes, and stick to timelines. Red flags include: 

• Vague estimates or “handshake” agreements with no written contract.
• Refusal to provide references or portfolio examples.
• Difficulty reaching them or frequent rescheduling.
• A written contract with foggy terms or signs of poor experience. 

A good contract should include identifying information, a clear description of the work to be performed, an understandable payment schedule, resolution terms, and harmless clauses. 

5. No Permits or Insurance

Avoid any contractor who refuses to go down the proper channels. A reputable professional should:

• Be licensed and insured.
• Know and follow local building codes.
• Pull necessary permits for larger projects. 

Avoid contractors who offer discounts for proceeding without producing a permit. This allows them to maximize their profits and work without accountability. If a contractor skirts legal requirements and building codes, you may also get in trouble down the line. 

6. Bad Reviews or No Online Presence

Before you sign anything, check their reputation:

• Look at Google, Yelp, Houzz, or other trade sites for reviews. Don’t rely on reviews they provide; do your own research. 
• Ask for recent client referrals.
• Review their portfolio for consistency in quality and to make sure they can handle your cabinetry project. 

No online presence or a pattern of complaints is a big red flag. 

7. They Have a Bad Attitude

Your contractor should treat you with respect. Avoid a contractor who:

• Acts condescending and speaks down to you.
• Minimizes your concerns
• Uses a lot of industry-specific jargon you don’t understand
• Makes excuses when issues arise or things take longer than expected

Choose a contractor who gives you clear explanations and solutions and gets on your level when talking about their work. You should always understand and be aware of the whole picture. Remember that professionalism is as important as woodworking skills.

Additional Things to Look out For

Here are a couple more tips for spotting a bad contractor:

Too Busy or Not Busy at All — If a contractor is too busy, it could indicate that they are spreading themselves too thin and can’t give your project adequate attention. On the other hand, if they aren’t busy at all and say they can start immediately, it could indicate they have a bad reputation or are inexperienced.  

You should expect to wait about a month before a contractor starts. This means they are taking enough time with other customers and projects.

Applying Too Many Sales Tactics — Your contractor should be honest and straightforward. This a mutally benefitical relationship not a sale being made. Avoid aggressive sales tactics and make sure you trust everyone involved in the project. 

Choose a Quality Contractor to Ensure a Quality Job

Custom cabinetry can add beauty, functionality, and value to your home when done correctly. So, take your time choosing a contractor. Look beyond just the price and pay close attention to quality, communication, and credentials. A little research now can save you from costly regrets later.