Custom kitchen cabinets are one of the most valuable upgrades you can make in your home — especially in design-forward cities like Fort Lauderdale and Miami. But if you’re planning a remodel, you might be wondering: how do I get the look I want without going over budget?
At Italvave, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners plan smart, stylish kitchen renovations that align with their goals and their wallets. As a high-end cabinet maker in Fort Lauderdale, we believe you don’t have to sacrifice beauty or quality when working within a budget — you just need to prioritize well.
Here’s how we guide our clients through budgeting for custom kitchen cabinets, step by step.
✅ 1. Understand What Drives the Cost
Cabinet pricing can vary significantly depending on:
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Size of your kitchen
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Number of cabinets needed (base, upper, pantry, etc.)
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Material and finish selection
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Hardware systems (hinges, handles, slides)
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Custom features (pull-outs, organizers, lighting)
At Italvave, we always start with your layout and must-haves, then guide you through the finish and hardware choices that fit your budget and style.
📏 2. Measure Your Space First
Before you do anything else, start with measurements. Knowing your kitchen's dimensions helps us give you a realistic quote based on actual cabinet needs — not guesses. You can submit your kitchen measurements here, and we’ll create a tailored design and estimate for free.
Even a rough sketch with wall lengths and appliance placements can help us start the process.
💰 3. Plan for the Cabinetry First — Then Add Layers
Cabinets are the foundation of your kitchen. They’re typically the largest investment in a remodel — and the most permanent. That’s why we recommend budgeting for cabinetry first, before appliances or backsplash.
This ensures you're investing in high quality components that will last for decades. Once your cabinets are locked in, you can layer on other elements like:
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Countertops
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Hardware upgrades
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Lighting
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Decorative touches
🌿 4. Choose Materials That Balance Cost and Performance
We offer a wide range of eco-friendly and moisture-resistant materials that stand up to South Florida’s climate without the high price of exotic woods.
Our most popular materials include:
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Thermo-structured surfaces – scratch-resistant and modern
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Eco-veneers – beautiful wood-look finishes with a sustainable core
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Lacquered MDF – smooth, stylish, and available in nearly any color
These options offer durability and design flexibility — all while keeping your investment reasonable.
🔧 5. Use Premium Hardware Where It Matters Most
Not all hardware needs to be top-of-the-line — but we always recommend investing in high-touch areas. At Italvave, we use:
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Blum soft-close drawer systems and concealed hinges
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Gola handle systems for handle-free designs
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Richelieu organizers and accessories
These brands are known for precision, long life, and smooth operation. By choosing quality hardware for drawers, tall pantry units, or lift-up doors, you improve function and longevity — without inflating your entire budget.
🧩 6. Simplify Where It Counts
To reduce costs without sacrificing appearance:
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Choose flat-panel doors over raised or decorative profiles
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Go with standard finishes in stock colors
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Opt for open shelving in certain spots
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Limit glass fronts or intricate moldings
We can help you make these swaps strategically — so your kitchen still feels upscale and cohesive.
🔄 7. Phase the Project if Needed
Not ready to renovate the entire kitchen at once? We can phase the project:
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Start with base cabinets, then add uppers later
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Install cabinetry now, add custom inserts or lighting down the line
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Focus on the core work triangle (sink, stove, fridge) first
We’ll design with future upgrades in mind, so your investment grows with you.
📝 8. Ask for an Itemized Quote
Transparency matters. When we prepare your custom kitchen cabinet quote, you’ll see a breakdown of:
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Cabinet components (base, wall, tall)
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Hardware choices
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Accessories or custom storage
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Installation
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Delivery
This gives you flexibility to adjust finishes or accessories and stay on track with your budget.
💡 9. Plan for Extras and Contingencies
Renovations can reveal surprises — plumbing that needs moving, uneven walls, or electrical updates. We recommend budgeting 10-15% as a contingency to handle any unexpected costs smoothly.
Our team works closely with you (and your contractor, if needed) to anticipate and minimize delays or changes, so you're never caught off guard.
Ready to Get Started?
Working with a local cabinet maker means having a team who understands your space, your style, and your goals. At Italvave, we pride ourselves on building custom kitchen cabinets that combine modern design, high quality craftsmanship, and smart planning.
Start your project by submitting your kitchen measurements, or visit our Fort Lauderdale showroom to speak with our design team in person.
We’ll help you plan a space you love — with no compromises on quality, beauty, or function.
