DESIGN
it all starts with planning for the space
Before thinking about the colours, door styles or fascia hardware you would like for your new project, it is critical to focus on how you want to use your new space.
Space planning is an essential part of what we do in the design process. We collaborate with you to design the most functional space possible, working through how the space will be used and how to best build the cabinetry and millwork at the same time.
We know what questions to ask to achieve a functional space plan that will be the foundation for all of your design decisions.
- Thoughtful Planning
Before the design process even begins, it is essential to establish how you are going to be using your space. What is going where, who is using it, and how will the space best serve those purposes? We will help you design the best space plan for your home. - Exacting Measurements
We take the time to work through how your space will look and feel so that we can catch any possible mistakes before they even happen. We are exacting in our site measurements and take great care to get the details right. - Cost Management
We are respectful of your budgetary parameters and we use our extensive knowledge of millwork design and materials to help you stay within those boundaries.
BUILD
on-site with advanced technology
Your custom cases are built on-site right here in the Fraser Valley with an innovative paint drying process that allows cabinetry paint to be cured 80% more efficiently and up to 8x faster to create an extremely durable finish while significantly reducing the required energy put into the drying process.
The building phase of your custom millwork is made up of the following three stages:
We manufacture all our cases out of highly durable 3/4″ plywood which is always in stock. However, every custom millwork project involves specifically chosen face materials that are custom ordered. Lead time may need to be added to your project timeline as materials can take up to four to six weeks to arrive from the supplier.
The process of finding and signing off on the colour or stain finish of your choice, if not started in a timely manner, can delay your production timeline. We are happy to do numerous colour samples for you to make sure you are happy and we will always let you know if you are starting to cut it close to having your production time bumped.
After finishing, the cabinets go into the final assembly where we incorporate the freshly finished parts into/onto the casework and ready the millwork for installation.
INSTALL
from vision to reality
The installation phase is when the space planning, custom fit, design and build all come together, and the extra time put into forethought pays off.
Finishing Touches
Once the cabinets have been installed, your chosen countertops will be templated, fabricated and installed to ensure a perfect fit. Keep in mind that if the countertops are supplied by an outside provider, this process will take extra time.
Importance of Planning
If you have chosen surface mounted handles, they will be installed on-site, but if your cabinets were designed with flush mounted, inset or concealed hardware, they will be installed during the manufacturing process.
APPROVALS & TIMELINES
After an estimate has been completed, refined and approved the design phase beings. During this phase drawings are created, materials and colours are chosen and more. The following checklist is completed before the final sign off is made to move to the production phase.
- Appliance List Complete
Final specifications are confirmed, including the purchase invoice or list and it is signed. - Drawings
All revisions have been made, checked and approved. Each page is initialed. - Materials
All millwork materials are confirmed and signed. Thickness and overhang details of any countertops are provided and any special mouldings to be integrated into the millwork also require approval.
- Door Profiles
All profiles are confirmed, approved and signed. - Colour Samples/Finishes
Samples are confirmed and signed. - Financial Package
Millwork cost has been accepted and Sales Contract, Budget Quote, Invoice and Invoice Summary are all approved and signed. -
Deposit Payment
Payment is due upon acceptance of financial package; please make all payments to Van Arbour Design
The design process has to be completely signed off on by the time the building process begins. This means that the project’s design phase is over and the time to make changes has passed.
At this time you must have chosen every detail, from space layout, to which drawer goes where, to finishes, paint colours, and materials. If you want to make any changes after the design sign off has occurred, be prepared to have your scheduled production and install dates pushed forward and the cost possibly adjusted.
Once all required checkboxes have been completed and additional documents signed production is approved!
Production takes approximately 6 to 8 weeks from production approval for the following to occur:
- Materials, hardware, specialty components ordered
- Detailing of plans
- Production of cabinets begin
- Finishing (primarily painted parts)
- Final assembly
SHOULD PRODUCTION BE DELAYED FOR ANY REASON, THIS WILL AFFECT YOUR TIMELINE and delay your production, as well as the installation of your cabinetry.
We are happy to make any changes you wish during the design stages of your project – it’s just the click of a button – however, once pre-production approval has been completed ANY additions and/or changes AFTER that point will be defined and dealt with separately from the rest of your project. These changes, be it regarding materials, timeline, or scope of the project, will be assessed based on product availability and thus may affect the timeline for the manufacturing and installation of your cabinetry. These changes will also require re-pricing.
The millwork is complete and ready to go. Watch as the designs that were once on paper come to life in your home.
Please note: Hard surface flooring must be installed where cabinetry is going to go before we can install your cabinets.
After an estimate has been completed, refined and approved the design phase beings. During this phase drawings are created, materials and colours are chosen and more. The following checklist is completed before the final sign off is made to move to the production phase.
- Appliance List Complete
Final specifications are confirmed, including the purchase invoice or list and it is signed. - Drawings
All revisions have been made, checked and approved. Each page is initialed. - Materials
All millwork materials are confirmed and signed. Thickness and overhang details of any countertops are provided and any special mouldings to be integrated into the millwork also require approval.
- Door Profiles
All profiles are confirmed, approved and signed. - Colour Samples/Finishes
Samples are confirmed and signed. - Financial Package
Millwork cost has been accepted and Sales Contract, Budget Quote, Invoice and Invoice Summary are all approved and signed. -
Deposit Payment
Payment is due upon acceptance of financial package; please make all payments to Van Arbour Design
The design process has to be completely signed off on by the time the building process begins. This means that the project’s design phase is over and the time to make changes has passed.
At this time you must have chosen every detail, from space layout, to which drawer goes where, to finishes, paint colours, and materials. If you want to make any changes after the design sign off has occurred, be prepared to have your scheduled production and install dates pushed forward and the cost possibly adjusted.
Once all required checkboxes have been completed and additional documents signed production is approved!
Production takes approximately 6 to 8 weeks from production approval for the following to occur:
- Materials, hardware, specialty components ordered
- Detailing of plans
- Production of cabinets begin
- Finishing (primarily painted parts)
- Final assembly
SHOULD PRODUCTION BE DELAYED FOR ANY REASON, THIS WILL AFFECT YOUR TIMELINE and delay your production, as well as the installation of your cabinetry.
We are happy to make any changes you wish during the design stages of your project – it’s just the click of a button – however, once pre-production approval has been completed ANY additions and/or changes AFTER that point will be defined and dealt with separately from the rest of your project. These changes, be it regarding materials, timeline, or scope of the project, will be assessed based on product availability and thus may affect the timeline for the manufacturing and installation of your cabinetry. These changes will also require re-pricing.
The millwork is complete and ready to go. Watch as the designs that were once on paper come to life in your home.
Please note: Hard surface flooring must be installed where cabinetry is going to go before we can install your cabinets.
A UNIQUE PROCESS
Custom cabinetry and millwork is the only part of your house, besides windows, that is custom built off-site, brought to your home, and installed as a completed feature.
Framing, drywalling, plumbing, electrical, flooring, etc. are all assembled on site from basic, standard fit materials. Custom cabinets, on the other hand, rely on exact site measurements, preparation and design drawings followed by highly skilled construction and finishing in a woodworking shop. The precise and skilled installation process is equivalent to having a perfectly tailored custom suit or dress built for your home.
Ready to get started?