Compare the highest-rated cabinet installers professionals in Highlands, North Carolina. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A premier local workshop specializing in high-end, fully custom cabinetry for kitchens, baths, and whole homes. They are known for their exceptional craftsmanship, attention to detail, and personalized service from design to installation. They work extensively with hardwoods and are a top choice for luxury homes and renovations in the Highlands/Cashiers area.
Serving the greater Plateau region from nearby Cashiers, this provider is highly regarded for both new installation and refinishing projects. They offer a strong balance of custom work and high-quality semi-custom solutions, making them accessible for a range of budgets while maintaining excellent quality.
Based in Franklin but frequently serving the Highlands area, Mountain Woodworks is a well-established contractor known for robust built-ins and specialty carpentry. They excel at creating functional and beautiful storage solutions that are built to last, including libraries, entertainment centers, and custom pantry systems.
The cabinet installation market in Highlands, North Carolina, is characterized by its focus on high-quality, custom work tailored to a discerning clientele, including second-home owners. The level of competition is moderate but intense at the high end, where reputation for craftsmanship is the primary differentiator. Due to the affluent nature of the area and the demand for skilled labor, pricing is typically at a premium compared to national averages. Homeowners should expect significant investments, especially for full custom kitchen projects, which are the norm rather than the exception. The contractor base consists of a small number of highly specialized local artisans and a larger pool of reputable companies from neighboring towns like Cashiers and Franklin who regularly service the Highlands area. This ensures that while options may seem limited locally, the overall quality and availability of top-tier cabinet installers is excellent.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Highlands regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about cabinet installers services in Highlands, North Carolina.
Highlands' high humidity and significant seasonal temperature swings require careful material selection. We recommend using moisture-resistant plywood boxes and finished woods like quarter-sawn oak or maple that are less prone to expansion/contraction. Proper sealing and acclimating cabinets to your home's interior for several days before installation are critical steps to prevent warping or joint failure in our local environment.
From measurement to final installation, a typical kitchen project takes 6-10 weeks, with fabrication being the longest phase. In Highlands, planning is crucial due to seasonal tourism; summer is peak season for contractors, leading to longer wait times. We highly recommend scheduling consultations in late winter or early spring for a summer installation to secure a spot and avoid the busy fall period when many second-home owners are also scheduling renovations.
While cabinet installation itself often doesn't require a permit, any associated electrical, plumbing, or structural wall changes typically do. The Town of Highlands Planning Department oversees permits, and regulations can be strict, especially in the historic district or for mountain homes with septic systems where kitchen layout changes are involved. A reputable local installer will know when a permit is needed and can often help guide you through the process.
Prioritize installers with proven local experience, as they understand the logistical challenges of mountain terrain, weather delays, and local supplier networks. Check for proper licensing (North Carolina General Contractor's license if the job exceeds $30,000), insurance, and ask for references from projects in similar Highlands homes. A quality installer will also offer a detailed, written estimate that accounts for potential complexities like uneven stone foundations or log home walls common in our area.
It's very common to discover uneven floors and walls in older mountain homes, which can complicate level installation. A professional installer will use shims and strategic planning to ensure cabinets are perfectly level and plumb. Additionally, we often find outdated plumbing or electrical behind walls during removal, so it's wise to budget a 10-15% contingency for such unforeseen repairs that must be addressed before new cabinets can be installed.