Got a Compliment today from an unlikely source

[Woodwerker]

Over the summer the wife decided it was time for a new kitchen. I just bought a Jet cabinet saw (thanks for the Amazon heads up Jeff) so I was ready to build. We had a wall separating the dining room from the kitchen which we later removed. Built 14 base cabinets and 10 uppers, flanked the frige with two tall pantry storage cabinets. All installed and ready for granite. Today the installers came in to template and asked me who built the cabinets. I replied I did, a little worried that there was a problem. They said" There are sweet cabinets, and they look great" They went on to comment how level and plumb they were. Asked me if I was in the business, I said no, they replied that I missed my calling. Then thanked me as many times they have to level and plumb and shim and shim. Made me feel good as I have been working on these for a while. They become like kids, you notice every minute imperfection that no one else would see.
I will post before and after photos when everything is done...

[kirkroy]

Very cool. Congrats on a job well done!

[chopnhack]

Sweet, can't wait for photos! You have to share with the rest of us your set-up and methods for production. A kitchen remodel is something I wouldn't dream of yet!

[cabinetman]

In my first few years of business, I did a medical office for a doctor that turned out well. I didn't get much of a chance to talk with him during the project. He decided to have me redo his kitchen at home. When I went to the house he wanted to show me something he was very proud of.

He had a two car garage that was absolutely set up with a complete woodworking layout of machinery. At the time, this guy was equipped better than me. I would have rather built his kitchen in his garage. From what he showed me in the house, he knew how to use everything. It was his hobby, and he appreciated craftsmanship.

I did get his kitchen to do. But I gotta tell ya about homeowners...I don't ever take them lightly or second guess them. You should be very proud to have given yourself the opportunity to exercise your talents.
.

[crokett]

Compliments like that are always very nice. I want to see the before and after pics.

[ragswl4]

Congrats to you. We find we have undiscovered talents when we just go ahead and do it. You should be very proud that someone in the profession was so impressed with your work. I think there are many out there who could do the same, just gotta try it. Kudos to you for doing it.

[pierhogunn]

wow, that is high praise, esp from a downstream guy who gets to "clean up" all the garbage that gets thrown in so that they can do a good job

Way to go

[mschrank]

That really feels great, doesn't it? Seems so many in the trades are unwilling to give DIY'ers the benefit of the doubt (check out some of the posts at JLCOnline forums. It makes me glad to hear that they commended you on work well done.

I'm sure a lot of homeowners botch jobs, but I know I can usually do better work than a "pro." My recent remodel proved that...I did most things myself, but brought contractors in for a few items. I was unhappy with everything done by them. Poor attention to detail, messy, took longer than promised. Also bought Kraftmaid cabs instead of saving huge $$ and making my own. Big mistake...horrible quality and very expensive.

[Tom Slick]

Just wait until you realize the pros don't do the quality that you do. I hired a reputable granite company to fabricate/install my counter tops and I gave them a "C" on thier install, I let them know it too. overall it was good but there were many details the missed. Don't be afraid to be the quality control inspector.

I read the JLConline forums also, but keep in mind that it is a "pros only" forum, they don't take kindly to homeowners posting questions even if they are good questions.

[mater]

Sounds like they look good. Can't wait to see the pictures.

[Knottscott]

Makes for a nice post for the "300" milestone! Can't wait to see some pics, so I can offer my own compliment!

[gad5264]

I am getting ready to start mine in the Spring so I too am looking forward to the photos.

[footprintsinconc]

congrats! nice to see professionals see you as one of them

cant wait to see some pictures.

[big tim]

Makes you feel good. Heh!.
Congratulations, sounds like praise wel deserved.
Like everyone else said, waiting for the pictures.

Tim