Do cabinet installation contractors need to be licensed?

Licensing requirements vary by state. In most states, cabinet installation contractors must hold a state license. Always verify the license number with your state's licensing board before work begins.

How many estimates should I get?

Get at least three written estimates for any project over $1,000. Compare line by line — not just the bottom line — to ensure you're comparing equivalent scopes of work.

What should be in the contract?

A written contract should include: full scope of work, materials specified by brand and grade, timeline with start and completion dates, payment schedule tied to milestones, workmanship warranty terms, and a change order process.

How to Hire a Cabinet Installation Contractor

Updated March 2026

Cabinet installation includes new custom, semi-custom, and stock cabinet builds for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and storage areas, as well as cabinet refacing and refinishing to update existing boxes. Custom cabinets are built to exact specifications by a local shop, while semi-custom and stock cabinets offer faster delivery at lower price points. Cabinet refacing replaces just the doors and drawer fronts while keeping the existing cabinet boxes — a cost-effective option when the layout works but the style is dated. Proper installation requires precise leveling, shimming, and secure anchoring to wall studs.

Typical cost

$5,000 – $25,000per project

Stock cabinets installed: $5,000–$12,000. Semi-custom: $10,000–$20,000. Full custom: $15,000–$40,000+. Cabinet refacing: $4,000–$10,000. Prices are for a typical kitchen.

Hiring checklist

1Ask whether they install only or also build custom cabinets in their own shop.
2Confirm the estimate specifies cabinet construction (plywood vs. particleboard boxes), door style, and hardware.
3Ask about lead times — custom cabinets can take 6–12 weeks to fabricate.
4Get a written warranty covering both the cabinets and the installation workmanship.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a cabinet installation contractor charge?
Typical cabinet installation costs range from $5,000 to $25,000 per project. Stock cabinets installed: $5,000–$12,000. Semi-custom: $10,000–$20,000. Full custom: $15,000–$40,000+. Cabinet refacing: $4,000–$10,000. Prices are for a typical kitchen.
Do cabinet installation contractors need to be licensed?
Licensing requirements vary by state. In most states, cabinet installation contractors must hold a state license. Always verify the license number with your state's licensing board before work begins.
How many estimates should I get?
Get at least three written estimates for any project over $1,000. Compare line by line — not just the bottom line — to ensure you're comparing equivalent scopes of work.
What should be in the contract?
A written contract should include: full scope of work, materials specified by brand and grade, timeline with start and completion dates, payment schedule tied to milestones, workmanship warranty terms, and a change order process.

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