Our Process
From your first ideas to the final installation, we're here to guide you through every step of your custom cabinetry project.
Getting Started
We recommend starting with a visit to our showroom, where you can explore our cabinetry, door styles, finishes, hardware, accessories, and discuss your project with our design team. If possible, bring along some rough measurements of your space, as well as any floor plans you may have.
You can also get started by email or through our contact form by sending inspiration photos, rough measurements, sketches, floor plans, or other details about your project.
Initial Design & Budget
Once we have a better understanding of your project, our design team will create an initial layout and 3D drawings. We’ll send these to you along with a preliminary project budget.
Design Consultation & Selections
From there, we’ll work with you to review the design in more detail and select your door style, materials, colours, finishes, hardware, mouldings, and accessories. If you haven’t already visited our showroom, we’ll invite you in at this stage so you can view the available options in person.
Design Revisions
Based on your selections and feedback, we’ll make any necessary layout changes and update the plans. Revised drawings will be sent to you for review.
Final Quote & Sign-Off
Once the design and selections are finalized, we’ll provide a final written quote. Before the project moves forward, you’ll review and sign off on the final plans, specifications, and pricing.
Scheduling & Manufacturing
After approval, we'll schedule your project for production and provide an estimated delivery week. Your custom cabinets are then manufactured in-house at our Richmond facility, including cabinet construction, door production, finishing, and preparation for installation.
Delivery & Installation
Approximately one week before your scheduled delivery, our office will contact you to confirm the date and timing. Your cabinetry will be delivered in our own trucks and installed by our team of installers. If you purchased countertops through us, templating typically takes place a few days after your cabinetry is installed, with countertop installation occurring 12–15 business days after templating.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Before installation, please ensure any existing cabinetry has been removed and all electrical, plumbing, drywall repairs, and painting have been completed. Finished flooring should be installed and protected before our team arrives.
Please remove appliances from the room, clear a safe path from the driveway to the installation area, and remove any fragile items along that route. Have all appliance specifications, sink and faucet templates, or other relevant information available for our installers.
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Clean your cabinetry with a soft, damp cloth and a mild, non-abrasive soap if needed, then dry it immediately with a clean cloth. Avoid using excessive water, harsh cleaners, bleach, ammonia, waxes, abrasives, or dirty dishcloths, as these can damage the finish.
Wipe up spills promptly, don't leave standing water on cabinet surfaces, and avoid hanging wet dish towels over doors. When using kettles, toasters, or other small appliances, pull them forward so heat and steam don't become trapped beneath the cabinets.
Maintaining consistent humidity levels in your home will also help preserve the beauty of natural wood cabinetry. With proper care, your cabinetry will provide years of lasting performance and appearance.
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No. Approximate measurements or building plans are enough to begin the design process. Final measurements will be confirmed before production.
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Yes. We offer supply-only cabinetry for customers who wish to complete the installation themselves or hire their own installer.
Unlike ready-to-assemble cabinets commonly found at big box stores, our cabinetry is custom-built and designed for professional installation. Proper installation requires experience to ensure the cabinetry is level, securely fastened, and functions as intended.
Please note that for self-installed projects, Ottawa Valley Kitchens does not verify on-site measurements prior to production. Customers are responsible for ensuring all measurements are accurate before ordering. Once the cabinetry has been delivered and inspected, any damage that occurs during storage or installation is the responsibility of the customer.
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Yes. You're welcome to use your own countertop supplier if you prefer.
Please note that Ottawa Valley Kitchens is not responsible for any damage to your cabinetry caused during countertop templating or installation. If repairs or service are required due to damage caused by a third-party countertop installer, the work will be billed directly to you. It will be your responsibility to seek reimbursement from your countertop supplier, as we do not coordinate claims or invoicing with third-party contractors.
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Choosing us for both your cabinetry and countertops provides a more streamlined experience. We coordinate the templating and installation schedule, communicate directly with the countertop supplier, and manage any issues that may arise during the process. If damage occurs as a result of countertop installation, we’ll work directly with the supplier to have it resolved and cover any related costs, so you don’t have to coordinate between multiple companies.
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Yes. We regularly work with homeowners, contractors, builders, interior designers, and other industry professionals. Whether you're managing the project yourself or working with a team, we're happy to coordinate throughout the design, manufacturing, and installation process to help ensure everything runs smoothly.
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No. While kitchen design is a major part of what we do, Ottawa Valley Kitchens also designs and manufactures custom cabinetry for vanities, built-ins, laundry rooms, mudrooms, home offices, bars, entertainment units, and other spaces.
Ready to start your project?
From kitchen design and custom cabinetry to vanities, built-ins, laundry rooms, and more, our team handles each project from concept through installation.